Venus Bistro

Article in collaboration with the team at Venus Bistro

Eating with soil awareness

A Neighborhood Spot with Heart

Housed in a heritage-listed former cinema right in the center of Oerlikon, Venus Bistro is something special. It offers a welcome change from the many chains that have popped up around the neighborhood in recent years. Venus Bistro isn’t only about food, it’s brought new life to a part of Oerlikon. Born out of the local community, carefully renovated with passion, and opened in September 2021, it has quickly become a lively gathering place for neighbors and visitors alike.

The kitchen team, led by Chris Züger, brings creativity and a strong sense of responsibility to every plate. At the heart of the menu is the evening service, featuring a seasonally changing à la carte selection and the popular Surprise Menu. This reasonably priced option allows the team to cook with the freshest seasonal ingredients while keeping food waste to a minimum. Lunchtime has its own appeal as well: three weekly rotating lunch menus draw guests from near and far for a midday bite at the bistro. Here as well, the focus is on clever, fresh, and creative cuisine.

Saturdays at Venus Bistro have a warm, family feel. The popular breakfast offer has something for everyone — while the grown-ups relax and enjoy their meal, the little ones dance to their own tunes at the kids’ disco. Another highlight is the Exkino Bar, open from September to May. Located in the atmospheric foyer of the former adult cinema, it’s full of faded charm and character. With its dim lighting, vintage flair, and creative cocktail selection, it’s the perfect place to round off the evening in style.

© July 2025 – Photos: nomnom

FOCUS TOPICS

IN THE KITCHEN

Seasonal and Regional Cuisine

At Venus Bistro, the kitchen is guided by the rhythms of the seasons and the local landscape. The menu changes monthly, inspired by what nature currently has to offer. The team often heads out themselves to forage for ingredients—like wild garlic in spring or mushrooms in autumn.

Food Waste and Ingredient Utilization

Food waste is actively reduced through the Surprise Menu, which is created flexibly from the ingredients already on hand. This approach supports a sustainable way of cooking that conserves resources and ensures that little goes to waste.

Use of Fresh and Minimally Processed Ingredients

Great importance is placed on using fresh and minimally processed ingredients. Many of the components are made in-house, from scratch. Mustards, pickled and fermented specialties, spice pastes, and sauces are all crafted directly in the kitchen.

Vegetarian and Plant-Based Cuisine

Vegetarian dishes are just as central to the menu as those with meat. Plant-based alternatives are often homemade, such as the house-made seitan. Whether for lunch or dinner, guests can always expect a balanced selection of both vegetarian and meat-based options.

Whole Animal Utilization

Respect for animals starts with choosing the right producers and continues in the kitchen. Meat is sourced from the local neighborhood butcher or directly from hunters, especially during game season. The annual Metzgete highlights the “nose to tail” philosophy, which also informs everyday practices—striving to use as much of the animal as possible.

IN THE RESTAURANT

Partnerships with Local Associations

In addition to serving quality food, the bistro also offers a varied cultural program. A highlight are the comedy evenings under the motto “Laughter Instead of Groans,” featuring both well-known comedians and emerging talents. These events foster a lively, inclusive atmosphere, making the bistro a cultural meeting point in the neighborhood.

Sustainable Containers for Taking Leftovers Home

Leftover food is packed in sustainable containers from Naturesse. Made from renewable raw materials such as sugarcane, palm leaf, or bamboo, these containers are entirely plastic-free. They meet the highest standards for functionality, design, and food safety.

Respectful Work Environment, Fair Pay, and Staff Well-being

At Venus Bistro, the well-being of the team is a top priority. Fair wages, two guaranteed days off each week, and no split shifts are standard practice. The bistro also remains closed on many public holidays to ensure rest and recovery. A flat hierarchy and a culture of mutual respect contribute to a working environment where everyone feels valued.

Sustainability in Kitchen and Restaurant Furnishings

Sustainability is not only practiced in the kitchen, but also reflected in the interior design. Many pieces of furniture are sourced through upcycling, second-hand platforms, or contributed by staff. Even the spaghetti chairs on the terrace were bought used and carefully reupholstered. New purchases are made only when truly necessary.

THEIR PRODUCERS

  • Metzgerei Zanetti

    Metzgerei Zanetti is a traditional family-run business from the Puschlav region with a history spanning over 100 years. The company specializes in regional meat and game-meat delicacies. Sourced from the highlands of Poschiavo, their products reflect natural freshness and artisanal quality. These are crafted in a modern production facility in Ramosch, using time-honored recipes and ingredients supplied by local farmers and hunters. Their game specialties and the renowned Mortadella di Poschiavo are especially popular. Zanetti is also an active member of the graubündenVIVA network, which represents the finest culinary products of the region.
  • EggField

    EggField is a Zurich-based food tech start-up that develops plant-based egg alternatives for the food industry and gastronomy sector. Its products are made from natural ingredients such as aquafaba derived from legumes and are free from soy and artificial additives. They offer the functional properties of eggs—such as binding, foaming, and emulsifying—in a sustainable and allergen-free form.

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