P_Peppington

Have any of you fine folk ever been to the vegetarian restaurant Hiltl in Zurich?

I have read reviews and most write that the food is excellent.

I just don't understand how the "system" at Hiltl works.

Do you just go in and grab a tray, hit the buffet, pay for your food, then find a table?

Or do you have to have someone seat you, have a server take your drink order, then hit the buffet?

The reason I ask is that I wouldn't want to go into a crowded restaurant like that and not be able to find a clean table after I have already paid for my food.

Fixin' to get to Zurich,

P_P

hazel1

I haven't been there, but surely they'll let you know what to do when you get there. The Swiss are very much into letting people know the rules, in English.

mokka4

Went there last November.
You must be seatd first. Then buffet where it is weighed each time you go up and a receipt given, so that the proper amount can be charged.
There is an alternate menu to order from as well.
While food was good (I did not do the buffet), the staff was distant, a bit condescending and snooty!

mokka4

PS: the tables are kept clean before you are shown to your spot.
ALSO, there is a 5o Pfg automatic surcharge to every bill to help children's organizations to combat obesity. IF you don't want to pay this strong-arm (albeit tiny fee), you must let your (snooty) waiter know...
I was a bit/lot disappointed in the overall experience.
If I went back it would be to the Konditorei part!

P_Peppington

Thank you so much, mokka, for your response.

I think I can handle the snooty waiters at Hiltl.

If I can handle the snoots from Hell at the Baur au Lac, I can handle anything that Hiltl throws at me, as long as no bolognese lands on my John Galliano kagool.

I only care about the food at Hiltl, not the attitude. Zurich is a city of attitude and frosty welcomes. (Whenever I hear "gruezi" in Zurich it always sounds as if spoken by Dame Judith Anderson in "Rebecca.")

Any other good restaurants recs for Zurich?

Your old, old friend,
P_P

PalenQ

I think I can handle the snooty waiters at Hiltl.>

I would think if anyone could you will!

mokka4

Had a wonderful LUNCH at Teuscher's Felix Cafe. MY meal at Hiltl's was very good, I just felt undervalued there as I was a single, and had arrived 'early (at 6PM)' on a whim.
Also had a delicious dinner at a beer hall on ?Niedergasse (or was it Napfgasse), the cobblestone pedestrian region, but cannot recall its name (it wasn't the famous Bierhalle Kropf, but in that area).
Terrible dinner at Swiss Chuechli (would avoid what turned out to be a tourist trap with McRoesti).
Two trip reports from visits last year posted, should there be any interest.
(And thanks PP for defending me on the other post.)

grrr

"there is a 5o Pfg automatic surcharge"

Which currency is that meant to be?

mokka4

okay, you got me..it was a 50 Rappen surcharge which is half a franc.

Michael

We went there because we were dying for vegetables and ordered from the menu. The food was good but the buffet looked more interesting, and that is what we should have chosen. One little quirk: the waiter will not serve tap water. He will tell you where you can get a glass and where to get the water, but that is self-serve even when ordering from the menu.

Michael

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca/...57622927438333

usbeauty

I have been to Hiltl several times. While the buffet was fun, and being a vegetarian, I was excited to sample many things, the upstairs restaurant is a better dining experience. You have your own table and are able to choose from a menu of about 30 appetizing vegetarian entrees. I was a single traveler, so I arrived early every evening (around 6pm) to be able to be seated without a reservation. I enjoyed it much more than the raucous buffet downstairs.

nini

We liked the Kronenhalle-expensive but good with attentive service. The art on walls is original-Picasso, Rubens, etc. It is worth the splurge.

P_Peppington

Thank you for your replies.

I really want to try Hiltl.

I figure I will hit the buffet at Hiltl around 3PM after I arrive in Zurich from New York, then on to Laduree for some macarons!

I am only in Zurich overnight. I am off to Wengen (YAY!) the next day.

P_P

gruezi

Hey P_P,

Are you in der Schweiz jetzt??

Wishing you a wonderful stay.

Wengen this time of year is delightful.

I'm very, very jealous.

(I like Hiltl - have been there many times.) 3 pm - maybe too late??? You better check. Swiss serve a swift lunch from noon until 2...) I like the buffet. I usually grab a table myself then head to the buffet.

Hee, hee - like Zuerich has anything other than snooty service. RESERVED is what the Swiss call it

P_Peppington

Yes, I am already home from Zurich, Luzern, Wengen. I had absolutely beautiful weather.

I had fun looking through all my pockets so I could use the McClean in the Zurich Bahnhof. No wonder Switzerland is the pharmaceutical capital of the world. These people need to put Valium in the drinking water.

If you click on my name you will see my comments on my trip.

Tschuss,
Pippy