We're thrilled to announce Expat Tables – our new feature designed to connect expats for meaningful meals across Switzerland.
The Problem
Moving to a new country is isolating. You might have great colleagues, but finding genuine friends? That takes time. And dining alone in restaurants? It gets old fast.
Our Solution
Expat Tables is simple:
- Sign up for a dinner event in your city
- Tell us about yourself – languages, interests, what you're looking for
- We match you with 3-5 compatible dinner companions
- Show up and connect – the hard part is done!
How the Matching Works
Our algorithm considers:
- 🌍 Languages – Always at least one common language at your table
- 🎂 Age range – Diverse but compatible groups
- 💼 Interests – Tech, sports, arts, parenting – we find common ground
- 📍 Neighborhood – When possible, we seat neighbors together
What to Expect
Before the Event
- You'll receive your table assignment 24 hours before
- Brief profiles of your dining companions
- Restaurant details and reservation info
At the Dinner
- Tables of 4-6 people
- No awkward name tags
- Natural conversation starters based on shared interests
- Great food (we choose the restaurants carefully!)
After
- Connect on LinkedIn/WhatsApp if you click
- Rate your experience to improve future matches
- Sign up for the next one!
Upcoming Events
We're launching in our top 3 cities:
| City | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Zurich | Dec 15 | Restaurant Zeughauskeller |
| Geneva | Dec 17 | Café du Soleil |
| Basel | Dec 20 | Café Huguenin |
Why We Built This
The NewHere team are all expats. We've all experienced the loneliness of being new. The frustration of surface-level small talk. The desire for real connections.
Expat Tables is what we wished existed when we arrived.
FAQ
Is this a dating event?
No! While romance can happen anywhere, Expat Tables is designed for friendship and professional networking. We intentionally mix groups to avoid dating dynamics.
How much does it cost?
You pay for your own meal. Event registration is free during our launch period.
What if I don't like my table?
First: It's just one dinner. Give it a chance!
If you have a genuinely bad experience, let us know. Your feedback improves our matching.
Can I come with a friend?
Yes! Just sign up together and we'll seat you at the same table while adding new connections.
Ready to Try It?
Stop eating alone. Sign up for your first Expat Tables event →
Bis bald! (See you soon!)
Put This Into Action
If you are still choosing your base in Switzerland, use the City Quiz to narrow the best fit and the Cost of Living Calculator to see what that city will actually cost before you build your new routine around it.