First the staff and atmosphere were super great. The decor is quite kitsch and fun to explore. The Terrasse over the limmat is well located and bright. Service was attentive and accomodating. When it comes to the value of the restaurant, there are a few observations worth mentioning. As it was not a busy evening, it's not likely that quality issues could be attributed to demand. The primary observation is that there are much better places for cordon bleu and other swiss specialties. Although the menus was broad and interesting, the actual entrees themselves were simply lacking love. The pommes were genius...but the bulk of the entrees were only 'hmmm...that's kinda ok'. Nothing earth shattering. Where the value comes into play is that the prices offered do not match the quality of the food. For the price point, again, there are better options in the area. Overall, the experience was good...but it when it comes to an honest assessment of flavor over value, it was slightly dissapointing. Especially given that it was recommended to us as 'the place' for cordon bleu.

Just across a pedestrian bridge from Zurich West we found Gruental.I feel jealous of the residents of this area to have such a cosy, welcoming neighbourhood restaurant. I suspect we were the only out of towners there and certainly no English menu so we had to call on our fairly basic german and take a punt on what we were choosing. But we chose well! Dishes are handwritten in the menu/blackboard and other than a couple that I suspect are there as regulars the chose was very seasonal - so we had stuffed pheasant breast and a rabbit casserole. All accompanied by home made spetzli and a small dish of lovely autumn vegetables- braise red cabbage, a tine roast apple stuffed with what i think may have had almost, chestnuts and some root vegetables.We had to wait quite a while for our food but that was very much because it was a slow cooked dish others who chose dishes such as moules frites were served more quickly. The place is pretty small with stone floors, simple furniture and paper place mats and lots of interesting photographs lining the walls. Very cosy and even on a Thursday evening quite busy so is worth booking. Te wine list was very large with plenty of choice from a wide range of countries and an excellent selection of Swiss wines from different regions. I just wish I could become a regular here! When googling for the restaurant make sure you get the Gruental in Zurich as there is another in nearby Wintertur.