Best Cafe in Zurich | My Top Picks

Do you know which is the best cafe in Zurich? If you’re looking for the best cafe in Zurich, you’ve come to the right place. This is not a random list of places! It’s a collection of personal favourites, each chosen for its quality, environment, and unique appeal.

But if there are so many options, where should you go? What’s the perfect cafe for you? I also faced this problem for the first time, so I wrote this article so that you do not have to.

In this guide, I’ve selected the best 10 cafes in Zurich based on my personal experience, so you won’t have to worry!

Café Henrici – Best for a Relaxed Vibe

Location: Niederdorf (Old Town)
Best For: A cozy, laid-back atmosphere with high-quality coffee.
Must-Try: Their creamy cappuccino or homemade iced tea.

If there’s one cafe in Zurich where I could spend hours just chilling, it’s Café Henrici. Hidden on small cobblestone streets in Niederdorf, it offers a welcome combination of cozy, artsy, and unpretentious, a rarity in a city of polished cafés.

On the first visit, I was immediately hooked by the friendly, inviting atmosphere. In contrast to some hectic cafés, where you’re hustled through the line and out the door, Henrici allows you to decelerate and indulge. Whether you’re meeting a friend, perusing a book, or simply people-watching through the expansive windows, you will feel extremely at home.

Now, let’s get into their coffee! This is actually where Henrici excels. Their cappuccino is a work of art: smooth and rich, with the right amount of microfoam on top. If coffee isn’t your thing, their homemade iced tea is surprisingly refreshing. Pair it with a slice of their housemade cake, and you’ve got yourself the ideal afternoon treat.

Personal Tip:

Henrici is especially enchanting at night when it’s muted lighting and cozy vibe create the sense of a secret escape in the heart of the Old Town. If you can, take a seat by the window! It’s the place to be for people-watching with a cup of coffee in hand.

This is the type of place where you lose track of time, and frankly, that’s what makes it special.

Babu’s – Best for Brunch Lovers

Location: Löwenstrasse, Zurich
Best For: Coffee lovers who enjoy a cozy brunch spot with an Instagram-worthy vibe.
Must-Try: Chai latte, caramel macchiato, or their famous pancakes.

If you’re someone who thinks coffee and brunch are a marriage made in heaven, Babu’s is your place. I still remember the first time I walked through those doors, the smell of homemade croissants, kitchen chatter softening to the sounds of light laughter, a warm fairy-light glow indicative of a little storybook café.

Babu’s buzzes constantly, in the best way. It has, with its vintage décor, wooden tables, and comfy chairs, the perfect homey-yet-trendy vibe. The menu is a brunch lover’s dream! Fluffy pancakes, perfectly toasted avocado bread, freshly baked croissants, and not to mention expertly brewed coffee and tea selections.

Their chai latte is one of those personal favorites! It’s rich, creamy, and perfectly spiced, like a warm hug in a cup. If you’re a lover of sweetness, sample their caramel macchiato, which is decadent but not painfully sweet as it should be.

Personal Tip:

Babu’s is very popular, so if you’re going for a weekend brunch, arrive early or expect to wait a little. Weekday mornings are the best if you want to snag a cozy corner without the mad rush. And if you like taking photos, their gorgeously plated food will make the ideal Instagram photo!

Whether you’re catching up with friends, giving yourself the gift of a slow morning, or just in the mood for a good meal alongside great coffee, Babu’s is well worth every visit.

MAME – For True Coffee Connoisseurs

Locations: Seefeld & Kreis 5
Best For: Specialty coffee lovers who appreciate precision and quality.
Must-Try: Their award-winning flat white or a V60 pour-over.

I’ll never forget the first time I walked into MAME, the scent of fresh coffee grounds wafting through the air, the gentle hum of the espresso machine, the barista’s warm smile as they asked, How do you take your coffee? Not only what kind of coffee I wanted but how I preferred it! Fruity, nutty, chocolatey? That was when I realized this place was different.

You can’t go to MAME, it’s not just a café! It’s an experience. This glass-encased, minimalist shop, helmed by two world-champion baristas, is a paradise for coffee purists, with unparalleled precision and passion in every cup. Rather than just passing over a latte, they take you on a little journey to find your coffee type, like a mini-tasting tour.

