I love places in Paris like Laduree and Angelina and would much rather eat there than a "regular" restaurant. (While I like old world elegance, I hate formal dining.) I'm thinking that the "cafes" in Zurich are a bit like Paris tea shops. Is that right? Do all cafes serve meals, or do some serve only desserts? And do they tend to close around 6 (1800)? I'm mainly interested in the following: Bar Al Lenone, Cafe Schober, Cafe Spruengli, Cafe Wuehre, Cafe Ernst.

Hiltl vegetarian is a must for one of the nights.

Since I only have 2 full days in Zurich (plus the night before), I might actually plan each meal in advance. Any advice from those who have been?

You can eat a small sandwich or similar at Spruengli and Cafe Schober. Spruengli and Al Leone are classics, however my personal opinion of Schober is too much kitsch and the average age must be 65.

If you enjoy people watching, try Globus on Bellevue. You can eat an informal evening meal there.

I ate at Mere Cathrine in the Niederdorf (near Grossmuenster) last week and it was wonderful and not too pricey.

Be aware that Hiltl on Sihlstr has closed for renovations. There is a temporary restaurant near Paradeplaz (http://www.hiltl.ch/index-lang.asp).
Or simply go to Tibits on the Seestrasse.

Thanks Queenie. The Globus restaurant is online and it looks great.

Anyone else?

ttt

I'm so sorry, Guy. I don't make it to Zürich often, and then it's usually straight to the airport.

Cafes usually serve one or two meals for lunch. Some close at 6 but the ones I know close later.

Cicerone has made some wonderful suggestions about dining in Zürich.
See: http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=2