Kokoroko and Yu-An - Personal Best Japanese Restaurants in Zürich

This blog is not about technology, but about another hobby I love: food.

Today, I'll write about two Japanese restaurants that can be found in Zürich. They are, to say the least: amazing.
There are few restaurants I can recommend as wholeheartedly as these two (well, assuming you like Japanese cuisine).

Restaurant Ratings at a Glance

Kokoroko

• Food: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.8/5)
• Atmosphere: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5)
• Service: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.7/5)
• Special mention: 5/5 when waitress J. is around!

Yu-An

• Food: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.7/5)
• Atmosphere: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5)
• Service: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5)

Kokoroko

Kokoroko was my found gem back in 2017 when I was still a student and wanted to have Japanese food, as I was not yet able to travel to Japan (poor student's problems 😉).
I loved the cute and small atmosphere of the restaurant. While prices are exorbitant in Zürich in general, it's more fairly priced than many other restaurants in the city.

This restaurant became my go-to recommendation for many friends and family, and over the years until 2024, it became so well known that you really need to book in advance if you want to dine there. Lunch is still easier to get a table spontaneously, but menus at lunch are a little different (more bento and donburi style). If you want to go with 4 or more people, be sure to check in advance, especially on weekends, as Zürich has seen crazy population growth in recent years and most restaurants need booking nowadays.

There is nothing I wouldn't recommend from their menu (or the seasonal menu - take at least one dish if they have one), but if I had to pick one of my all-time favorite dishes, it would be: Salmon "Teriyaki Cream". Get a portion of rice with it, and enjoy - for me, this is heaven.
And also a huge shout-out to their waiters, super friendly and fun.

Yu-An

Yu-An is similar in atmosphere and service quality to Kokoroko, but it's not yet as booked out (and if you check their websites, you'll see they have some similarities).
The main difference at Yu-An is that they specialize in sushi and sashimi. While Kokoroko has some sushi and they're really good, the sushi at Yu-An is more 'spectacular' and you have many more choices. They also have some great starters, and if they have a seasonal menu or special sushi not on their main menu, again don't hesitate to pick at least one.

Final Thoughts

I've since been to Japan for an extended period (the benefits of not being a student anymore), and I enjoyed many foods that can't be compared to anything found in Switzerland. However, these two restaurants do hold their own. While they might have some Westernized style - after all, we're not in Japan - they do a good job preserving many of the authentic tastes while giving them a little twist to make them more locally appealing.

So whether you're a Zürich local looking for your new favorite spot, or a visitor seeking something beyond traditional Swiss fare, both Kokoroko and Yu-An offer a delightful escape into Japanese cuisine. And while I can't promise you'll find the exact same experience as eating ramen in a tiny Tokyo alley or sushi at the Tsukiji market, I can guarantee you'll find something special here. Just remember to book ahead at Kokoroko - your taste buds will thank you for the planning!