Considered one of the chocolate capitals of the world, the city that created Lindt chocolate is also a melting pot of regional influences. From traditional Swiss dishes to contemporary cuisine, Zurich offers a booming food scene packed with essential eats. Here are 6 of the best.

1. Entrecote Café de Paris and Pommes Allumettes - Bürgli

Entrecote Café de Paris and Pommes Allumettes @ Bürgli / Image courtesy of burgli.ch

Built in 1864 on the left bank of Lake Zurich, the view from the garden is as unforgettable as the cuisine at this restaurant housed in a former castle. The menu focuses on seasonal cuisine with fresh products from suppliers in the region. House specialties include the Entrecote Cafe de Paris (steak with herb and butter sauce), which is delivered on a silver platter with all-you-can-eat piping hot fries.

2. Cappelletti ‘Angela’ - Da Angela

Cappelletti ‘Angela’ @ Da Angela / Image courtesy of daangela.ch

An institution in Zurich, Da Angela is renowned for its old-school Italian cuisine, especially the cappelletti. These home-made pasta morsels are filled with beef and served in a lemon, butter and garlic sauce, topped with tomato and basil. The cuisine isn’t the only thing people fall in love with at Da Angela. The garden in back has sparked more than one romance.

3. Veal Liver - Der Schwiizer

Veal Liver @ Der Schwiizer / Image courtesy of Morgan L., yelp.com

Owner and Chef Vitto Laubscher created his own culinary style and named it “urban Swiss cuisine.” An absolute terroir lover, Vitto knows the origin of every ingredient in his kitchen, down to the names of the chickens that laid the eggs used in his dishes. The crispy kidney chips on turnip cabbage salad and veal liver are highlights, but there are plenty of more traditional options.

4. Tasting Menu - Riviera Enoteca con Cucina

Tasting Menu @ Riviera Enoteca con Cucina / Image courtesy of enoteca-riviera.ch

The dining room of this Italian restaurant may have an unpretentious patina, but the cuisine is surprising and spectacular. The tasting menu combines strong techniques with modern ideas. The kitchen also makes the best tiramisu in town. Italian wine lovers will find a surprisingly large selection at Riviera Enoteca.

5. Tasting Menu - Maison Manesse

Tasting Menu @ Maison Manesse / Image courtesy of maisonmanesse

These guys have a bold vision of where they want to be in a couple of years: On top of the dining scene in Zurich. Awarded a Michelin star in 2015, the experimental kitchen uses flowers, herbs and sprouts to craft creative cuisine and almost all the courses draw on ingredients from the Swiss forest regions. The urban crowd and informal dining atmosphere is testament this is the place for diners looking for sophistication on the plate, not in the dress code. Prices are stiff, but the dining experience is worth it.

6. Amuse Bouche - The Dolder Grand

Amuse Bouche @ The Dolder Grand / Image courtesy of therealpickygourmet.com

This five-star luxury hotel sits atop the poshest of all the hills overlooking the city and the dining room features a fantastic view of Lake Zurich, a glimpse of the Alps and exceptional service. The restaurant serves fresh, innovative gourmet cuisine, highlighted by surprisingly light dishes. For the best value, order an assortment of Amuse Bouche off the lunch menu.