A Vegetarian's Guide To Switzerland

Today, it's easier than ever to find plant-based meals in the Alpine country

- Prachi Joshi

When a certain Ambrosius Hiltl took over the Vegetarierheim and Abstinence-Café in Zurich, and gave it his name, little did he know that he was creating history. As the Guinness-certified oldest, continuously operating vegetarian restaurant in the world, Haus Hiltl may have been an anomaly in Swiss gastronomy in the late 19th century. But, in today's health-conscious world, it is on point.

Across Switzerland, from casual bistros to fine dines and even Michelin-starred restaurants, Swiss chefs have stepped up to the plate and are pushing the envelope with vegetarian dining. According to a recent report by The Eco Experts, a London-based consultancy that advises consumers on the most cost-and energy-efficient ways of going green, Switzerland has the highest density of vegetarian-friendly restaurants in Europe, with 165.94 places per 1,00,000 people. Here's our pick of 11 restaurants where vegetables are the stars of the show.

CHESA STÜVA COLANI, MADULAIN