Housed within a beautifully preserved 13th- century building in Zurich’s Old Town, Café & Conditorei 1842 has earned a loyal following for its signature erdbeertörtli (top right). These delicate strawberry tartlets, inspired by traditional French patisserie and perfected in Switzerland in the early 20th century, showcase the Swiss talent for elevating the simple to the sublime. An erdbeertörtli relies on precise technique and high-quality ingredients: buttery shortcrust, silky pastry cream and sweet, sun-ripened strawberries. It’s a treat best enjoyed with a cappucino or hot chocolate. Other tempting offerings include crumbly
streusel cakes, croissants and seasonal pastries, all served on the first floor in a series of cosy salons with gilded mirrors, velvet chairs and dark wood panelling. Then, when the weather warms, travellers can retreat to the cafe’s patio, shaded by red parasols and tucked behind leafy greenery.