The story
On Gasometerstrasse in Zurich’s 8005 district, Josef brings together a restaurant, a bar, and a terrace in one confident space. The kitchen focuses on European contemporary cooking that changes with the seasons, and the restaurant earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand for its consistent quality and value.
The menu is built for sharing. A note suggests four plates per person for a normal appetite. Recent dishes include marinated lettuce heart with cucumber and goat cheese foam, a potato roll with crème fraîche and trout roe, and burrata with semi-dried tomatoes, pistachios, and basil. From the stove come a stinging nettle risotto with artichokes and peas, and homemade ricotta-parmesan ravioli in sage butter with caramelised apricots. Fish lovers find cured zander from Lago Maggiore with peach and cedro lemon, while the charcoal grill turns out guinea fowl with zucchini blossom tempura and a Duroc pork chop in butter with fresh vegetable rolls. Desserts lean seasonal: elderflower zabaglione with berry sorbet, Swiss strawberries with mascarpone, or chocolate cake with hazelnut parfait.
A Josef Menu (97 CHF) and a Josef Vegi Menu (95 CHF) offer a curated tasting through the kitchen’s best, from the lettuce heart to a cool elderflower zabaglione.
The bar is open from 16.00, with an early “Schnappero” hour. Over 200 wines are listed by the bottle, with 18 by the glass and a strong Swiss selection of 50 bottles. Natural wine fans will find bottles like Macchiano from La Stoppa or Graue Freyheit from Heinrich. In winter, Friday nights turn into Electric Food Sessions with music and drinks.
When the weather cooperates, the terrace alongside the bar adds an outdoor option for dinner. Josef is open Tuesday to Saturday evenings, closed Sunday and Monday.
Recognition
Ambience
Location