Chefs and Restaurants

Hotel Alex Lake Zurich: The culinary delights of the so-called “Platinum Coast”

April 16, 2025

Curated by James Newlin

Dining at the Hotel Alex Lake Zurich in Thalwil, which enjoys an unobstructed view of the lake, both inside the restaurant and on the large and beautiful terrace illuminated by a vibrant sunset

If the right shore of Lake Zurich is called the “Gold Coast” because, in addition to being the sunny shore, it is also the shore sought after by famous and especially wealthy people for their homes, with prohibitive prices for land and villas, the left shore, on the other hand, has the nickname “Pfnüselküste” which in the Zurich dialect translates to “Schnupfen-Küste”, or the shadier shore, therefore more subject to… colds. In recent times, however, the western shore of Lake Zurich has taken its revenge and is popularly called the “Platinum Coast” due to the great building activity, the moderate tax burden and a wonderful view of the “Gold Coast” up to the Glarus Alps.

It is right here that The Living Circle Group has one of its prestigious hotels, the Alex Lake which is located in the municipality of Thalwil. This five-star hotel boasts a prime location directly on the lake, where you can dock your own boat or be ferried over on the hotel's boat. A great idea, not only for a romantic or business dinner, but also for a breakfast (let's not forget the fresh Bircher muesli and eggs Benedict) or an informal lunch.

In an environment of understated luxury, the Alex restaurant creates a close connection between agriculture and gastronomy, thanks to the high quality of the products coming from the companies of The Living Circle Group, namely the Terreni alla Maggia farm in Ascona, for example for rice, polenta and wines, and the Schlattgut farm in Herrliberg for eggs, cheeses, ice cream, etc. The meat and fish are supplied by suppliers with whom a long relationship of trust has been built over the years.

The cuisine is Mediterranean in style, markedly Italian, innovative while always respecting tradition and seasonality, and the friendly chef Luigi De Gregorio offers refined creations, some of which are worth mentioning such as: Veal with tuna sauce; Octopus and potatoes; in the first courses: Eggplant Parmigiana; Calamarata di Gragnano with clams, calamari and prawns; Filet Rossini style; Milanese cutlet Zanetti selection; for dessert: Tiramisu “Alex Style”; Amalfi tart with almonds, basil and lemon cream etc.

After a hectic and intense day of work in the pulsating Zurich, it is relaxing, before dinner, to treat yourself to an aperitif with a view, a pre or after dinner at the Alex Bar, where master mixologists are always ready to prepare signature cocktails, such as the delicate Last Sin: Rye Whiskey, Italicus, Aperol, Lime; or the virile Sprezzatura: Gin, Dolin Vermouth, Italicus, Luxardo Bitter Bianco, Pompelmo amaro etc., perhaps accompanied with snacks: Tortillas; Plate of cheeses and cured meats etc.

The service at the Alex restaurant is precise and professional, guaranteed by the restaurant manager Cara Schreiber who also covers the indispensable role of sommelière. At this point we take a look at the cellar, an essential element for the success of a meal. The range of labels is wide and well thought out, in which first of all there is space for the wines produced by the Cantina della Fattoria Terreni alla Maggia in Ascona, wines that have obtained numerous awards, starting from the Spumante Brut; the white wine Kerner; the Rosé La Pernice; the reds Il Querceto or Ascona Riserva. The wine list also includes the most accredited wine productions coming not only from Switzerland, but also from France, Italy, Spain, Austria, Germany and the New World.