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Zürich › Niederdorf › Simplon Bar & Restaurant
Simplon Bar & RestaurantA-Worth Trying
Schützengasse 16, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
· Bar, Restaurant
· 4.5/5 Google (710 reviews)
Reservations · Outdoor seating
A lively cocktail-forward brasserie near Zürich HB with friendly service, reliable comfort food, and flammkuchen; occasional service lapses reported, but overall a solid choice for drinks plus a bite.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
Simplon Bar & Restaurant earns its A- grade through strong food quality anchored by reliable flammkuchen and burgers, paired with warm, attentive service that keeps guests returning. The convenient central location near Zürich HB and relaxed bar atmosphere make it a dependable neighborhood favorite, though occasional service inconsistencies and modest design ambition prevent it from reaching grade A territory.
Restaurant Summary
Just off the main station, Simplon hums with relaxed bar energy and a staff many describe as warm and attentive. Think cocktails, shareable bites, and the kind of playlist that makes an hour turn into two. One guest summed it up: "Drinks landed fast and the vibe stayed easy." The kitchen leans brasserie-comfort over flash: flammkuchen in several styles, a raclette-topped burger, schnitzel, and a tartare that can be tuned with whisky or cognac. It is classic cooking with small twists, priced fairly for central Zürich. Most diners praise flavors and portions, though a rare miss gets fixed quickly, keeping it a reliable go-to before or after trains. Families can do well here thanks to kid-friendly staples like burgers, schnitzel, fries, and flammkuchen. There is no stated kids menu, but portions are shareable and desserts like chocolate cake or panna cotta win easy approval. Outdoor seats can be less comfy, so consider an inside table with children.
At a Glance
- Friendly, fast bar service with strong cocktails
- Flammkuchen and burger draw consistent praise
- Convenient location steps from Zürich HB
- Occasional reports of brusque service or quick table turn pressure
- Outdoor seating comfort is mixed
What Sets It Apart
- strong_cocktail_program
- central_station_location
- wide_flammkuchen_selection
What People Love
- Welcoming team that remembers regulars
- Cocktails that arrive quickly and taste balanced
- Flammkuchen variety to share
- Comfort mains that feel satisfying
Points of Concern
- A minority report unfriendly interactions or rushed turnover during busy times
- Tartare style is non-traditional and polarizing for some palates
- Outdoor chairs can be uncomfortable for longer stays
- Pricing is central Zürich level (mains CHF 29.50+), which may surprise first-time visitors
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average CostCHF 50-68 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Share a flammkuchen as a starter, then split a burger and schnitzel for variety
- Pescatarians: consider Black Tiger shrimps or Rauchlachs flammkuchen
- Vegetarians: burrata, goat cheese bake, gnocchi, and vegi club are solid picks
Perfect For
- Pre-train cocktails and a bite
- Casual date with shared flammkuchen
- After-work drinks with colleagues
- Low-fuss weekend lunch near shopping
Location Insights
Area: Central, business-and-shopping corridor near Zürich HB and Bahnhofstrasse; steady tourist and commuter flow.
Safety: Well-lit, high-footfall, generally very safe Swiss city center conditions.
Nearby: Steps from main station, retail, offices, and hotels; convenient meeting point before trains or a night out.
NiederdorfNiederdorf is a lively neighborhood within Zürich's old town, famous for its bustling pedestrian streets filled with bars, restaurants, and shops. The area has a youthful and energetic atmosphere, popular for casual dining, socializing, and nightlife, with a mix of traditional Swiss and international cuisine.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:30–00:00
Tuesday11:30–00:00
Wednesday11:30–00:00
Thursday11:30–00:00
Friday11:30–00:00
Saturday17:00–00:00
Sunday
Available: Reservations, Outdoor seating
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