One of the highlights of spring and summer time in Zurich is going out for breakfast on a bicycle. Stepping out of home to get some fresh air and gipfeli (croissant) gets me out of bed early on the weekend even if I ran a late cooking workshop the night before. I have carefully selected some of my beloved breakfast spots in Zurich. These places have a character and authenticity. You might catch me in one of these places having breakfast on weekend mornings with a big smile and a bed head 🙂

1.Gnaedinger am Schaffhauserplatz: Old-fashioned charm with delicious bread & cakes

This bakery-cafe is almost 100yrs old and is run by the third generation of the family. Everything is served in the way they used to serve in the old days; when you order a milk coffee (“Schale”), the hot milk is served separately in a porcelain jug. All breakfast items are prepared with lots of love and fresh local ingredients. One of the few places where the owners and staff remember you and greet you by the name. Their house specialty is the round-shaped Gipfeli and Dampfnudeln (sweet bread roll with fruits) served with vanilla sauce. Puts the Starbucks across the street to shame. Closed on Sundays.

Schaffhauserstrasse 57, 8057 Zürich

2. Konditorei Caredda: Little Italy in Zurich 

Do you have a sweet spot for Italian grandma’s homemade apricot croissants and crunchy Aragoste filled with luscious vanilla cream? Then this is your place! Don’t expect Versace style fancy bling bling, but think southern Italy small town charm! This little bakery-cafe is hidden in the streets of Kreis 5, and a local gem. Great place to grab a fresh made panini sandwiches and to order excellent Italian style birthday cakes. We’ve ordered a huge Tiramisu cake for 10 people and it was absolutely delicious! Open on Sundays too.

Josefstrasse 119, 8005 Zurich

3. Cafe Grande: Vintage cafe with delicious coffee and drinks by the Limmat river 

I like this small cafe because of its delicious coffee, central but calm location by the river. Simple but stylish vintage furniture is cozy and there’s usually always a fresh carnation flower on each table. It’s a great place to catch some sun while having a coffee. Baked goods selection is limited but their yummy coffee makes up for it. Make sure to get a coffee that has milk in it, like a Latte or a Cappuccino.

Cocktails are delicious too, so great for an after-work apero as well! Open on Sundays.

Limmatquai 118, 8001 Zürich

4. Zähringer Cafe: Bohemian, artsy, laid back

This is a bohemian style cafe in the rear of the old town close to the Zurich University. Unpretentious, down-to-earth place with a big menu card. They have an outside seating place that’s lovely in the summer. I love their delicious homemade Chai Latte and simple homemade cakes. They’ve been around for over 40 years and offer vegan friendly dishes too. Perfect to take your bike with! Open on Sundays

Zähringerplatz. 11, 8001 Zürich

5. Maison Blunt: Fancy a Moroccan Breakfast? 

This is a popular place among the Zurich locals and the city crowd since a long while. They serve Moroccan style mezze brunch and fresh mint teas. Lounge style furnishing, always buzzing with many people. If you want to try something different for breakfast, this is the place! For Sunday brunch, reserve ahead.

Open on Sundays

Gasometerstrasse 5, 8005 Zürich