Spectacular rooftop café in Zurich's Prime Tower offers panoramic city views. Coffee, cocktails, and light meals 120 meters high.
Clouds Kitchen & Bar occupies the 35th floor of Zürich's Prime Tower on Maagplatz in Kreis 5, making it the highest restaurant and bar in the city at approximately 120 metres above street level. The Prime Tower, designed by Gigon/Guyer Architekten, is Zürich's tallest building, and the Clouds venue at its summit offers 360-degree panoramic views over the city, the Zürichsee, and on clear days the Swiss Alps. The concept is a hybrid kitchen-and-bar operation: coffee and light food during the day, cocktails and a more complete dinner menu in the evening. Coffee quality is serious — Clouds has invested in its barista programme and the espresso-based drinks are among the better ones served in a view-restaurant context. The cocktail list is seasonally updated and draws on local spirits producers alongside classic references. The light lunch menu features salads, sandwiches, and small plates suited to the after-work crowd. Dinner extends the menu with more substantial dishes designed to complement the bar's cocktail programme. Reservations are recommended for evening meals and weekend brunch, when the combination of the view and the neighbourhood popularity creates demand that exceeds the lift's capacity. The Kreis 5 location places it within the post-industrial creative quarter that also houses the IM Viadukt arches and Zürich's main contemporary cultural venues.
Signature dishes
- Signature cocktails — $18
- Coffee specialties — $6
- Light lunch — $22
Good to know
- Hours
- Mon-Sat: 9:00-24:00
- Reservations
- Recommended for meals
Location
Maagplatz 5, 8005 Zürich
47.3892, 8.5167 View on map
Highlights
- Zürich's highest restaurant at 120 metres — 360-degree panoramic views from the 35th floor of Prime Tower
- City, lake, and Alps views on clear days — one of the most dramatic settings for a drink or meal in Switzerland
- Quality espresso and specialty coffee programme — an unusual commitment for a view-restaurant context
- Seasonally updated cocktail list drawing on Swiss spirits producers alongside classic references
- Kreis 5 location — at the heart of Zürich's post-industrial creative and dining quarter
Tips for visiting
- Book an evening table in advance, especially Friday and Saturday when the views at dusk and night are the most dramatic.
- Arrive for the 19:00 opening to see the city in daylight, then watch it transform as darkness falls — the best visual sequence.
- The coffee during the day is worth the journey alone if a dinner reservation is not available.
- Clear weather makes the Alps visible from the terrace — check the forecast before booking for the best panoramic experience.
- The lift to the 35th floor serves the reception; confirm the restaurant floor with the lobby if unclear on first visit.
Accessibility
Prime Tower has full lift access throughout and the Clouds venue on the 35th floor is wheelchair accessible via the building's lifts. The main entry on Maagplatz is at street level with step-free access. Accessible restrooms are available within the venue.
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Frequently asked questions
Is the view as good as it appears?
On clear days the view extends to the Swiss Alps and across the entire Zürichsee. In cloudy or foggy weather the view can be obscured — Zürich has significant low-cloud days in autumn and winter.
Is a reservation required?
Reservations are recommended for evening meals and weekend service. Walk-ins during quiet weekday daytime hours are generally possible for coffee and light food.
Is there a dress code?
Smart-casual dress is the norm. The venue is not formal fine dining but the setting and clientele skew toward dressed-up evening wear rather than casual daytime clothes at dinner.