If you have lived in Spain, or simply travelled there, you know that tapas are less a dish than a way of eating: small plates arriving one after another, shared across the table, over a glass of wine. Finding that in Zürich is easier than it sounds — as long as you know what to look for.
What makes tapas authentic
They are made to share. A good tapas meal is several small dishes on the table at once, with everyone reaching in. You order a few, taste, and order more.
The classics are done properly. Patatas bravas should be crisp with a sauce that actually bites. Croquetas should be crunchy outside and creamy inside. Gambas al ajillo should arrive sizzling in garlic and olive oil.
There is bread. It is how the sauces get finished.
Lalín Tapas in Zürich
Lalín Tapas & More is a Spanish restaurant and tapas bar at Zentralstrasse 111, 8003 Zürich, in the Sihlfeld area of Kreis 3. The menu covers tapas to share, paella and rice dishes, pasta, seafood, meat and desserts, alongside a list of Spanish wines.
Tapas worth ordering
- Patatas bravas — crispy potatoes with spicy brava sauce (CHF 14)
- Croquetas de jamón ibérico — croquettes with Ibérico ham (CHF 16)
- Gambas al ajillo — prawns in olive oil with garlic and chilli (CHF 16)
- Pimientos de Padrón — blistered peppers, some mild, some hot (CHF 16)
- Pulpo a la gallega — Galician octopus with paprika and sea salt (small CHF 24, large CHF 32)
- Calamares a la andaluza — crispy fried squid rings (CHF 16)
- Pan tumaca — bread with tomato, olive oil and sea salt (CHF 12)
For a first visit, the Tapas Variadas (CHF 24, for two or more) is an easy way in: a selection of small tapas to share.
Bread with your tapas
Bread comes with the tapas: one basket for 1–3 tapas, two for 4–6, three for 7–9. An extra basket is CHF 2.
Vegetarian tapas
Patatas bravas, pimientos de Padrón, vegetable tempura and the potato tortilla are all vegetarian, and the Paella Vegetariana (CHF 34) turns them into a full meal.
Opening hours
- Wednesday–Thursday: 17:00–22:30
- Friday: 17:00–00:00
- Saturday: 16:00–00:00
- Sunday: 11:00–22:00
Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Booking
Tables can be booked online up to 60 days ahead, for parties of up to 20. Groups of six or more pay a CHF 20 per person deposit when booking, which is redeemed in full against the bill.