I'm surprised there's not more on this thread since Zurich is dead on a Sunday from what I've seen and all the expats probably wanna enjoy the city as much on the weekends.
Can anyone recommend anywhere in central Zurich to grab a cheap bite on a Sunday afternoon?
Depends on what you mean by cheap. The Bodega Espanola has a great atmosphere in the downstairs tapas bar and you can order just a few things if you want to keep from spending too much. They also have good wine that can be ordered by the half litre. Wonderful place to relax and hang out for a few hours on a Sunday afternoon. Very laid back.
I am a big fan of burgers and Sunday brunch in general perhaps the best place that I would recommend is Iroquois on Seefeldstrasse, trams 2 and 4 from Belvue will bring you right in front of the restaurant. Does get busy especially in summer so best to call them
So I made the trip to Bodega Espanol this Sunday gone and I have to say it was delightful. The ambience is great, plus the service was top class and the food delicious.
We really enjoyed ourselves.....until the bill came. We had a bottle of the house wine, a starter and dessert to share, and two mains = CHF 170 !!
Unfortunately, I don't have the wonga to visit this establishment for a wee while now
In downtown, many Restaurants are open on Sunday noon, like Johanniter, Zeughauskeller, Weisses Kreuz Stadelhofen, but also in Suburbia, msny ARE open.
If I am not mistaken Cafe Bohemia and Iroquios are part of the same group both are really nice places. The place I think you are referring to is Fischstube, the food is decent but nothing spectacular (considering the prices). However its probably my top spot to have a drink riverside on a nice warm day.
There are two places in the Wollishofen direction - the Fork and Bottle which is a great brunch and lunch place, especially when the sun is shining, and the other is the cheaper Ziegel au Lac beside Rote Fabrik with great views on the lake.