SimSim: Lebanese Mezze and Grills in Oerlikon

What it is

SimSim is a Lebanese restaurant in Zurich’s Oerlikon area, on Schwamendingenstrasse in a built-up residential and business district. It is a full-service dining room rather than a sightseeing stop, and the experience is centred on mezze, grilled dishes, and shared plates. The restaurant sits in the city’s international dining scene, with a clear emphasis on Lebanese and broader Middle Eastern flavours, including vegetarian and vegan options.The setting is urban and functional, with indoor seating and some outdoor tables reported. It is the sort of place people come to for lunch, dinner, or a group meal, not for a long evening of drinks or a destination atmosphere. The appeal lies in the food, the pace, and the ease of fitting it into a normal Zurich day.

Atmosphere and setting

Inside, the mood is informal and welcoming, with a small-to-medium restaurant scale that suits couples, families, solo diners, and groups. The room is not scenic or theatrical; it feels like a neighbourhood restaurant that has built its reputation on consistency and a broad, accessible menu. Service is geared toward a sit-down meal, often with several small dishes arriving in sequence.The surrounding streets are practical rather than picturesque, so the visit feels grounded in everyday Zurich life. That makes SimSim useful for travellers who want a reliable meal away from the city’s more polished central dining rooms. The restaurant’s appeal is especially strong if you want a break from Swiss fare without having to travel far.

What to order and how the visit unfolds

A typical visit starts with a table, then a spread of mezze: dips, salads, and small plates that can be shared across the table. Grilled dishes and heartier mains follow, with the menu designed to suit both light and substantial appetites. The format works well for mixed groups because it allows people to order at different scales without the meal feeling fragmented.Most visits last around an hour for a quick lunch or closer to two hours for a relaxed dinner. Larger groups may stay longer, especially if they are sharing multiple courses. The restaurant is also used for takeaway and event catering, which underlines its practical, food-first identity.

Access, timing, and practical expectations

SimSim is easy to reach by public transport from central Zurich, with Oerlikon station within walking distance and bus and tram links nearby. From the city centre, the journey is usually short and straightforward. Driving is also possible, with parking garages in the area, though public transport is the cleaner option.The busiest times are usually lunch and dinner, especially evenings and weekends. Because this is a restaurant rather than an attraction, the experience is shaped more by opening hours and meal peaks than by season. Weather matters little except if you want to use the outdoor seating. The overall impression is of a dependable urban restaurant with a clear culinary identity and little fuss around the visit.