Their flat white is famous, too, with a beautiful espresso shot and silky micro-foam that I could stick my tongue into. If you’re feeling bold, their V60 pour-over is a clean, aromatic brew showcasing the bean’s natural flavors.

Personal Tip:

If you’re new to specialty coffee, ask the baristas for recommendations. They genuinely love helping people find their perfect cup. For a less hectic experience, visit their Seefeld location in the morning before the lines build up.

MAME is the place you visit to be reintroduced to coffee. For those who relish artistry in every sip, it’s a must in Zurich.

ViCafe – Best Grab-and-Go Coffee

Locations: Multiple across Zurich (Bellevue, Stadelhofen, Paradeplatz, and more)
Best For: A quick but high-quality coffee fix on the go.
Must-Try: A strong espresso or their classic flat white.

If you’re always on the go but won’t settle for mediocre coffee, ViCafe is your new best friend. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve relied on ViCafe on those mornings when I’m racing to catch a train at Stadelhofen or simply need to throw some caffeine in after a long day. Forget takeaway coffee! This place is all about takeaway coffee that doesn’t sacrifice quality for speed.

ViCafe is tiny but mighty. Unlike a traditional sit-down café, this is a walk-up coffee bar with a basic premise: top-tier specialty coffee served fast. The baristas are always friendly, quick, and masters of their craft, pulling rich, bold espresso shots with a beautiful crema. Their flat white is smooth and well-balanced, made with expertly steamed milk, one of the best in Zurich.

This is one of the things I love about ViCafe: they are so consistent. In any location you visit, you’ll get a high-quality version of the coffee experience, which is not always the case with chain-style cafés.

Personal Tip:

If you’re in a hurry but want to drink your coffee properly, grab your cup and take it to the lake at Bellevue or any benches along the Limmat River. It gets better! The café scene in Zurich is buzzing, the service is friendly, and there is nothing better than sipping on a freshly brewed flat white while enjoying the beautiful views of the city.

ViCafe reconfirms that exceptional coffee needn’t be difficult. For a smooth, tasty, and ultra-convenient coffee kick, head over here.

Milchbar – Best Hidden Gem

Location: Kappelergasse (Near Paradeplatz, Zurich)
Best For: Those who love hidden gems with a quiet, elegant atmosphere.
Must-Try: Espresso tonic or matcha latte.

If you’re a bit of a treasure hunter when discovering café spaces with the vibe of a hidden escape, I’d love to introduce you to Milchbar. Set in a nice courtyard by Paradeplatz, this café is the type of place you could walk right on by without giving it a second glance, but once you’re in, you won’t forget it.

I stumbled upon Milchbar on a leisurely Sunday morning, wandering the side streets of Zurich. I felt I’d discovered something special the second I entered the peaceful, sunlit courtyard. It is the perfect space, with a chic vibe and a mix of old-world charm and modern minimalism. It feels quiet, cocooned, a planet away from the city’s thrust.

So now the good stuff, the coffee, that’s where Milchbar shines. Their espresso tonic is a revelation. Think of the forcefulness of espresso combined with the pop of tonic water. It’s surprising, a little bitter, a little sweet, and utterly addictive. For something soothing, their matcha latte is smooth, earthy, and just the right balance.

Personal Tip:

When the sun is shining, Milchbar is best enjoyed in the courtyard, one of the city’s most serene spots. If you’re there during the winter months, step inside and sit at a table by the window. The cozy but upscale feel is ideal for lingering over the morning with a book.

If you enjoy exploring Zurich’s hidden gems, Milchbar is a top choice. It’s a place where coffee and atmosphere and measured calm collide perfectly.

Grande – Best for People-Watching

Location: Limmatquai, Zurich
Best For: Enjoy a strong espresso while watching Zurich’s city life unfold.
Must-Try: Classic espresso or an Americano.

Grande is pure heaven if you’re a coffee drinker and love watching the world go by. Situated directly on Limmatquai, this cafe offers one of the best views of Zurich’s bustling streets, making it one of the prime people-watching spots in the city. Whether it be locals rushing to work, tourists gawking at the city, or cyclists speeding past, you’ll always have an interesting view while you enjoy your coffee.

When I first walked into Grande, I was captivated by its casual, effortless charm. It’s not so fancy or pretentious! It’s cool without forcing it. You’re greeted by friendly staff, seated in a buzzing ambiance, and served coffee that’s straightforward but top-notch. Their espresso is rich and smooth, just the right morning pick-me-up. If you want something less intense, their Americano is a good option.

