Restaurants by the Lake in Zurich – my best picks with water views
Dining by the lake is high on many Zurich bucket lists. Only a few restaurants are located directly on Lake Zurich, as most of the shoreline is public. Still, there are some fantastic spots by the lake and along the River Limmat where you can enjoy great food with beautiful water views.
From casual kiosks to Mediterranean lakeside restaurants and relaxed fine dining – all places listed below have been personally visited and tested.
- Casual kiosks right by the lake: Pumpstation | Ziegel oh Lac
- Restaurants directly by the Lake of Zurich: Fischers Fritz | LUX | Seerose | Wöschi
- Restaurants by the river (Limmat): da PONE | Hönggerhof
- Restaurants by the lake outside Zurich: Chez Fritz (Kilchberg)
On this page, you’ll find my personal recommendations for sustainable restaurants by the lake, sorted and briefly explained.
Details below 👇
Chez Fritz – Mediterranean lakeside dining with holiday vibes
Chez Fritz is one of my absolute favourite lakeside restaurants near Zurich. Located directly on the lake in Kilchberg, it instantly feels like a holiday escape.
🌊What makes Chez Fritz special
- Directly on Lake Zurich
- Large terrace with lounge and outdoor bar
- Modern Mediterranean cuisine
- Ideal for groups and celebrations
⭐My tip
Canadian lobster or beef tartare
💡Good to know
One of the most beautiful lakeside restaurants around Zurich
da PONE – Neapolitan pizza with river views
da PONE serves some of the best Neapolitan pizza in Zurich – combined with a lovely terrace overlooking the River Limmat.
🌊What makes da PONE special
- Top-level Neapolitan pizza
- Own flour blend
- 48-hour dough fermentation and 500°C oven
- Terrace with river views
⭐My tip
Pizza Margherinara and Tris di Montanara
💡Good to know
Very lively inside during peak hours
Fischers Fritz – Fish classics and brunch by the lake
Fischers Fritz is part campsite, part restaurant and a true summer hotspot directly on the lake.
🌊What makes Fischers Fritz special
- Located right on the lake
- Famous fish nuggets with various fish types
- Sunday brunch
- Relaxed summer atmosphere
⭐My tip
Sunday brunch or fish nuggets
💡Good to know
Arrival by boat is possible – reservations recommended
Hönggerhof – Mediterranean cuisine by the river
Hönggerhof combines Mediterranean comfort food with a stylish terrace directly on the River Limmat.
🌊What makes Hönggerhof special
- Mediterranean cuisine with cosy atmosphere
- Terrace by the river
- Very warm and attentive service
- Excellent wine selection
⭐My tip
Menu with freshly prepared tiramisu
💡Good to know
Great for business lunches and date nights
LUX Restaurant & Bar – Upscale dining with lake views
LUX offers one of the most impressive views over Lake Zurich, paired with modern, seasonal cuisine.
🌊What makes LUX special
- Stunning views over lake and mountains
- Modern cuisine with regional organic products
- Business lunch and brunch
- Elegant setting
⭐My tip
Business lunch with a lake view
💡Good to know
Saturday brunch from 11 am to 3 pm
Pumpstation – Open-air grill and sunset drinks
Pumpstation is one of Zurich’s most popular summer hangouts right by the lake. Casual, lively and perfect for sunset drinks.
🌊What makes Pumpstation special
- Open-air grill directly by the lake
- Relaxed summer crowd
- Ideal for after-work drinks
- Open only during summer
⭐My tip
Grilled skewer with bread and tomato salad
💡Good to know
Very popular in good weather – come early
Seerose – Lakeside dining with harbour vibes
Seerose brings true holiday vibes to the city, with boats, water views and a lively atmosphere.
🌊What makes Seerose special
- Tables directly by the water
- Mediterranean dishes and pinsa
- Harbour and holiday feeling
- Very vibrant atmosphere
⭐My tip
Seerose salad and pinsa at the bar
💡Good to know
Children’s care on Sundays (Oct–April)
Wöschi – Casual fine dining directly on Lake Zurich
Wöschi combines relaxed fine dining with a stunning lakeside location, stylish yet approachable.
🌊What makes Wöschi special
- Casual fine dining with lake views
- Surprise menus in the evening
- Sunday brunch
- Beautiful views year-round
⭐My tip
Evening surprise menu
💡Good to know
Great even in cooler weather thanks to glass frontage
Ziegel oh Lac – Casual lakeside spot near Rote Fabrik
Ziegel oh Lac is uncomplicated, relaxed and perfect for spontaneous summer days by the lake.
🌊What makes Ziegel oh Lac special
- Right on Lake Zurich
- Oriental-inspired dishes
- Order at the bar
- Very relaxed vibe
⭐My tip
Drinks and apéro with friends
💡Good to know
Easy to combine with a swim in the lake