Next Thursday I have a business visitor / friend stopping in Zurich airport the whole day. We are meeting at the airport, and I was waiting for good weather to take him up a mountain. I am seeing this is likely not going to happen.
Now, the next possibility to give him a taste of Switzerland on a rainy day is to take him to a typical Swiss restaurant for a nice lunch - both food and decoration/ambiance. Something we can reach easily in public transportation - maybe in downtown Zurich so we can quickly take a train from the airport. Any recommendations?
Looking at web page, that's a Parisian restaurant. He has never come to Switzerland so now that I can't take him to the mountains (according to forecast) would like something typical he can have a fondue or whatever in Zurich).
Forgot to mention - small company, so budget is a consideration (not taking him to McDonalds but within 100chf both of us would be ok).
If you want a typical Zurich restaurant, take him to Hiltl. For Swiss cuisine, go to Alpenrose (Kreis 5). For the cliché Swiss cuisne, there's Swiss Chuchi in Niederdorf. The local secrets, near the airport an easy to reach by public transport: http://www.wirtschaft-ziegelhuette.ch/ and http://www.hirschenschwamendingen.ch/
My choice for typical Swiss in Zurich would be Zeughauskeller. May look a bit touristy but a lot of locals go there too. Location is right at paradeplatz, price is reasonable, they have a good selection of beers, bratwurst and other typical swiss comfy food. Atmosphere is fun, lively, and its like in a swiss castle given the wood and decor. Have always had a good and fun time there!
Zeughauskeller is great for showing tourists. We have been there many times and the atmosphere is good. However, it is always crowded and noisy so if you are looking for a nice and quiet place for conversation (or business ideas), then find something else. There you will have to shout to talk.