Zurich: Food Tour with Swiss Cheese, Chocolate & Local Delicacies

Summary

Zurich’s old town flavors from cheese to chocolate with local stories

You’ll taste your way through Zurich’s old town—Swiss cheeses paired with schnaps, classic street foods like rosti and sausage, pastries fresh from local bakeries, and chocolates from historic shops. With every stop comes a story or small surprise from your guide. You’ll leave full—maybe even a little tipsy—and probably still thinking about that secret dish days later.

What’s the experience like?

I started the Zurich food tour thinking I’d just eat a lot of cheese and chocolate—honestly, I didn’t expect much more. But right from the first stop near Bellevue station, it felt different. Our guide, Anna, greeted us with this contagious energy (and a basket of pastries that smelled like warm butter). There was this early morning chill in the air, but the city felt awake—trams rattling past, people on bikes dodging each other. We tried Bircher muesli at a tiny café I’d never have found myself. The apples tasted sharper than at home and someone next to me mumbled “gesundheit” when I sneezed from the cinnamon. It made me laugh.

We wandered past the opera house and that famous Odeon Café where Einstein apparently used to hang out (Anna swears he liked his coffee black). She handed out little cups of schnaps—strong stuff for before noon—and I tried not to cough but failed miserably. Then came the cheese tasting: slices of something nutty and smooth paired with cherry liqueur that burned just enough. There was this moment in front of Grossmünster church where she pointed up at the towers and told us about monks brewing beer centuries ago—I love those weird overlaps between food and history you only get when someone local is telling it.

The best bite for me was probably the hot rosti with creamy stew—salty, crispy edges and that sauce you want to mop up with bread. We stood outside eating sausage with sauerkraut while a couple argued gently in Swiss German nearby (I caught maybe three words). Later we sipped Riesling wine on a side street where sunlight bounced off stained glass windows. Anna kept tossing in little facts about Zurich’s banking history or how chocolate became such a big deal here—I didn’t retain half of it but it made me pay attention in a way I usually don’t on tours.

Chocolate came last—tiny squares from an old shop that’s been around longer than my country’s been independent. The smell inside was pure cocoa and sugar; I bought some for later but ate most before we even left the shop. There was one secret dish too, but Anna made us promise not to spoil it for future groups (I won’t). By then my feet were tired but honestly I could’ve kept wandering for hours if there’d been more snacks involved.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Zurich old town food and culture tour

• Gather near Bellevue station
• Explore Zurich old town food history
• Stroll past opera house and Odeon Café
• Enjoy classic Swiss breakfast and street food
• Sample pastries, cheeses, and local specialties
• Visit Grossmünster and learn food history
• Admire Fraumünster stained glass windows
• See St. Peter’s Church clock face
• View historic landmarks and spires
• Walk luxury street and learn chocolate history
• Discover Swiss banking origins

Top questions

How long does the Zurich food tour last?

The tour covers several stops in Zurich’s old town over a few hours; exact timing can vary depending on group pace.

Is breakfast included on this Zurich food tour?

Yes, you start with a classic Swiss breakfast including Bircher muesli and pastries.

Are drinks included during the food tour?

You’ll try schnaps, cherry liqueur (Hochstamm Kirsch), Swiss whiskey & gin, plus local Riesling wine and hot chocolate.

Does the tour include vegetarian options?

Dishes may be adapted for dietary needs if you contact them ahead of time; menus can change due to availability.

How much walking is involved on this day trip?

The tour involves a fair amount of walking through Zurich’s old town; comfortable shoes are recommended.

What are some foods included on this Zurich food tour?

You’ll taste Swiss cheeses, fondue bites, chäschüechli (cheese tart), sausage with sauerkraut, rosti with stew, pastries, chocolates, and more.

Where does the Zurich food tour start?

The group meets near Bellevue station in central Zurich before heading into old town together.

What’s included

Your day includes all tastings: Bircher muesli for breakfast, artisanal cheeses paired with schnaps and cherry liqueur, Swiss whiskey & gin samples, traditional sausage with sauerkraut, Riesling wine from Zurich vineyards, hot chocolate at a historic café, handpicked chocolates from one of Switzerland’s oldest shops, golden butter rosti topped with creamy meat stew (or alternative), fondue bites and chäschüechli cheese tart—plus one secret dish along the way. All guided by a local expert as you walk through Zurich’s old town streets together.