A Weekday Night at Bederhof: Classic Swiss Dining with a Touch of Elegance
Last Tuesday, I had the pleasure of dining at Bederhof, a beloved neighborhood bistro in Zurich that’s known for its timeless charm and dedication to Swiss culinary traditions. Nestled in the heart of the city, Bederhof offers a cozy yet refined atmosphere, perfect for a weekday dinner or a special occasion. It was quite full for an ordinary weekday night.
The Drinks: A Rosemary Spritz Worth Mentioning
Bederhof boasts an impressive bar, and my mother decided to try their Rosemary Spritz cocktail. It was a delightful surprise—herbaceous, refreshing, and perfectly balanced. It’s not something I’ve seen on many menus, and it’s reason enough to visit again, even just for drinks.
What I Ate: A Taste of Excellence
The Bread: Swiss Bürli
One of the highlights of the evening was the bread— freshly baked Swiss Bürli. With a soft interior and a crisp crust, they were the perfect complement to the meal and paired wonderfully with the appetizer.
Appetizer: Bone Marrow
I started the evening with their Bone Marrow appetizer, which was beautifully presented and incredibly pure in flavor. It was sadly a little pale for my liking, maybe sat a little far from the broiler. But it was served with perfectly toasted bread and the rich, velvety marrow was a decadent way to kick off the meal. It’s a dish that sets the tone for what Bederhof does best: simple yet good food that stays true to its roots.
Main Course: Wiener Schnitzel with Pommes Allumettes
For the main course, I couldn’t resist the Wiener Schnitzel. The schnitzel was huge and cooked to perfection—golden, crisp, and tender—paired with pommes allumettes (thin, crispy fries) that added the perfect crunch to the dish. It’s a classic done right, and Bederhof’s version doesn’t disappoint.
A Dish That Caught My Eye: The Robespierre
Although I didn’t order it this time, the Robespierre at Bederhof looked amazing. For those unfamiliar, Robespierre is a thinly sliced beef dish that’s typically seared and served with aromatic herbs and sauces. Bederhof’s version was beautifully plated, with tender-looking slices of beef cooked to perfection over the open flame in front of you. It’s definitely on my list to try next time.
Final Thoughts
Bederhof delivers on all fronts, from its warm, inviting atmosphere to its expertly executed menu. Whether you’re a fan of Swiss classics like Wiener Schnitzel or looking to try something new like the Robespierre or Bone Marrow, this bistro offers a dining experience that feels both familiar and elevated.
If you’re in Zurich and craving authentic Swiss cuisine with a touch of elegance, Bederhof is a spot you won’t want to miss. And if you go, be sure to try the Rosemary Spritz—it might just become your new favorite cocktail.
Adress: Bederhof, Brandschenkestrasse 177, 8002 Zürich