Zurich's favourite cafés based on their design

In a city where café culture is deeply woven into everyday life, Zürich offers more than just excellent coffee - it offers spaces where design, atmosphere, and ritual come together. These are places that slow you down, sharpen your senses, and invite you to stay a little longer. Our selection highlights cafés that stand out not only for what they serve, but for how they feel.

1) Café Lalere

Café Lalere feels like a quiet design statement hidden in plain sight. Designed by Zurich-based Onkai Arts Studio, the space is minimal yet warm, balancing raw materials with soft, thoughtful details. There’s a sense of calm precision in everything - from the layout to the tableware - creating an environment that feels both curated and effortless. It’s the kind of place where time seems to stretch, making it perfect for slow mornings or reflective afternoons.

Zurlindenstrasse 57, 8003 Zurich Mon - Fri 7:00 - 18:00 Sat - Son 9:00 - 18:00

2) Être

Être embodies a refined, contemporary aesthetic that feels deeply intentional. The space is notably spacious, with an open kitchen that adds a sense of transparency and quiet energy to the experience. It plays with textures and natural tones, creating an atmosphere that feels both modern and grounded. It’s a place that invites presence - a fitting name for a space that encourages you to simply be. The design subtly frames the experience without ever overpowering it.

Dufourstrasse 43, 8008 Zürich

Wed - Fri 8:00 - 15:00

Sat - Sun 9:00 - 15:00

Monday and Tuesday closed

3) MAME Gertrud

At MAME Gertrud, coffee and design meet in a beautifully understated way. The interior reflects a clean, Scandinavian-inspired sensibility, where every detail feels considered. The space is calm and uncluttered, allowing the craft of coffee to take centre stage. It’s both a neighbourhood spot and a destination for those who appreciate quiet sophistication.

Gertrudstrasse 22, 8003 Zurich

4) DRAFT.

DRAFT. stands out with a more experimental and creative energy. The interior, designed by Zurich-based RDZ Studio, leans into a contemporary, slightly industrial feel, with a strong focus on materials and composition. It’s a space that feels dynamic - not static - reflecting a forward-thinking approach to both coffee and design. Ideal for those who like their café experience with a bit of edge.

Wildbachstrasse 68, 8008 Zurich

Mon - Fri 7:30 - 17:00

Saturday 8:30 - 17:00

Sunday 8:30 - 16:00

5) Café Irma

Café Irma feels like a design studio disguised as a café. Conceived by Swiss design studio pfeffermint, the interior reflects a thoughtful approach to craftsmanship and materiality. An open kitchen, handmade elements, and warm wooden touches create an intimate, creative atmosphere where attention to detail is visible - both in the food and the space itself.

Zweierstrasse 55, 8004 Zurich 

Thursday 9:00 - 16:00

Fri - Son 9:00 - 18:00

Mon - Wed closed

6) Café Europa

Café Europa offers a cosmopolitan vibe, with a design that feels both relaxed and slightly eclectic. The space is open and inviting, making it a natural meeting point. There’s a subtle European charm in its atmosphere - a place where conversations unfold easily and the outside world feels just a little further away.

Lagerstrasse 22, 8004 Zurich 

Mon - Tue 8:00 - 22:00

Wednesday 8:00 - 23:00

Thu - Fri 8:00 - 00:00

Saturday 10:00 - 00:00

Sunday 10:00 - 16:00

7) OKO

OKO brings a bold, design-forward perspective to Zurich’s café scene. Designed by Robin Diego Schiltknecht from Archiculture, the space stands out through its strong visual identity, where textures, materials, and sculptural elements take center stage. A defining feature is the striking bar - a true statement piece that anchors the interior and highlights OKO’s confident approach to contemporary café design.

Werdstrasse 54, 8004 Zurich 

Tue - Fri 8:00 - 19:00 Saturday 9:00 - 19:00

Sunday 9:00 - 17:00 Monday closed

8) Le Café

Le Café reimagines the traditional Zürich café bar through a refined 70s-inspired aesthetic. The interior was designed by Zurich-based studio Greset Reich (GR-HC), who transformed the space into a warm and characterful environment defined by retro references, layered materials, and a strong sense of atmosphere. Dark wood, orange tones, patterned surfaces, and vintage-inspired details create a cozy yet expressive setting

Bärengasse 16, 8001 Zurich 

Mon - Fri 7:30 - late

Saturday 12:00 - late

Sunday closed

Photography by Ysée Rocourt Photography Café Europa: Maja Juzwiak