Zurich, Switzerland

Most cities have modest origins, and Zurich is no exception. The Roman garrison of Turicum stationed in the area in 15 BCE near the present-day Lindenhof, and in 370 CE, just 30 years after the Romans had left, a small fort sprang up on the same site. In the following centuries Alemannic and Frankish tribes settled in the area, marking the place where this great city would later flourish.

The foundation of the Fraumünster cathedral was laid down in 853 by Ludwig the German, a grandson of Charlemagne, and the first recorded mention of the city dates back to 929. In the following years, Otto the Great reunited Italy with Germany, thus reinforcing Zurich's important strategic position as a bridgehead between the two states. German emperors frequently came to the Lindenhof to discuss their policies in Italy. In 1098 the imperial province of Zurich came under the rule of the Zähringer dynasty. After that line died out in 1218, Zurich became a free city, albeit still part of the kingdom. Two years later the first city council came into being. After the founding of the Swiss Confederation in 1281 Zurich allied itself with the other cantons against the Habsburgs, who defeated them and lay siege to the city. In 1336 the knights and wealthy merchants lost their preeminent position in the city council as political rights were extended to poorer craftsmen and artisans, who organized themselves into powerful guilds. Zurich formally joined the Swiss Confederation in 1351, where it remained despite various conflicts and upheavals.

In 1519 Huldrych Zwingli, a central figure in the European Reformation, became a minister at the cathedral. Battles over iconoclasm raged and by 1525 the Reformation was complete. In 1648 Zurich was expelled from the German Empire. The old confederate system came to an abrupt end in 1798 with the onset of the Napoleonic wars and the advance of the French armies. The following year, Zurich became the fulcrum of the war and was variously besieged by French, Austrian and Russian forces. After the restoration of peace, Zurich blossomed and enjoyed an unprecedented economic boom. The University, to this day Switzerland's largest and most prestigious, was founded in 1833. Fourteen years later, the first railway line going through Zurich was constructed. With the conglomeration of 11 hitherto self-contained districts, the city's population swelled to 120,000. During both World War I and II Zurich was a haven for refugees fleeing authoritarian regimes. German author Thomas Mann lived here for a while, as did Albert Einstein and Lenin.

After the upheavals of 1968, Zurich saw further student protests, which reached a climax in the early 1980s. The city also earned notoriety for its harm-reduction approach to drug policy, its liberal party atmosphere, especially the Street Parade, and for its position as the center of offshore banking. Zurich, with its 360,000 inhabitants, undoubtedly sets the standard in banking and finance, service industries and culture. It is considered a "world city" and earned recognition in 2006 for having the best standard of living in the world.

The city of Zurich is beloved by tourists, business people and locals alike for its intriguing history, thriving economy, and alpine location. From a culinary point of view, Zurich also has a lot to offer. Apart from the traditional Swiss food that dominates the city's restaurant scene, a range of other international cuisine can be sampled throughout the city. Italian and French restaurants are especially popular, and Asian restaurants are becoming increasingly common.

Kreis 1: Altstadt, Oberdorf & Niederdorf

The influence of the four different countries that border Switzerland – Italy to the south, France to the west, Germany to the north, and Austria to the east - can all be tasted in Swiss cuisine. Those who enjoy dipping dishes such as cheese fondue and raclette, both heavily influenced by French cuisine, regularly visit Le Dézaley. For sliced veal, a classic dish from Zurich, the restaurant Veltlinerkeller or the Zunfthaus zur Waag come highly recommended. For a night out with good company and great food, visit Brasserie Lipp, where the seating arrangements encourage chatting among neighbors.

No culinary trip would be complete without something sweet to seal the deal. Thankfully, the Swiss have a way with their chocolate. At Sprüngli you can indulge in some world-class chocolate mousse, or treat yourself to some ice cream at Häagen Dazs. If you are in the mood for some decadent hot chocolate, look no further than Conditorei Café Schober. Relax as you enjoy all the cakes, candies and teas that this city has to offer, and make sure to buy some for your return trip!

Kreis 2: Enge, Wollishofen & Leimbach

Entehuus and Palavrion are always worth a visit if you are looking for some authentic Asian cuisine. For a mixture of flavors and cultures, try Colors. The smoked fish, roasted chicken and mushroom risotto are divine. And, if you're looking for something on-the-go, don't miss Café Z which offers excellent deli-style sandwiches.

Kreis 3: Wiedikon

Sukhothai is said to have the best Thai food this side of Thailand and is well worth the visit. If you're craving for something exotic still hasn't been satisfied, try traditional Indian delicacies at Maharaja Restaurant. Last but certainly not least is Korea Pavillon, one of the city's top Korean restaurants.

Kreis 4: Aussersihl

Switzerland is well known for its vineyards, particularly those in the French and the Italian-speaking cantons. The white wines from the Lac Léman area in Geneva are among the best in the world. Caduff's Wine Loft offers a wide range of different wines to sample and is a favorite spot for gourmands to meet for an aperitif. For a truly lavish meal try Seidenspinner, or if you're just looking for casual pub grub, Olé-Olé is a safe bet.

Kreis 5: Industriequartier

If you want to sample some Japanese cooking, try Sala of Tokyo. If traditional French cuisine is more your taste, Bistro Le Lyonnais is not to be missed. Tibetasia is an interesting establishment combining Tibetan cuisine with traditional Asian flavors.

Kreis 6: Oberstrass & Unterstrass

Italian cuisine is very popular throughout Switzerland and enjoys an excellent reputation. As is to be expected, Italian restaurants abound in Zurich with Casa Ferlin and Cucina among the finest.

Kreis 8: Riesbach

French flavors are an integral part of the Zurcher cuisine. Those with a penchant for seafood will feel right at home at A l'Opera - be sure to sample the trout dishes. Connoisseurs meet at the first-rate Riesbächli, undoubtedly the city's most exquisite French restaurant. Flavors from the Far East are well represented in this part of Switzerland. For Chinese specialties, the Hong Kong Chinoise.