Daily commitment to perfection
The Kronenhalle is a Zurich institution – and the welcoming, familial and stimulating atmosphere its trademark. We recreate this atmosphere on a daily basis through perfect teamwork. We give every guest the same degree of attention, respond to specific requests and offer personal service in all matters involving our outstanding cuisine.
Hulda Zumsteg (1890–1985)
Restaurateur with heart and know-how
The Kronenhalle is associated with Zurich just as strongly as the Grossmünster church or Freitag bags. It is a Zurich institution, a legend. And just as legendary is the personality who made the Kronenhalle such an unparalleled restaurant: Hulda Zumsteg. In 1924 she and her husband took over a derelict hotel on Bellevue Square and turned it into what the Kronenhalle still is to this day: a popular meeting spot with a unique ambience – and serving food that is as outstanding as it is down-to-earth. This life’s work was the product of a perfect mix of entrepreneurial spirit, hospitality, hard work, tenacity and a special affinity for up-market fare. Hulda was more than just a beloved hostess. She was also a prized employer who was able to keep her staff with her at the business for many years. This gave rise to a familial atmosphere, one in which artists from around the world also felt at home.
Gustav Zumsteg (1915–2005)
Dedicated art broker
When Hulda Zumsteg’s husband Gottlieb died in 1958, she was able to convince her son Gustav to come back to work at the family catering business. Gustav had been working in Paris as a silk trader while also making a name for himself as an art collector. With his close contacts in the art and fashion world, he laid the groundwork for a new era at the Kronenhalle: Once the walls in his apartment above the restaurant were no longer able to hold all of his works, he expanded the gallery into the building’s other rooms. Over the years, the walls of the Kronenhalle also began to fill up with collectable art – and valuable gifts: To express their thanks for the inimitable Kronenhalle experience, many painters gave the restaurant a specially dedicated painting.
After the death of his mother in 1985, Gustav took over the Kronenhalle as the sole owner, established a foundation and continued to work as a collector and broker of fine art.
The Hulda and Gustav Zumsteg Foundation
In 1985 Hulda’s son, Gustav Zumsteg, established the Hulda and Gustav Zumsteg Foundation to honour the memory of his mother, who died the same year. The foundation aims to provide long-term support for deserving projects and initiatives in the fields of fine art, gastronomy and textile production.
A glorious past
The year was 1924 when Hulda and her husband Gottlieb Zumsteg took over the derelict Hôtel de la Couronne on Zurich’s Bellevue Square and reopened it as the restaurant Kronenhalle. Under the stewardship of the legendary restaurateur, the locale soon became a meeting spot for writers, artists and members of high society, such as James Joyce, Coco Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, Marc Chagall, Federico Fellini, Max Frisch, Friedrich Dürrenmatt and Carl Zuckmayer.
Team spirit
We are carrying on the legacy of Hulda and Gustav Zumsteg, managing the Kronenhalle in their spirit. Our 85 employees strive each and every day to ensure that our guests enjoy an unmatched dining experience. The familial bond of our team means that most Kronenhalle employees stay with us for many years. At the same time, the low turnover in our team is one of the reasons why our guests feel appreciated and at home – which has always had a discernibly positive impact on the work at the front of the house as well as behind the scenes.