Grande is also a terrific place to socialize. You can chat with a stranger, run into friends, or just sit and take in the city’s energy. It’s small and fills up fast, contributing to the cozy, urban hum.

Personal Tip:

If you can, take a seat outside! This is where the real magic happens, watching the bustle of Zurich’s vibrant streets as you sip a perfectly brewed coffee. That’s a vibe you don’t want to be left out of.

If you need a staving caffeine jolt, a low-key hang with friends, or simply an on-the-ground view of Zurich’s day-to-day life, Grande is a great café to absorb the energy of the city.

Boréal Coffee – Best Cozy Study Spot

Location: Talacker, Zurich
Best For: Students, remote workers, and book lovers looking for a quiet, cozy atmosphere.
Must-Try: Flat white, oat milk latte or their signature cold brew.

There are days when I need a café that’s about more than good coffee, a place I can sit for hours, get work done in person, and keep comfortably caffeinated in the process. That’s exactly why Boréal Coffee is one of my favorite places. Located in central Zurich, has the right combination of a tranquil atmosphere, welcoming baristas, and good coffee.

From the moment you walk in, you’re welcomed with warm lights, modern yet homey wooden decor, and the soft hum of people typing away on their MacBooks. It’s one of the only places in Zurich with a power outlet, good Wi-Fi, and a nice atmosphere, making it the right place to study or work remotely.

Now, let’s discuss their coffee because they are serious about it. Their flat white is both smooth and balanced and perfectly strong, while their cold brew is a total game changer (especially in the summer). They provide oat, almond, and soy milk options as well, making it a great stop for plant-based coffee drinkers.

Personal Tip:

Boréal can get busy during peak hours, so if you’re looking for a quiet spot, visit in the morning or early afternoon. If you plan to linger for a while, grab a seat near the windows! It’s the ideal place to sip your coffee while watching the city of Zurich go by.

This is the kind of hidden gem to be on the lookout for if you’re, say, a student in need of cramming for exams, a freelancer seeking a work-friendly café setting, or just someone who enjoys good coffee in a tranquil space.

Kafi Dihei – Best Homely Atmosphere

Location: Kreis 3, Zurich
Best For: Those who love a cozy, home-like café experience.
Must-Try: Homemade hot chocolate or spiced latte.

There are cafés that you go to for great coffee, and then there are cafés that you visit because they make you feel like you’re coming home. Kafi Dihei (Swiss German for Café Home) is one such place.

Once you walk through the door, you’ll see why. It has the charm of an old Swiss grandmother’s living room, with vintage furniture, wooden tables, floral wallpaper, and mismatched teacups. It’s the type of place where you’d hunker down into a comfortable chair and stay for hours, nursing something warm to drink and forgetting about the rest of the world for a bit.

The homemade hot chocolate is a must (rich, creamy, and served in a porcelain cup). For the more caffeinated among us, their spiced latte is unbelievably comforting, especially in the winter. But honestly? Where Kafi Dihei works its magic, though, is with its homemade cakes, freshly baked every single day, with flavors constantly changing. Each slice has the taste of being made with love.

Personal Tip:

Kafi Dihei is well suited to a lazy morning or a cozy afternoon catch-up. It’s small and intimate, so if you’re visiting on a weekend, aim to show up early to nab a seat. And don’t go without trying a slice of their homemade carrot cake – one of the best in Zurich!

For those searching for that warm, welcoming, heart-filled place, Kafi Dihei is a real hidden gem.

Monocle Café – Best for an International Feel

Location: Dufourstrasse, Zurich
Best For: A stylish, minimalist café with a global, sophisticated vibe.
Must-Try: Piccolo latte or turmeric latte.

You walk into Monocle Café and think you’re in a stylish lounge in London, Tokyo, or Copenhagen. And that’s no accident! This café is part of the Monocle magazine family, which is all about global culture, design, and business. If you appreciate that effortlessly cool, cosmopolitan vibe of boutique cafés in large cities, this is the place in Zurich to get your coffee.

The design aesthetic is clean and minimalist wooden furniture, warm lighting, and seating that’s intimate but makes the whole space feel exclusive yet inviting. It’s the kind of place where you can sip your perfectly crafted piccolo latte while perusing a Monocle magazine, all while mingling with Zurich’s creative set and visiting international professionals.”

