The Counter

Restaurant · Oberstrass ·

The Counter

Restaurant · Oberstrass ·

Fine dining counter experience with creative, Asian-influenced dishes

Information

Bahnhofplatz 15, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland Get directions

CHF 100+

@michelinguide

48,380 Postcards · 8,030 Cities

The MICHELIN Guide Switzerland 2024: 2 New Two Star Restaurants

"Achieving Two MICHELIN Stars immediately after opening, this urban newcomer in central Zurich seats guests at an eponymous counter beside an open kitchen for a surprise menu of numerous refined, elaborate creations; Mitja Birlo and his well-coordinated team helm the unique modern concept, building on success from his previous 7132 Silver in Vals." - Le Guide MICHELIN

https://guide.michelin.com/en/article/michelin-guide-ceremony/the-michelin-guide-switzerland-2024-2-new-two-star-restaurants

The Counter

@michelinguide

48,380 Postcards · 8,030 Cities

"After a successful stint at two-star restaurant 7132 Silver in Vals, Mitja Birlo has made the move to Zurich. Here, in an impressive building next to the main railway station – a prime city-centre location – he unleashes his cosmopolitan culinary concept. In a relaxed, modern and elegant interior, diners take their seats on comfortable bar chairs at the eponymous counter right next to the open kitchen to observe the creation of a surprise menu of numerous exciting delicacies, some larger, some smaller. One example is their sophisticated take on celeriac: it is served as a roasted slice, as an aromatic purée and as a tower of thinly sliced "celeriac pastrami", finished with a fantastic sauce that exudes the fruity, earthy tones of beetroot and the pleasingly mild spiciness of black pepper. In addition ot excellent wine pairings, there is a high-calibre alcohol-free alternative. The accomplished service team led by Florentina Birlo ensures that everything runs smoothly. Smaller groups can also reserve the Chef's Table." - Michelin Inspector

https://guide.michelin.com/en/zurich-region/zurich/restaurant/the-counter

The Counter

Aurelia F.

Google

Drama worthy of David Lynch. Cuisine executed with depth and dedication. First things first, the textures, richness of color, restraint and passion of the ambiance of The Counter set an extraordinary stage for the drama that is to unfold, supported by a playlist of tones with a thousand stories. The Counter provides a foremost physically and mentally comforting environment without a shred of distraction. On full display are Chef Birlo and the entire team, who generously contribute to the play and interaction throughout. Not wanting to repeat what has already been said about the cuisine, I will simply emphasise the genuine, earnest, bold, and truly outstanding technical execution. The only dish that for me did not fully reflect this was the bread dish, but this could simply be a matter of personal taste. The alcoholic free pairing is the best I have experienced. No pictures as it was a true delight to have been fully present in the moments there.

Giovanni B.

Google

Excellent dining experience, after many (many) Michelin-star restaurants I felt The Counter definitely deserved its spot on the guide! I can't give it 5 stars though for a couple reasons: 1. The quantity of food was the bare minimum for such a tasting course. I feel they could have added at least a second Main (quail + something else, maybe a noble fish) 2. The wine glasses (without wine pairing) were very stingy. The champagne (34/35 chf) was a really little drop. Luckily I don't drink, I would have been pretty pissed off about that. The cuisine otherwise was absolutely excellent. I slightly missed a bit more mousses and reductions, but everything worked very very well together. The dessert was a pretty simple/standard combo of pear and chocolate, but the extra twists made up for its simplicity in flavor associations.

Daniel T.

Google

The Counter in Zurich is a great address for those looking for a more immersive dining experience. Located inside the main station, the restaurant is built around a small dining room with a counter facing the open kitchen, allowing direct interaction with the chef and the team — informal, engaging, and surprisingly intimate given the location. We came for dinner and had the tasting menu with wine pairing. The menu is composed of several small plates, drawing from international cuisines with a clear Asian influence, complemented by other inspirations. Flavour combinations are consistently impressive: sometimes subtle and precise, sometimes bold and expressive, but always well balanced. Each dish feels distinct, and the progression keeps the experience lively from start to finish. Service is a real strength — very friendly, attentive, and genuinely enthusiastic, adding to the overall atmosphere without ever feeling intrusive. The wine pairing works well with the menu and supports the diversity of flavours. It’s certainly not inexpensive, but considering the quality of the food, the interaction with the kitchen, and the overall experience, the price feels justified. A very enjoyable and memorable dinner, and a place I would happily return to.

Aditya S.

Google

Great food, many very unique dishes. Expect heavy East Asian influence. Their seafood was some of the best I've had (especially the caviar). My favorite dish was the shaved ice before the main - creative, refreshing, and delicious.

Philipp M.

Google

I was really skeptical about this place, as I often am when dining out in Zurich; I feel it's hard to justify the return on investment compared to other countries. However, I was pleasantly surprised by this restaurant. The food is simply amazing—very creative and thoughtfully prepared. The tastes and textures are perfectly layered, with nothing too strong or too mild. It's just perfect. The service was excellent as well. The staff was very attentive, knowledgeable, and friendly. The atmosphere is intimate, modern, and comfortable. For me, it's currently the best place in Zurich for fine dining. Don't wait until they get their first or second Michelin star, as prices will likely go up. Go as soon as possible; you won't regret it.

Timothy R.

Google

What a wonderful experience! The ingredients were thoughtful and approachable, the service was friendly and instructive, and the ambiance was perfect. Our sommelier Eva was so knowledgeable and professional, and made the wine experience marvelous. I’d recommend this restaurant over and over again!

Google

Picked my 70th Michelin star here. Can truly recommend. Very creative and tasty dishes, surprising combinations of world cuisines at its finest. Love that every chefs will come and greet you and introduce the dishes. The service is attentive and you can genuinely feel that they like their job and not just to perform the routine - often you meet robot waiters who mumbles to explain the dish quickly so that the tick is done. Here I see that they are truly proud and happy to explain the dish to you. The design of the entire experience is also very good, from the door bell, the ‘salut’, the warm towels at the beginning and cold refreshing towel before dessert. Last but not least, say hi to Sebastian, a young talented chef, at your next visit!

Moshé S

Google

They literally seat you at the counter, but the chairs are super comfortable, and the atmosphere is cozy and intimate. We tried the tasting menu, and it was absolutely spectacular. Luckily, we went on a Saturday for lunch, and there were only five of us dining. Definitely a great experience!