The kitchen closes first
A place can be open until midnight and stop serving food at 21:30.
Dinner Date
Open for your whole window
Guide
Eating late in Switzerland
Many kitchens stop serving around 21:30 or 22:00, even when the bar stays open. Here’s where to look, and how to check before you go.
Why it catches people out
Hours change by day
Many places close early, or all day, on Sundays and Mondays.
Open now isn’t enough
Open at 20:00 doesn’t mean open at 22:30, when you’re still at the table.
Your plan · 19:30–22:30
- Café Closed by then 08:00–19:00
- Restaurant Closes too early 11:30–22:00
- Bar Open all evening 17:00–00:30
- Bistro Open all evening 12:00–23:00
Open now? Three of these. Open for your whole plan? Two. Dinner Date only shows you those two.
Where to look
Zürich
Kreis 4 and 5, around Langstrasse, stay busy latest. The Niederdorf in the old town is the other good bet.
Geneva
Les Pâquis by the lake, Plainpalais and Carouge have the most places open late.
Basel
Kleinbasel along the Rhine, around Rheingasse, and the Steinenvorstadt.
Bern
The old town arcades and the Lorraine quarter.
Opening hours change. Dinner Date checks them for you.
Check in a few taps
- 01
Set your time, for example 21:00–23:00.
- 02
Pick a city and how far you’ll go.
- 03
See only places open the whole time.
Quick answers
What time do restaurants close in Switzerland?
It varies, but many kitchens take last orders around 21:30–22:00 on weekdays. City-centre places often serve later on Fridays and Saturdays.
Can I still get dinner after 22:00?
Yes, in the bigger cities, but the choice is smaller. Head for the busier evening areas and check that the kitchen, not just the bar, is still open.
Is Dinner Date free?
Yes, to start: 10 free searches a month, no account needed.
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