Zurich locals love this buzzy, intimate spot near Langstrasse for its excellent pastas, wines and cocktails. Start the evening with small plates and snacks (focaccia, burrata and fried polenta, along with a mini chicken parm and seasonal salads and veggies) before moving on to the pastas. The menu features only three options, which change with the time of year but are reliable takes on Italian classics. During a recent visit, the tagliatelle al ragu, cacio e pepe and cappelletti with pumpkin and brown butter were uniformly excellent. Bar Lupo is walk-ins only.

Tucked in a narrow, pedestrian-only lane not far from the river, Ristorante Bindella is a favorite neighborhood spot serving delicious Italian food, including the freshest pastas, seafood and meat. The chef focuses on what is in season, so the menu changes to focus on ingredients like truffles or white asparagus. The restaurant has a convivial atmosphere, offering outdoor seating during the warmer months as well as seats at the marble bar if you want to eat alone or don’t have a reservation.

Hiltl, the oldest vegetarian restaurant in Europe, is widely recognized as a dining mecca for herbivores. The inventive buffet (paid for according to its weight) offers cuisine ranging from German to Indian, all of which are conveniently labeled for more than 11 allergens (i.e., nuts, gluten, dairy) for the safety of sensitive diners. Haus Hiltl has a respectable wine list and the 20 desserts offered daily are worth saving room for.

This rustic, informal restaurant focuses on two quintessential Swiss dishes: raclette and cheese fondue. The enormous portions can be shared and go well with a bottle of local wine.

Locals speed in and out of this standing room–only take-out spot for the best Wurstbrat (sausage) in Zurich. The best way to enjoy the steaming sausage is topped with spicy mustard. Know before you go: this haunt is cash-only.