Lake Side, Zurich: lakeshore dining with terrace views

What it is

Lake Side is a lakeside restaurant and event venue at Bellerivestrasse 170 on Zurich’s eastern shore. It is best understood as a waterfront dining room with a terrace, bar service, and banquet capacity rather than a casual neighbourhood stop. The menu leans toward sushi and seafood, with Sunday brunch and longer meal sittings forming much of the appeal.

Setting and atmosphere

The restaurant sits directly on Lake Zurich, with open water views, promenade activity, and a broad horizon rather than dramatic mountain scenery. The mood is polished and social, with a premium leisure feel that suits drinks before dinner, a long lunch, or an evening meal. In warm weather, the terrace and upper-floor lounge become the main draw; in colder months, the experience is more contained and restaurant-focused.

How a visit unfolds

Most visitors come for a proper sit-down meal, not a quick stop. You arrive, settle into an indoor table or terrace seat, and let the setting do the pacing. Brunch and lunch tend to feel relaxed and daylight-driven, while dinner can turn more formal or celebratory, especially when groups or private events are in play. Because the venue also functions as an event hall, the atmosphere can shift depending on bookings and season.

Getting there and what to expect

Access is straightforward by public transport from central Zurich, with tram, bus, S-Bahn, and boat connections all realistic options. Walking from Bellevue or Seefeld is possible but takes time along the lakeshore. Cycling is practical too. Driving is possible, with parking in front, though roadworks and local restrictions in the Bellerivestrasse area can affect car access, so public transport is the safer choice. Expect a premium price level, a meal-length visit, and a setting that works best when the weather is clear enough to make the lakefront feel open.

Who it suits

Lake Side works well for couples, business meals, groups, and visitors who want a waterfront setting with a proper restaurant rather than a sightseeing stop. It is less suitable for budget travellers or anyone looking for a low-key, spontaneous snack. The strongest reason to come is simple: the combination of direct lake frontage, terrace dining, and a well-run social dining room is hard to replicate elsewhere in the city.