Plate smashing may be a traditional sign of satisfaction, and if only this tradition would be continuously practiced today, Delicato would be the place to display the satisfaction of your palate. The breaking of plates may not be acceptable, but that shouldn’t stop you from giving Delicato a try, and see for yourself just how delicious Greek food in Zurich can be.
The restaurant, a family owned business, has been serving Zuri Girls and Guys Greek dishes since January 2005. The initial idea was to immerse guests in the Greek culture and from the moment you are greeted by its white and blue decor you are transported to Greece. Everything about Delicato is Greek! With the exception of locally sourced meat, the authenticity is 100% (even the chef and staff).
Traditionally Greek cuisine was based upon what was believed each Greek God (or Goddess) used to eat. Today, due to integration, this delicious cuisine is based upon a combination of flavors, its geographical nature, and other Mediterranean countries where olives and herbs are found in abundance. Observe the similarities with Eastern European dishes, Indian delicacies and even some Middle Eastern touches as well. This is primarily due to Greece being situated in the middle of it all…along with the exceptional flavors as well!
Healthy living is one of the considerations placed as the restaurant’s priority. When asked about corn oil, the owner innocently blurted out, ‘what is that?’ . Delicato cooks each meal exclusively with extra virgin olive oil and fresh herbs…even their homemade non-oily French fries are fried in extra virgin olive oil. Looking to simply chit chat over some drinks at Delicato? The chef recommends these addicting fries as a snack!
Delicato is one of the few restaurants within Zurich’s main city (an 8 minute walk from Zurich HB), which offers real value for money with main meals costing less than CHF 30. Daily a lunch and dinner buffet is served for only CHF 29 (exception on Saturday when it’s just dinner). This buffet includes an all you can eat meal served with soup as a starter and dessert. There is not a standard buffet menu – it changes daily for maximum freshness and seasonal ingredients.
Local menu favorites include the Gyros Piato (tender sliced pork marinated overnight) and the Mousakas (a healthy version of lasagna with zucchinis, potatoes, beef and no pasta). The meat dishes served are a real delight, but Delicato caters to vegetarians as well, offering a broad selection of vegetarian meals.
How good is the food? In 2005, Delicato was awarded 2nd place for “Best of Swiss Gastro” and has been nominated 5 times since – always in the running for top 10. Service plays a vital role, as the staff is genuinely welcoming and always wears a smile.
Zuri Girl Recommendations: Do try their organic grape leaves filled with rice and herbs, as this tiny delight is served with a bolster of flavours! It is a good snack to have over a nice selection of summer wine or coffee with girlfriends. Fava is Greek served humus with peas crushed with lemon juice, onions, fresh parsley and olive oil, which is a fresh delight compared to traditional Lebanese humus. This is a good side dish to order along with a main hearty meal. As for the dips, we recommend ordering the eggplant dip, called Melitzanosalata, which goes with just about anything and is even great on its own. Last but not least, is the tasty traditional Greek coffee, with excellent serving presentation and uniquely delicious flavors after a big meal.
The wine selection is all-Greek as you can imagine! If you have not tried Greek wine, this is the best place to explore. You may want to try the dessert wine Samos that is very sweet and not dry. It goes down easily with the food. For a stronger selection, ask for Tentura, a digestif wine based on a 500-year-old recipe. It has a lovely cinnamon taste that bursts onto your palate.
Delicato is perfect for either takeaway, delivery and catering for all kinds of functions, be it corporate or a private apero. Do book in advance, as they are usually very busy for dinner.
Enjoy your taste of Greece in the city of Zurich!
Delicato – Real Greek Taste
Uraniastrasse 40, 8001 Zurich (map)
Website . Tel: +41 43 344 8549
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Article & Photo Credits: Zuri Girl Claudia. For the inside scoop on dining experiences and beautiful photography to match, visit Claudia’s blog.
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