Walter Ponce
Restaurant Viadukt sits under the stone railway arches of Im Viadukt in Zurich’s Kreis 5, the district better known as Zurich West, right next to the Josefwiese park. It serves fresh, regional and seasonal Swiss and European dishes, with breakfast served late into the day, set lunch menus and a seasonal dinner menu. We went for Sunday lunch, and the colourful umbrellas and chairs in the garden set a cheerful mood from the moment we sat down.
What drew us there was the restaurant’s focus on fresh, sustainable, regional and organic ingredients. Here is what we ordered, what the menu looks like and whether I think it is worth it.
Restaurant Viadukt menu: what we ordered
I chose the Beef Steak with Sweet Potato Wedges, Green Beans and Herb Butter, which cost CHF 33 at the time of my visit. The steak was cooked exactly as I asked and had a rich flavour that hinted at good sourcing. The sweet potato wedges were crisp outside and soft inside, and the herb butter added a nice lift. The portion, though, felt modest to me: just three sweet potato wedges and roughly 150 grams of meat.
The others at the table were happy with their choices. One ordered the Tagliatelle Alfredo with Peterli-Herb Salad (CHF 23 then): a creamy sauce that coated the pasta well, with a fresh herb salad to balance it. Another had the Eggs Benedict (CHF 22 then), with well-poached eggs and a smooth hollandaise.
The menu is built around the time of day. At lunch there were three set menus plus a weekly special, served with soup and salad. The dinner menu changes with the seasons. Breakfast was served until 5 p.m. when we visited, which is why so many people treat Viadukt as a brunch spot. Dishes and prices change, so check the current menu on the restaurant website before you go.
Sourcing: regional and Swiss
The restaurant’s commitment to quality shows in where the food comes from. Vegetables come partly from its own field in Seegräben, in the Zurich Oberland, and the meat is Swiss. Swiss-origin meat follows strict animal welfare rules, which is one reason meat dishes in Switzerland cost more than in neighbouring countries.
Is Restaurant Viadukt worth it?
The setting is the real highlight. The restaurant is tucked into the listed viaduct arches, and you can eat either indoors or in the garden looking out over the Josefwiese. That is why location gets four stars from me.
The food was well made, but with the modest portions and Zurich prices, price and portions only get one star each in my scores. If you want a relaxed brunch or lunch in a lovely spot in Zurich West, it is a pleasant choice. If you are very hungry or on a budget, keep the portion sizes in mind.
Where is Restaurant Viadukt? Address and getting there
Address: Viaduktstrasse 69/71, 8005 Zürich Website: https://www.restaurant-viadukt.ch/ Lunch menu: https://www.restaurant-viadukt.ch/mittag
The Viadukt is a 19th-century railway viaduct that crosses District 5. Its arches were renovated and opened as Im Viadukt in 2010, turning the space under the trains into a row of shops, studios, cafés and restaurants. Trains still run on top. Next door to the restaurant is the Markthalle, an indoor market hall with local producers selling cheese, bread, meat and vegetables.
- By tram: the stops around Dammweg, Quellenstrasse and Limmatplatz are within walking distance.
- By train: Zurich Hardbrücke station is close, and Zurich main station (HB) is around a 15-20 minute walk.
- By car: parking is limited, so public transport is the easiest option.
Things to do nearby
- Markthalle Im Viadukt: local food stalls under the arches
- Josefwiese: a park with lawns, a playground and a summer kiosk
- Frau Gerolds Garten: a seasonal garden bar near Hardbrücke station
- Freitag Tower: the stacked shipping-container flagship of the Swiss bag brand
- The Limmat river: in summer, locals swim at spots like Oberer and Unterer Letten
If you are near the river, Haus am Fluss, an Asian food hall and bar at the Letten, is a short walk away. For something completely different in the city, see my review of Co Chin Chin.
Tips for your visit
- Reserve for weekends: brunch is very popular in Zurich, especially if you want a garden table.
- Go at lunchtime on weekdays: the set lunch menu (Mittagsmenü) is usually the best-value meal of the day in Zurich.
- Visit the Markthalle before or after your meal.
- Tipping: service is included by law in Switzerland, so tipping is optional. Rounding up is common.
FAQ
Where is Restaurant Viadukt in Zurich? At Viaduktstrasse 69/71, 8005 Zürich, under the railway arches of Im Viadukt in Kreis 5, next to the Josefwiese.
What is on the Restaurant Viadukt menu? Breakfast and brunch dishes like Eggs Benedict, weekday lunch menus with soup and salad, and a seasonal dinner menu with dishes such as steak and pasta. Check the website for the current menu.
Can I have brunch late at Restaurant Viadukt? Breakfast was served until 5 p.m. at the time of my visit. Check current hours before you go.
Is there outdoor seating? Yes, there is a garden with a view of the Josefwiese, plus indoor seating under the arches.
What do Restaurant Viadukt reviews say? If you are looking for reviews (Rezensionen für Viadukt Restaurant in German), mine is above: a beautiful setting and well-cooked food, but small portions for the price.
What is Im Viadukt? A renovated railway viaduct in Zurich West with shops, restaurants and a market hall under its arches.
