Café Bar ODEON
- from CHF 80
- Ideal for friends, business, a special occasion
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Why go
- Zürich’s first venue to serve champagne by the glass over the counter—the Cüpli.
- Albert Einstein regularly discussed with students from the ETH here.
Opening hours
Today07:00 – 00:00Show all
Good to know
Drinks to try
- Wine and beer are available alongside the full bar.
Atmosphere
- High ceilings, large windows, chandeliers and wooden benches shape the room.
- Today, ODEON is a meeting place for people seeking a break from the pace of city life.
Entry and dress code
- Table service is offered, and orders are available to take away.
- You can pay with American Express, Mastercard or Visa.
- The venue had no curfew.
Shorts
History
Munich restaurateur Josef Schottenhaml ran the café. International newspapers and encyclopedias were available, and patrons often played chess. The cellar housed its own pastry shop; the first floor formerly held a billiards room and a cabaret dancing room where Mata Hari performed. For more than a century, ODEON has welcomed guests; it was once a second home for avant-gardists and dissenters.
- 1909–1911Julius Uster commissioned the Usterhof office and commercial building at the corner of the former Sonnenquai and Rämistrasse.
- 1915Dada artists made the café their regular base.
- 20th centuryWriters, painters and musicians frequented the café, including Stefan Zweig, Franz Werfel and James Joyce. Swiss visitors also included Friedrich Dürrenmatt and Hugo Loetscher.
- 1957Max Frisch and Alfred Andersch first met at the café and later became friends and neighbours.
- 1959Kurt Früh made the film Café Odeon as a tribute to the café’s social scene.
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- early 1970sNearby drug activity affected the café, and rioters partly destroyed its furnishings.
- 1972–1991The building received heritage protection in mid-1972 and the café was renovated. After reopening, the café occupied one third of its former space; the remainder became a boutique, with a pharmacy occupying part of the former café from 1991. The northern entrance closed to improve oversight, leaving access through the western entrance.
Sources: Café Bar Odeon - Wikipedia · Frühstück, Brunch, Lunch & Drinks | ODEON · Die ODEON Geschichte | Geniessen im historische… · checked 24 Sep 2026
- Website
- odeon.ch/de/
- Phone
- +41 44 251 16 50
Plan from here: Night out with friends →
Questions and answers
Are there options for different diets at Café Bar ODEON?
Yes. The menu includes vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.
Does Café Bar ODEON take reservations?
Yes. ODEON accepts reservations.
Does Café Bar ODEON have outdoor seating?
Yes. There is outdoor seating.
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