Inventive gastropub in central Zürich with creative small plates and a CHF 98 tasting menu; food is often exciting, though portions and wine markups divide opinion.
Old Inn delivers creative, well-executed small plates with strong food quality and friendly, informative service in a stylish gastropub setting. However, inconsistent execution on signature dishes like short rib and tuna, combined with occasional cramped seating, prevents it from reaching grade A territory. The fair-value CHF 98 tasting and lively atmosphere make it a solid neighborhood destination, though wine markups temper overall value perception.
The room feels warm and bustling with an open kitchen and a polished gastropub look. Hosts steer walk-ins to bar seats, and servers are often friendly and informative. One guest put it simply: "Creative dishes, lively vibe, easy to enjoy." Pricing is city-center, and wine markups are a recurring point of debate among diners. In the kitchen, the approach is modern and fusion-minded—miso, yuzu, harissa, and dukkah weave into European techniques for playful small plates and a CHF 98 tasting that many call fair for Zürich. Highlights include crisp snacks, delicate seafood, and slow braises, though a few plates can read as heavy or one-note. If you love bold flavors and a shareable format, this is a confident choice. Families can make it work thanks to comforting anchors like fish and chips, burgers, fries, and burrata. Adventurous kids may love it, but picky eaters could struggle with punchy sauces and spice; consider lunch mains over the full tasting for a smoother entry.
Area vibe: Central Enge near Bahnhof Enge and banks; stylish, mixed business and leisure crowd.
Safety: Well-lit, upscale, high foot traffic; generally very safe even late.
What's nearby: Close to Lake Zürich promenade, offices, hotels, and premium retail; strong after-work dining.