A Riviera Revival on the Shores of Lake Zurich

Perched on the shores of Lake Zurich in the charming town of Kilchberg, Chez Fritz serves up more than just culinary flair—it delivers a dining experience infused with heritage, elegance, and panoramic views.

The beloved lakeside restaurant in Kilchberg, Switzerland, reopens this summer with a new interior by Zurich-based designer and architect Ina Rinderknecht. The reimagined space invites guests into a setting that feels both elevated and effortless — bathed in natural light, grounded in craftsmanship, and quietly infused with a sense of place.

At the heart of this transformation is Ina Rinderknecht’s signature design approach: subtle rather than ostentatious, contemporary yet rooted in memory, where every detail plays a role in shaping atmosphere.

Reimagining a Local Favourite

Originally built in 1963, Chez Fritz has long been a cherished part of the Kilchberg shoreline. Now, it enters a new era—honouring the original pavilion structure while embracing a fresh, modern character. The restaurant’s clean architectural lines and generous windows have been enhanced to blur the boundary between interior and lake.

Inside, pale limestone floors evoke sun-washed Mediterranean terraces. Cold-pressed tiles crafted from raw and recycled materials form a graphic rhythm on the terrace. Bronze accents catch the shifting daylight, while warm woods and tactile textiles introduce softness and depth.

Lake-Inspired Interiors

Ina Rinderknecht drew her palette and proportions from the lake itself—its ever-changing light, muted tones, and expansive calm. A refined spectrum of cool greens, mineral hues and soft neutrals flows through the space, connecting indoors and out.

Quartzite dining tables in Emerald Jadore reflect the water’s surface. Upholstered benches in striped Dedar fabric recall mid-century beach clubs, reinterpreted with contemporary restraint. Custom pieces—such as deep green Douglas fir cabinetry and handcrafted service stations framed by translucent glass bricks—anchor the space with quiet individuality.

From limestone underfoot to the layered softness of curtains and cushions, each material contributes to a sense of warmth and belonging, whether under summer sun or in the quiet of colder months.

Quiet Design

Throughout the restaurant, Ina Rinderknecht’s guiding principle is clarity over spectacle. Ceiling beams once considered visually disruptive have been subtly rebalanced throug proportion and placement. Spaces are zoned intuitively, allowing guests to move through them naturally – uninterrupted, yet gently guided.

“Design should support the rhythm of a place,” says Ina Rinderknecht. “It should carry the guest quietly, without needing to announce itself.”

Heritage Held Close

Chez Fritz remains a family affair. Founded by the grandparents of co-owners Elios and Ermes Elsener, the restaurant has long been part of their lives—and that deep connection resonates in the new interior. From curated lighting and custom furniture to the restoration of original structural details, every choice reflects care, continuity, and character.

A Partnership Built on Trust

The redesign was shaped by a close collaboration between Ina Rinderknecht and the Elsener family. “It felt like working with family,” says Ina Rinderknecht. “The passion and trust behind the project allowed us to create something that transcends the commercial. It feels lived-in—real.”

A Table Set for the Mediterranean

The space now serves as a graceful stage for the cuisine of Head Chef Igino Bruni, whose menu reflects a clean, contemporary take on Mediterranean classics—infused with Swiss precision. From fritto misto to bouillabaisse to his signature iced coffee, each dish is matched by an atmosphere of relaxed refinement.

Guests can enjoy the 70-seat dining room, a lakeside lounge, or the generous 120-seat terrace. Chez Fritz now welcomes diners throughout the day: lunch from 11:30am to 2:00pm, a laid-back lounge menu in the afternoon, and dinner service from 6:00pm to 10:00pm.

A Revival Rooted in Feeling

The revival of Chez Fritz tells a story of what hospitality can be when design, history, and emotion come together.

“It’s not about trends,” says Ina Rinderknecht. “It’s about soul. Guests may not notice every material or finish, but they’ll feel the intention behind them and the ambience they create. And that’s what sticks.”

As Elios Elsener reflects: “Chez Fritz stands for quiet luxury—good food, fine wine, and a setting that feels both refined and relaxed. Ina’s design captures that perfectly.”