Weird, when you end up paying more for the menu than ordering the single dishes: Restaurant Püente (17. October 2023)
It’s a bit ago since I’ve last been to the Püente, and I was not really blown away the last time. But after a good three years, I figured I should give it another try. We went for the “Menu Sorpresa – 5 Platos” (CHF 85.00 per person), which started with some “bread and spread”, which was rather lovely. I mean, all in all, the bread was nice and the different kinds of slaw and spread were nice. In terms of how much you get from what, the ratio ‘bread vs. spread’ was off. I mean, there was so much butter, spread, and slaw left after the two tiny pieces of bread had been eaten, that it just felt off.
The first course of the evening was the “pulpo al olivo (octopus slices topped with kalamata dressing, rocoto, avocado, and crunchy yucca)” (usually CHF 26.00), which they had specifically prepared for my pregnant friend, since all was properly cooked and there was no raw seafood or meat.
I had enjoyed the “ceviche de la abuela (white fish marinated in ‘leche de tigre’ served with mashed sweet potatoes and cherry tomato, crispy Zarandajas beans)” (usually CHF 28.00) in the meanwhile, which was rather tasty. So, my concerns regarding the previous experience at the Püënte were nullified.
The next course was absolutely down my alley. The “sanguchito peruano (Chinese bun with smoked crispy pork belly, topped with pickled vegetables and Rocoto-mayonnaise)” (usually CHF 20.00) was like OMG. I mean, good pork belly is a blessing, and this one truly was good. Sure, a bit on the very crispy side of things, but man it went all so well together. I was hyped.
Then, it was time for the main course, the “arroz con marisco y pescado (rice paella with scallops and grilled fish, garnished with chalaquita and fermented rocoto mayonnaise)” (usually CHF 40.00) and while this was okay, it did not reach the same level of quality and didn’t cause the same level of satisfaction as the previous dishes. It tasted too much like sea.
The last course was the “ossobuco de vaca (beef ossobucco cooked in its own juice from its marrow, served with a wheat risotto with manchego cheese)” (usually CHF 42.00), which was definitely too much in terms of amount of food, but I must say, I liked it quite a bit. Especially, the little side with salad in a sauce was exquisite.
The waiter did an amazing job at attending us. He was super attentive, super friendly, and really made us feel like we were liked as guests. Besides the not entirely optimal main course, the only thing, which bothered me was the fact that if you add up all the dishes, it is cheaper if you buy them individually than if you order the five-course menu. I mean, if you add up CHF 26.00 + CHF 28.00 + CHF 20.00 + CHF 40.00 + CHF 42.00, you end up with CHF 156.00. If you add CHF 85.00 + CHF 85.00, you end up with CHF 170.00. So, you end up paying MORE when you take the menu?! Honestly, not cool!
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Contact Details:
Restaurant Püente
Baumgasse 10
8005 Zürich (CH)
Tel.: +41 44 869 00 00
Homepage: http://www.puente.ch
About the Author: Sven
I started the blog in October 2009, while living in Milan which I definitely consider to be one of the food capitals of the world. I was in touch with food since my early childhood (as my father is a former chef). Whenever I can, I travel the world to discover new places, to meet people but mostly to try local dishes and to find hidden gems! If you know a place worth going, please drop a line to: info@thediningexperience.org.
Currently, I am a member of the following food-related associations: Chevalier @Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Zurich-Ville; Membre Gourmet Dégustateur @Ordre Mondial des Gourmets Dégustateurs [OMGD]; Gesellschafter @Goldener Fisch and Member @Slowfood Convivium Zurich City. 
