El Alebrije

We had an incredible experience at El Alebrije. The surprise menu consisted of five courses, all of which were outstanding and full of flavor. Unlike in some other restaurants with a similar concept, the portions were nicely sized. We left very satisfied, but not overly full. Miguel, the owner, was an excellent host and checked on us frequently to make sure we had everything we needed. He was very attentive and created a very nice atmosphere. We will definitely go back. It's probably the best Mexican restaurant in Zurich.

- Alina Meletta -

In Zurich’s bustling culinary scene, El Alebrije stands out with its masterfully presented Mexican cuisine. The passion and dedication of the chef and his wife are palpable from the moment you step in. Every ingredient is meticulously chosen, every dish prepared with an eye for detail. The five-course tasting menu is a sensory experience, worth every franc. The drinks are particularly noteworthy – a true explosion of flavors that perfectly complement the culinary journey. Each cocktail is a small masterpiece, capturing the essence of Mexican flavors in their purest form. The intimate atmosphere, facilitated by the limited guest number of just twelve, allows for the full appreciation of each exquisite dish. It feels almost like a private dining club, where every guest is treated like a VIP. I can’t wait to return and be transported once again into this culinary world. Hasta la próxima, saludos!

- Marcel Rapold -

Had a fantastic experience at El Alebrije tonight and am actually somewhat surprised by some of the reviews I read as I went to post this. As a Californian who has been in Europe for a month, I was craving some comfort food and really was satisfied by the Mexican cuisine at El Alebrije. The jalapeno margarita was on point, the flautas were on par with what I would expect from a local food truck at home (a good thing!) and the pescado was well seasoned (and the owner Miguel was incredibly kind and brought me homemade blue corn tortillas to make the plate my own). I also really appreciated the trio of salsas - reminded me of my fave taqueria in SF and each salsa had a truly different flavor profile and level of spice. They also all paired nicely with the dishes, which isn't always the case with a salsa bar. For what it's worth, I had the opposite experience of many of the other commenters and felt that service was more than adequate - my order was taken immediately, menu choices were described clearly even with a language barrier, I was checked on multiple times, and I didn't have to wait at all for a second drink order or to get the bill. Maybe it's because I've been in some more "relaxed" parts of Europe for the past month, but this was by far the most attentive service I've had in weeks. The vibe is good, ambiance trendy and it felt like a "less explored" neighborhood of Zurich - would absolutely recommend. For any Americans out there, it isn't going to be your classic huge menu / Tex Mex fajitas a la Chuy's or Cozymel's (nor is it purporting to be!), but it is going to be similar to what you'd get at an authentic Oaxacan place in NYC or LA.

- Celina Stewart -