Royal Panda - Lunch Buffet - Lunch Take Away ab 8 CHF — Restaurant in Zurich

This is a small restaurant located in Kreuzplatz, close to Stadelhofen. Its location is not great because it's hidden from sight unless you are standing on Zollikerstrasse. As mentioned, it's a small restaurant that probably accommodates up to 30 guests - however, most tables are extremely close to each other and, unless you are lucky enough to be seated at one of the corner tables, you won't have much privacy. With the unavoidable noise from other diners and the busy staff, don't expect a relaxing experience.

The main draw is the "A Discrétion's" buffet which is offered from Monday to Saturday. The Saturday offering is not seen anywhere else in Zurich. The prices for such a buffet are very competitive. However, expect prices for drinks that are slightly higher than the Swiss average. The buffet selection is not bad but not amazing, with four meat options (beef, chicken and pork) out of a total of 10-12 choices. However, dessert is restricted to water melon only. The main problem with the buffet is partly due to the size of the restaurant. They don't have the proper buffet stands, and instead, use a few tables to place metal containers that are kept warm by portable heaters. The arrangement is situated in a way that allows staff to refill on one side, and for guests to self serve on the other. However, there is very little room when there are more than 5 guests at the same time. The rate of refill depends on the number of guests. The restaurant was full when we were there, and the kitchen struggled to keep up. Service-wise, the manager deserves 10/5 stars. He is very welcoming and friendly to each guest whilst having to multi task. We witnessed him being everywhere and constantly giving instructions to other service staff as well as the kitchen. We were really in awe of how much he had to shoulder. Sadly, the same could not be said about his male staff, whose service quality was more akin to the bog-standard service one sees in a no-frills snack cafeteria in Asia. Indeed, it is hard to rate the service in light of this dichotomy.

To be honest, I feel that most diners (us included) are here to fill their bellies and are not too bothered about the ambience. Having a buffet on a Saturday will doubtless keep the...

Having had the pleasure of dining at Royal Panda on Kreuzplatz, I can genuinely say it's a gem that stands out in Zurich's vibrant culinary scene. My experience was nothing short of fantastic, offering an authentic taste of Chinese cuisine that transported me far from the city's streets. The first thing that strikes you upon entering is the warm and inviting atmosphere. While the interior might not be classified as "fine dining" in the traditional sense, its cozy and unpretentious charm is exactly what makes it so appealing. The decor creates a relaxed and comfortable setting, making it perfect for a casual dinner with friends or a family meal. The true star of the show, however, is undoubtedly the food. I've heard great things about their hotpot, but on this particular visit, I delved into their à la carte menu. Every dish we ordered was a masterpiece of flavor and texture. The ingredients were incredibly fresh, and the attention to detail in the preparation was evident in every bite. I highly recommend the Szechuan pork, which was perfectly spiced with just the right amount of heat to tantalize the taste buds without being overwhelming. The dim sum selection was also a highlight, each dumpling a delicate and delicious parcel of goodness. What really sealed the deal for me was the service. The staff were friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable, offering excellent recommendations and ensuring our glasses were never empty. They were also very patient in explaining the dishes and their ingredients, which was a great help in navigating the extensive menu. It's clear that Royal Panda has a loyal following for a reason. The quality of the food is consistently high, the portions are generous, and the value for money is excellent, especially for Zurich. It’s the kind of place you feel good about returning to again and again. For anyone in the Kreuzplatz area, or even those willing to travel a bit for authentic Chinese food, Royal Panda is a must-visit. Whether you're a connoisseur of Asian cuisine or simply looking for a delicious and satisfying meal, this restaurant will not disappoint. It's a wonderful taste of China right here in Zurich, and I'll certainly be back soon to...

Delicious Chinese restaurant with incredibly welcoming staff. Best of all: authentic, spicy hotpot!

Opened this month (Oct, 2022), we visited Royal Panda on a weekday night to try out their hot pot. It was amazing. Not only the Szechuan style hotpot is actually very spicy, instead of other water-downed versions, it tastes genuinely well. One meat and vegetables plate was good for two people (though we don't eat a lot). There was a nice vibe, with quite a few people for a Tuesday, but still enough room to not need booking in advance.

The service was incredibly attentive and friendly. The owner came by to ask if everything was fine. They were so kind that, as they saw us struggling with how spicy it was, they changed half of the hotpot from Szechuan to classic soup. They made us feel welcome.

Prices are slightly higher than other Chinese restaurants, but on par with most Zurich places. Without starters, the hotpot was more than a fair deal (one meat + veggies plate 48 CHF). Quality of food and service makes it more than worth it, in my opinion.

Strongly recommend. Can't wait to be back and taste...