Zurich is notoriously one of the most expensive cities for dining, but in 2026, several strategies can help you save. The most effective method is to utilize the self-service cafes at major grocery stores like Coop and Migros, or department stores like Manor, where you can find high-quality hot meals for roughly 15 to 22 CHF, compared to 35+ CHF at traditional restaurants. Another great option is "Too Good To Go," a popular app in Zurich that lets you buy "surprise bags" of surplus food from bakeries and restaurants for a fraction of the price. Drinking tap water is also essential; Zurich has over 1,200 public fountains with clean, high-quality water, saving you 4–6 CHF per bottle. Finally, consider a "picnic" dinner by the lake; purchasing local cheeses and bread from a supermarket is a quintessential Swiss experience that costs significantly less than a sit-down meal while offering the best "view" in the city.