Now, let’s talk coffee. Monocle Café! They make smooth, balanced, espresso-based drinks but also have a great turmeric latte if you’re feeling frisky. Their selection of pastries and light sandwiches makes this a good spot for a quick but adult breakfast or lunch.

Personal Tip:

It’s a great place to sit down, relax, and enjoy the global vibe for anyone who appreciates good design, culture, and coffee. It’s also a good spot for a business coffee meeting or a quiet time alone. Visit during the late morning or early afternoon when it tends to be more peaceful.

Monocle Café is more than just coffee! It’s the experience of being a part of a global community. If you like a café with an intellectual, world-traveling vibe, you’ll like this place.

Bros Beans & Beats – Best Hipster Café

Location: Europaallee, Zurich
Best For: A cool, urban vibe with top-notch specialty coffee and a touch of music culture.
Must-try: Nitro cold brew, cortado, or a classic espresso.

If one cafe in Zurich has a little more personality than the rest, it’s Bros Beans & Beats. When you walk in the door, you’re welcomed by a chill, urban vibe, think vinyl records on display, graffiti-inspired art, and baristas who’ll chat like they’re old friends. It’s where you think you’ve found something special, even if half the city already knows about it.

The coffee? Next-level. These guys aren’t messing around: They serve a rotating lineup of specialty beans focusing on flavor profiles. You have to try their Nitro Cold Brew! That’s smooth, rich, and slightly fizzy. It’s a total coffee experience. Opt for their perfect cortado if you need something smaller but more established.

But the best part about Bros Beans & Beats is the vibe. There are often live D.J. sets, art pop-ups, and coffee workshops at the café, which is more than a place to get a drink; it’s a little cultural hub. If you’re a coffee geek, music lover, or simply value a quiet environment, this café is for you.

Personal Tip:

If you need to taste Bros Beans & Beats energy, go on a weekend afternoon when they occasionally hold live vinyl sessions. Good music is part and parcel of great coffee.

In short, if you’re after a coffee shop that combines specialty coffee with a more creative, urban vibe, then this is one place that you can’t miss in Zurich.

Future Trends for the Best Cafe Zurich

Zurich’s coffee scene is transitioning, with cafes championing innovation, sustainability, and new experiences. Here are the top trends to watch for:

Specialty & Third-Wave Coffee – More cafes will focus on direct trade, experimental brewing methods, and coffee-tasting experiences (e.g., MAME).

Sustainability & Zero-Waste Cafes – Expect eco-friendly operations, plant-based milk by default, and carbon-neutral roasting (e.g., ViCafe).

Coffee Cocktails & Unique Flavors – Expect creative drinks like espresso martinis, lavender lattes, and fermented coffee to become more popular (e.g., Bros Beans & Beats).

Coffee Culture – Pre-ordering apps, AI-powered espresso machines, and contactless loyalty programs will become the norm.

Cafés as Community Centers – Increased cafes hosting events, live music, and workshops around coffee-making cafes as social and creative spaces (cafes Henrici).

Cafe Zurich Scene at Its Best

Ten of the best cafés in Zurich, and one thing’s for sure! This place is a melange lover’s paradise. So whether you’re seeking a cozy hideaway, looking for some quality specialty coffee, or hoping to discover a buzzing brunch spot, Zurich has it all. Each of the cafés on this list has its personality, ranging from the precision of MAME to the relaxed, artsy air of Café Henrici and the urban cool of Bros Beans & Beats.

If you are visiting Zurich or live here, I recommend checking these places out. Great coffee isn’t just about the beverage; it’s about the experience, the ambiance, and the people behind the counter who create an experience.

Now It’s Your Turn!

I’d love to hear from you! What is your favorite café from this list? Have you done them, or is there some secret in Zurich that I must visit?

Leave a comment below, forward this guide to a fellow coffee lover, or tag me if you visit one of these cafés on social!

Because, let’s face it, great coffee is even better when it’s shared.

FAQs: Best Cafe Zurich

Where do I get specialty coffee in Zurich?

MAME is the holy grail of specialty coffee drinkers, world-champion baristas run it and serve up carefully crafted brews tailored just for you.

Where to eat the best brunch in Zurich?

Babu’s is the best brunch place. It offers good pancakes, avocado toast, and delicious, creamy chai lattes. It is a cozy place with Instagrammable decor.