Hiltl

Hiltl on Sihlstrasse in Zürich holds the Guinness World Record as the world's oldest continuously operating vegetarian restaurant, having served meat-free cuisine since 1898. What began as a modest health-food restaurant founded by Ambrosius Hiltl has grown into a sprawling multi-room establishment with a buffet counter, an à la carte menu, a bar, and a takeaway station, all within the same building on the edge of Zürich's central shopping district. The buffet — the heart of the Hiltl experience — stretches across dozens of hot and cold dishes drawn from cuisines around the world: Indian curries, Middle Eastern mezze, Asian stir-fries, European salads, and Swiss rösti dishes share the counter daily. Dishes rotate regularly, and the kitchen sources seasonal produce from regional Swiss suppliers. The à la carte menu extends beyond the buffet with burgers, bowls, and weekend brunch specials that have made Hiltl a Zürich institution beyond its vegetarian credentials. The dining rooms are bright and modern, with a cheerful, casual atmosphere that draws students, office workers, families, and tourists in equal measure. There is no strict dress code and the noise level is comfortable for conversation. Hiltl is fully licensed and offers a selection of wine, beer, and cocktails, including vegan-certified options. The restaurant is open daily from early morning until late, making it one of the most reliably accessible dining options in central Zürich. A second Hiltl location operates at Zürich Hauptbahnhof for quick visits.