Itameshi in Zurich | Where Japan Meets Italy
If someone asked me, “What’s your favourite restaurant in Zurich?”, one of the first places that comes to mind is Trattoria Neumarkt, located in Niederdorf, the heart of Zurich’s Old Town.
I first came across this restaurant when I visited a pop-up called Cucina Itameshi, which was previously held at the same location.
The name “Itameshi” feels familiar to Japanese people, yet it also sparks curiosity.
Although the Cucina Itameshi pop-up has since come to an end, Trattoria Neumarkt now serves dishes that bring together Japanese and Italian culinary traditions.
The name and concept may have evolved, but the spirit of Itameshi can still be enjoyed here.
What Is Itameshi?
So, what exactly is “Itameshi”?
In Japan, the term “Itameshi” was once a popular, casual way of referring to Italian cuisine. However, the meaning is a little different here.
This interpretation of Itameshi combines Italian cooking with Japanese ingredients, seasonings, and creative ideas, bringing the culinary traditions of Japan and Italy together.
At Trattoria Neumarkt, this fusion of flavours is known as “Japatalian”, a blend of Japanese and Italian cuisine.
Cacio e Pepe, with Udon Noodles
One of the restaurant’s signature dishes is “Udon Cacio e Pepe”, a creative twist on the traditional Roman pasta dish, replacing pasta with Japanese udon noodles.
Made with cheese and black pepper, Cacio e Pepe is a beautifully simple dish. The addition of udon noodles gives it a familiar Japanese touch.
“Cacio e Pepe with udon instead of pasta?”
It might sound unusual at first, but once you try it, you’ll find yourself thinking, “This really works!”
Mazemen: A Personal Favourite
One dish I particularly recommend is the “Mazemen”, a Japanese-style mixed noodle dish.
Combining Japanese noodles with elements of Italian cuisine, this is a dish that truly reflects the restaurant’s unique approach. The first time I tried it, I was pleasantly surprised by its unexpected and refreshing flavours.
What impressed me most was the quality of the noodles themselves. Apparently, they are sourced from a ramen restaurant in Zurich. Their firm, satisfying texture pairs beautifully with the refreshing citrus-based sauce and other ingredients.
The combination of Japanese noodles and Italian culinary influences creates a distinctive flavour experience. It’s this unexpected harmony of flavours that keeps me coming back for more.
Refined Starters Beyond the Noodles
Trattoria Neumarkt has much more to offer than just noodle dishes.
The starters include elegant creations that go beyond what you might expect from a casual Italian restaurant.
Drawing inspiration from both Japanese and Italian culinary traditions, each dish is thoughtfully presented, making the restaurant an appealing choice for a special occasion.
The drinks menu is equally varied. Whether pairing your meal with a glass of wine or enjoying a drink before or after dinner, there are plenty of ways to relax and savour the dining experience.
A Lush Garden and Elegant Interiors
At Trattoria Neumarkt, the atmosphere is just as inviting as the food, offering different settings to suit the season and occasion.
In summer, the garden is a particularly lovely place to visit. Surrounded by greenery in the heart of Zurich’s Old Town, it offers a peaceful, open-air setting for dining and drinks. On a sunny day, enjoying a leisurely meal and good conversation outdoors is one of the pleasures of summer in Zurich.
Inside, the historic character of the building blends with contemporary design. The ground floor features a calm, predominantly white interior, while the upper floor incorporates design elements inspired by both Japan and Italy.
Whether you prefer the relaxed atmosphere of the garden or the elegant comfort of the dining rooms, each setting has its own appeal. From casual meals with friends to dinners for special occasions, Trattoria Neumarkt is a restaurant worth returning to.
End on a Sweet Note with Tiramisu
The tiramisu is a must-try to finish your meal.
If you order it thinking, “Just a little something sweet after dinner,” you might be surprised by the generous portion. Yet its wonderfully light, fluffy texture makes it almost impossible to stop at just one bite. Before you know it, the whole dessert has disappeared.
It has become one of those favourite desserts I simply can't resist ordering whenever I visit.
A Fresh Take on Japanese and Italian Cuisine in Zurich
Living abroad, there are times when you find yourself missing the familiar flavours of Japanese food.
But sometimes, it can be just as exciting to experience those familiar ingredients and flavours in a completely different way, as they come together with another culinary tradition.
Trattoria Neumarkt offers exactly that kind of dining experience.
Italian cuisine with a subtle Japanese touch. Japanese-inspired dishes with unmistakable Italian influences.
This is “Japatalian”, where two culinary traditions come together in creative and unexpected ways.
If you find yourself exploring Zurich’s Old Town, Trattoria Neumarkt is well worth a visit for a taste of this unique fusion of flavours.
Trattoria Neumarkt
Neumarkt 5, 8001 Zurich, Switzerland
Tel: +41 44 244 02 90
Website: https://www.neumarkt-zuerich.ch
About Author
Marina Betschart
Originally from Kobe, Japan, Marina has been living in Switzerland since 2014 and is a mother of two. Her interests range from beauty, health and cooking to parenting, travel, food, languages and camping.
Sociable by nature, she enjoys connecting with people, while also valuing time on her own—whether reading, cooking or watching her favorite TV series.
Drawing on her experiences of life in Switzerland and the discoveries she makes in everyday life, Marina shares a variety of topics in a thoughtful, approachable and easy-to-understand way.
