Blinde Kuh — Restaurant in Zurich

I was very against going to this restaurant, where you eat in pitch-black darkness. I was afraid I would have to eat undefined stuff or …

The reception is very friendly. You are explained how it works and then you wait to be picked up by one of the waiters/waitresses. They lead you into the darkness (darker than the universe, as you are not even allowed to keep your wrist watch on, phones anyway need to stay looked up in the entrance area). There is plenty of space even if you need to share a table – since you don’t see who is sitting next to you it is not an issue as you won’t touch them. It is fun to jointly figure out what you are eating. Not having anything to see or distract you with, I felt you can concentrate more on your party which lead to a very nice talk and evening. The food is very tasty and cleaning the plate becomes a tactile game (without your tongue that is!). Service is attentive and very considerate. It was surprising how quickly time went by when you have no references, enjoy good food and are totally focused on your company.

The surprise menu was very good but I would have had wanted a different main course (like filet). There is also a vegetarian menu. The idea of guessing what you are eating is quite funny but if you’re going as couple you could also secretly order the starter and dessert for the other half to keep some surprise level. Hint: as you are sitting in darkness, go well rested as the darkness will trigger your sleep mode. Another hint: go when they open, this gives you a bit more attention and a better experience as when it is completely crowded.

As you can tell, I will go back there as the experience is unique and gives the conversations a...

Good for them that the restaurant is fully in the dark, because what was in our plate was canteen level. Don't get me wrong: it is not dreadful, but it is also not worth over 100 chf per person for a "surprise menu" consisting of a soup, a mixed leaf salad bathing in sauce, a bit of beef, and an apple strudel.

What I think everyone expects from a blind restaurant is to be surprised with textures, temperatures and tastes. I know very few people who primarily go to such a place to experience what it's like to have a disability while eating regular, poor quality food. From my own, personal experience: there was nothing surprising from the surprise menu, and my sense of taste was left as blind as my vision. After a 3 hours long experience from A to Z (only 4 servings), the only thing I wanted was to leave as soon as possible.

When it comes to the service, it was ok (maybe too much apologies because "it's a long day"). Although we had to wait at least 30min in a room without chairs before getting seated because some other group was smoking a cigarette. Apparently the restaurant processes and the staff disability don't allow them for sitting people in an order that makes sense to the customers, which is unfortunate. I'm sure they can...

A really special one-of-a-kind experience! We booked the Table for Two to celebrate my boyfriend's name day so we did not know ahead what food we get, we just knew it will be 4 courses and an aperitif. At the reception, were were asked to put all our stuff into a locker (also watches if they emit any light) and then our amazing waiter Jean guided us through two heavy curtains into the total darkness of the restaurant to our table. The food was top-quality, really delicious and filling (I will not reveal here what we had since it is a surprise menu :)). I also imagine it was nicely served on the plate, I used my fingers to study the food before I used the cutlery to eat. They actually expect that you will touch you food because at the end we got wet towels to clean our hands so don't be afraid - no one can see you :) Then, we payed at the reception and we got a nicely sealed paper with the actual menu that we had, and also a nice gift! Thank you so much for such a great evening, I think I won't remember any meal more than these. And I will definitely recommend this place to...