Hola, food lovers!
Are you crazy for burritos, tacos, quesadillas, huevos rancheros and mexican food like me and feel there has to be better than Tres Amigos in Oerlikon?
Well, I love mexican food and it’s the most I’ve tried (I think I went to all places) in zurich, and in this post, I share with you just the places you absolutely have to visit if you don’t try anything else.
Zurich has some truly fantastic Mexican places that will transport your taste buds straight to the vibrant streets of Mexico.
From the colorful chaos of La Taqueria, a taco haven that’s as authentic as it gets, to the upscale charm of El Alebrije, where fine dining meets playful fun, and the laid-back simplicity of Cartel, a burrito joint that’s all about great value and taste – Zurich’s Mexican food scene is as diverse as it is delicious.
So, buckle up, amigos! Let’s embark on a culinary journey through my favorite Mexican restaurants in Zurich.La Taqueria, El Alebrije, and Cartel. Whether you’re a fan of tacos or burritos or just love good food, these places will surely leave you craving more. Vamos!
Click on the quick links below if you’re looking to jump to one particular restaurant review.
Cartel the Crazy Burrito Shack
El Alebrije Mexican Restaurant Zurich
La Taqueria in Downtown Zurich
Cartel the Crazy Burrito Shack
Cartel is a small, easy-going burrito place just a few minutes from the central train station (HB) right in the heart of the Zurich nightlife district.
I love the simplicity and great value.
The menu is super straightforward, they have burritos, and they all are the same price. CHF 16.90. You can get some extras and choose what goes in, though that’s it.
As mentioned, it’s right near the train station and is open most days until 9 or 9.30 pm. Thus Cartel is the perfect spot for a pre-night-out meal or just a late dinner since we busy “Zuercher” often have to postpone eating among deadlines.
The atmosphere is casual and relaxed, the furniture is fairly simple, and the store has a bright, happy feeling about it.
The Burritos
The burritos at Cartel are fantastic. I love them so much, maybe too much. They’re packed to the brim with tasty ingredients, yet so well constructed that they won’t fall apart on your first bite.
Cartel has a lot of options for it’s burritos, including Beef, Chicken, Carnitas, and two vegetarian/vegan options – Pulled Jackfruit and Sweet Potato/Grilled Vegetables.
The Beef burrito features tender beef slow-cooked in a Chipotle sauce, while the Carnitas option offers hearty pork slow-cooked in an Ancho sauce. The Chicken burrito is made with juicy chicken cooked in Achiote, and the vegetarian option features sweet potatoes and grilled vegetables in a Pasilla sauce.
They also serve delicious tacos and baked nachos (CHF 13.90). All of this is served to a soundtrack of Latino-Punk to Favela-Rap, adding to the laid-back, fun atmosphere of the place.
Cartel is worth visiting if you’re in Zurich and craving a burrito. The food is delicious, the prices are reasonable, and the location is perfect for a quick meal before or after exploring the city’s nightlife. Just be prepared to be amazed by the size of their burritos!
El Alebrije
Update: El Abrije has moved to Hardstrasse 9 in Zurich and now they only offer a set menu, which is good but not necessarily what I used to like about the place.
I’d still recommend to try it if you have the budget (CHF 125 per person). Otherwise the other mexican options are plenty and have been consistent.
El Alebrije is a small, upscale Mexican restaurant on Weinbergstrasse, more or less in the middle of the way from Schaffhauserplatz to ETH Zurich (there are actually ETH offices just above it).
It’s easily reachable within about 20 minutes from the old town (Altstadt) area.
This place is a delightful blend of fine dining and playful charm, offering a unique dining experience that’s both sophisticated and fun.
The food presentation at El Alebrije is a work of art. Each dish is meticulously crafted and presented in a visually stunning way, making every meal feel like a special occasion.
About the Restaurant
The restaurant is run by Miguel Angel Alvarado Barragan and Monika Minder-Bobak.
Miguel is a Mexico City native who studied architecture but soon discovered his passion for hosting guests. Since 2003, Miguel has been working in upscale gastronomy in Switzerland and is today a restaurateur by vocation. His highest goal is the satisfaction of his guests. He often comes by to check on the guests and is very genuine and kind.
Monika Minder-Bobak, who is Swiss and grew up in Zurich, is also part of the team. She is jointly responsible for the conception of the bio-tortillas and for the organic cultivation of tomatillos, chilies, corn, and other crops.
The food and Ambiance of El Alebrije
Though a little more upscale than what I usually enjoy, the food is great. I’ve never been to Mexico, so I can’t say with confidence, but I heard it’s very authentic food!
They also have great cocktails.
Some of the portions are slightly smaller but still filling somehow, never left hungry.
In conclusion, if you’re in Zurich and looking for a unique Mexican dining experience, El Alebrije is worth a visit. The food is authentic and beautifully presented, the ambiance is upscale yet fun, and the owners are passionate about what they do. It’s a little pricier, about 30-50 CHF per person, more if you drink.
La Taqueria
This place is a riot of colors, a sensory overload in the best possible way. The decor is eclectic, a mishmash of vibrant hues and textures that instantly transports you to a bustling Mexican street market. And when the weather plays nice, their patio is a little oasis of calm, perfect for some laid-back outdoor dining.
They use Switzerland’s first nixtamalized corn tortilla, import fresh jalapenos, and make their own Aguas Frescas and spicy sauces in-house. They even fry their own tortilla chips daily!
The Food at La Taqueria
Now, onto the food. La Taqueria is a taco haven. The menu is a delightful array of Mexican classics – Tacos, Taquitos, Burritos, Quesadillas, and some chilled-out appetizers, salads, and soups.
They also have awesome churros if you have a sweet tooth, crazy hot wings, called donkey wings which are super spicey, and a unique drink selection like the hibiscus drink.
The Tacos at La Taqueria
Though they have all kinds of Mexican specialties, they’re really known for their tacos.
They even have a vegan option with the Planted Al Pastor.
All tacos are 6.90 Swiss francs which makes it quite simple.
If you find yourself in Zurich and, like me, love to try Mexican Restaurants (always a surprise somehow). It’s a vibrant, flavorful, and authentic Mexican experience worth a visit and kind to your wallet.
Note there are actually two La Taquerias one a bit further out in Altstetten too, I think they belong to the same people but I’ve only tried the one in Zurich.
More Mexican Restaurants in Zurich
Now, while I’ve highlighted La Taqueria, El Alebrije, and Cartel as my personal favorites, it’s worth noting that Zurich is home to many other fantastic Mexican restaurants. Places like Zapote, Casa Alegria, and El Luchador are also well worth a visit. As a Mexican food enthusiast, I believe all these places offer something unique and are worth trying.
This is just my personal priority list if you want to start somewhere, I find the three restaurants above the best Mexican Restaurants in Zurich.
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