Venere Travel Blog - It's our business where you sleep!

Zurich, Switzerland is one of the busiest business hubs in Central Europe. The city wakes up early to accommodate lawyers, bankers, and politicians who need a head-start on their day. But when a cup of coffee and a croissant to go simply isn’t enough, where do these men (and women) in black go to fuel up, eat well, and browse the paper? Look no further than Switzerland’s own Sprüngli.

Where is Sprüngli located?

Situated at the heart of the banking district right at the corner of the Paradeplatz, Sprüngli is considered one of Switzerland’s best pastry shops, chocolatiers, and cafes. A main stop for streetcars, the square is constantly bustling with the traffic of tram-crossings and pedestrians, locals and tourists alike. The paradeplatz is home to two of Switzerland’s largest banks, two of Zurich’s most luxurious hotels, and the center of the main shopping strip in Zurich, the Bahnhofstrasse.

Sprüngli has many locations throughout the city where you can pick up a pastry, a box of their famous chocolates, or any other one of their confections. But their location at the Paradeplatz is the only place with a café on the second story where you can enjoy a breakfast or brunch buffet, or if you prefer something lighter, an a la carte item.

What can I eat here?

The breakfast buffet isn’t overly fussy and serves the basics of a European breakfast including muesli, fresh fruit and orange juice, a variety of breads with butter and jam, croissants, coffee and scrambled eggs. All of these items can be ordered off their menu individually or in smaller combinations. I recommend their quiche (in any variety they have available for the day) which is wonderful any time of the day really. The crust is perfectly flaky and light and the filling is never dry and full of flavor.

Will it fit my budget?

The prices at Sprüngli run quite steep and especially with the Euro so high, the bill might come as a shock to you. Remember to check the menu before you sit down so you aren’t shocked at the end of your meal. If it seems out of reach for your budget, trying one or two items from their shop downstairs might be a better option. On the other hand if price isn’t a concern, definitely make a stop here. Breakfast at Sprüngli is as European as it gets and you will definitely feel like you are a part of the upper crust of European society here.

Can I bring my children?

Because of the location, mornings see the restaurant full of business men and women who are eager to get a head-start on their shopping. The clientèle is mostly adult and because of the atmosphere, kids are far and few in the restaurant. However, if you are toting around your little ones, you can always pick up to-go items in the confectionery on the first floor and have them on the patio chairs outside. Children will love the variety of sweets and you’ll enjoy trying a little bit of everything as well.

Sprüngli offers a chance to truly feel the economic pulse of Zurich and a touch of what life as a successful banker in Switzerland might be like. The food is of the highest caliber and the confections are highly recognized as the cream of the crop. With it’s convenient location, you can head straight for the shopping strip after breakfast and if you enjoyed what you had and want some more, you’re certain to run into another Sprüngli in Zurich before your trip is over.

Photo of Sprungli chocolates originally posted by biskuit