Ustaria: Tavolata near Oerlikon train station
Concept and service at Ustaria
Ustaria in Zurich-Oerlikon is the new project from Robert Burri (Röbi) and his wife Maria Lutz Burri. After 16 years of successfully running the Restaurant z. Alten Löwen on Rigiplatz, they took a well-deserved break before returning with renewed energy to do what they do best: pampering their guests.
Robert and Maria have had impressive careers. At just 25 years of age, they opened their first restaurant, the Landgasthaus zum Löwen in Langrickenbach, which received 15 Gault Millau points. This was followed by the Neubädli in St. Gallen with 16 Gault Millau points and a Michelin entry. This experience and passion now flows into the Ustaria.
The restaurant is located just a five-minute walk from Oerlikon train station and offers 40 seats inside and 30 seats in the idyllic garden courtyard. The name “Ustaria” is Romansh and simply means restaurant.
Dining at Ustaria
The cuisine at Ustaria is diverse and of high quality. Chef Robert serves dishes such as venison tataki with yuzu gel, roasted garlic, and crispy potato straws. A house classic is the tender braised pork belly in an umami-spicy sauce with a subtle kick of heat.
Burrata is also on the menu, but here it is served with radicchio tardivo, dried figs, pine nuts, and flat-leaf parsley. The menu, available from 5 p.m., offers seasonal and fresh cuisine, which Robert and his team prepare with precision, without resorting to overly elaborate presentation.
A particular highlight is the Ustaria's wine list, which offers a fine selection at fair prices and also includes older vintages.
My tip at Ustaria – the tavolata with the legendary pork belly
A highlight at Ustaria is the tavolata, the communal dining experience offered by Robert and Maria Burri. The legendary pork belly is one of the restaurant's signature dishes and impresses with its tenderness and umami-spicy sauce with a subtle kick of heat.
The Ustaria is ideally located for visitors who want to go to the theater or a concert: the restaurant opens early in the evening and is not far from Oerlikon train station, close to Stadthof11 and the Hallenstadion. It is well worth a visit for anyone who appreciates authentic, excellently crafted cuisine – no frills, just genuine passion.
