Tightly Packed and Thoroughly Mixed

In virtually no other city of the world are you likely to find so many multi-faceted, professional concepts packed so tightly together as in Zurich, a city with a good 2,000 foodservice outlets for a population of slightly less than 365,000 people. And, given the relatively close proximity of Italy and France, two countries renowned for good food, most inhabitants are not only extremely discerning when it comes to F&B, service and ambience but also willing to pay over the odds for them. Here in Zurich, people are prepared to put their money where their mouth is. The supply side includes many multi-concept operators, including 'big Swiss names' such as the Migros, Jelmoli and Mövenpick, as well as smaller local players. The moderate dimensions of the city ensure creativity especially since the repeal of regulations relating to professional qualifications for landlords and limitations on the number of licensed foodservice outlets per community in 1997/8. Today, the scene is dominated by fullservice and 'high-end quick casual' operations, Mediterranean cuisine and the rapidly expanding Asian segment. The top districts are 'Kreis 1' (financial district), 'Seefeld' and Zurich West. Moreover, 480 (!) open-air outlets supplement the city's restaurant scene between the spring and the autumn. KS