Dear friends,
I know I haven’t’ posted much in the last two weeks, but my life has been really busy and hectic. My apologies.
The restaurant I want to talk to you about today is a great new place that just opened in Zürich. Literally…it opened last night! The place is called “Helvti Diner” and is probably the one and only true American Diner’s place in Zürich. It was open by the “Helvetia Hotel Crew”. I actually went quite a few times at the Helvetia Hotel in the last month and they were always testing new burger recipes to find the perfect combo. It was pretty cool.
Photo: Courtesy Helvti Diner
So last night, when my friend Maria told me she was craving for burger, I started enquired whether the place was already open or not. I was told it was the opening night and that we shouldn’t arrive too early in order to get a table. (Since Maria works a lot, it was not a problem).
We arrived there around 8h45 and the manager installed us next to 3 Swiss-German gentlemen at a big table. They we re quite nice except they didn’t talk to us, barely said hello and were talking so loud I couldn’t even think at some point.
We received the Menu shortly after, decided to order two glasses of “good” wine (you have 3 category with different grading all coming from the same vineyards in California: decent, good and excellent…which is pretty cool). Everything was looking so junk and delicious on the menu that we decided to try several dishes, knowing we probably wouldn’t finish everything, just to know what to order next time we’ll come. We settled for a pastrami sandwich as a starter, two burgers (one from Swiss beef, the other one from Wagyu beef !), some fries, and a guacamole.
The place looks actually really nice but somehow, you have to the feeling you are in Richard Prince Diner since it copies in every point the true American diner…but it is not an American diner. It is a Swiss appropriation of the American Diner. (yes, it’s super clean!)
Photo: Courtesy Helvti Diner
Everything was delicious I have to admit. The pastrami wasn’t exactly the one I like (Katz Deli New York) but still well cooked, a generous piece of crispy bread and with a nice spicy sauce. The burgers were really amazing with high quality, not overcooked meat, crispy bacon (that was really crispy) and really cheddar cheese that smelt like cheese.
We obviously ate for a week or so (at lunch today, I only had a little lachs and a soup to tell you the truth). But it was worth it! You should have seen the sparkles in Maria’s eyes when the two plates of burger arrived! Priceless.
I want to ad a special mention for the French fries that were made with fresh potatoes and nearly no salt (exactly how I like them) and the Dark Chocolate ice cream that tasted bitter-perfect.
I highly recommend you this place for a lunch, a quick diner between friend or a take-away.
The prices are a bit higher than McDonalds but 22CHF for the huge pastrami or 25chf for the Angus beef burger is not over the top and the portions are really enormous!
I also strongly encourage you to go have a last drink at the Helvetia Bar next door after your diner; it is a really cool place!
From Zürich with love,
Mr. Nico
Helvti Diner
Kasernenstrasse 2
8004 Zürich
+41 43 322 04 24
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2 commentaires:
Funny you say that, we were just there and did not enjoy it at all...
some of the staff was friendly, but some extremely arrogant.
the food was really overpriced for what it is.
the burger was good but certainly not the best burger in town.
until they sort out their arrogance with clients, AND adjust their prices (or the food quality), we will not come back or recommend it to anyone.
Hello Anonymous,
I am quite surprised by your comment.
I went several times there since it opened and was always treated well.
Even last night. I admit the prices are a bit high but when you compare with other places in Zurich it is average. The drinks are quite expensive though.
I hope you might change your mind.
I would have loved to hear about the best burger in town (since you seem to know where it is). shame you haven't written your name. Helvti could have maybe invited you to try it a second time?
Mr. Nico
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