Restaurants & dining – All our local tips

The “Alhambar” is certainly not an insider tip anymore – the place if famous enough to figure in the Lonely Planet guide! But famous or not, I love the fancy decoration of the bar which has been described as ‘retro-futurist’.

The restaurant is open for lunch during the week and serves brunch on Sunday. In the evening (from 17:00), the trendy place becomes a ‘night bar’ with themed music nights (see programme). Depending on the event and the DJ there is a small admission fee to pay but most nights are free.

I like the Alhambar for a drink after work when it is still fairly quiet and I can chill out on one of the dark red couches. If you come a bit later (from 22:00, depending on the day) you better like crowds!

Once the lights are dimmed and the DJ’s get to work, the place fills up quickly and you will have to fight in order to get a seat!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Alhambar | Bars, Restaurants (Lunch)
Rue de la Rôtisserie 10 | Vieille-ville | +41223121313
Mon 12:00 – 14:00, Tue – Wed 12:00 – 14:00 & 17:00 – 01:00, Thu – Fri 12:00 – 14:00 & 17:00 – 02:00, Sat 16:00 – 02:00,
Sun 11:00 – 00:00

Don’t trust at first sight the appearances of the little restaurant in the main street of the Eaux-Vives. Go inside and you will never regret it!

The setting is really warm, with subdued lights at the back and the posters on the walls are lovely. The owner is extremely friendly and so are the waiters.

The meals are delicious and the waiters will explain to you each of them if you have any questions. You should try the cucumber alcohol which is very original!

Even if the meals are maybe a little more expensive than in other restaurants, they’re worth it. My friends love to come back here.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Asadal | Restaurants (Korean) | Meal CHF 30.00
Rue des Eaux-Vives 9 | Eaux-Vives | +41227860198
Mon – Fri 11:30 – 14:30 & 18:45 – 22:30

Restaurant during the day, bar at night, this trendy spot in Carouge is worth a visit. I love the interior design with its changing light and colours but the place has far more to offer: A great terrace, good food, friendly staff and a relaxed atmosphere. All kinds of people come here to have a good time and you will be served with a smile.

For lunch there is a choice of two freshly cooked and promptly served “plat du jour” (dish of the day) and they also offer different salads. In the evening you can enjoy a variety of tapas and an extensive choice of wine by the glass.

Sunday between 11:00 and 15:00 is brunch time. Geraldine’s buffet is mouth-watering and the “all-you-can-eat” formula makes sure nobody goes hungry. You will find different kinds of bread, cheese, eggs, cold meat, quiches, fruit and cereal.
Those who love Sushi should not miss Sunday evening from 18:00 to 22:00 when you can try a home-made variety of them.

For live music at the weekend, check out “Le Box”: The association in charge of the bar’s small auditorium organizes concerts on a regular basis and promising artists get a chance to show their talent. The programme can be found on their website.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Auberge du Cheval Blanc | Bars, Restaurants | Sun brunch CHF 22.00
Place de l’Octroi 15 | Carouge | +41223436161
Tue – Wed 11:30 – 01:00, Thu – Fri 11:30 – 02:00, Sat 12:00 – 02:00, Sun 10:30 – 01:00

Les Bains des Paquis is one of my favorite place in Geneva, located right on the lake!

Kids, adults, old people, whites, blacks, latinos, rastas, artists, bankers, elegant swans, ducks who charm you to have some bread… Everybody lives in a perfect harmony in the Bains des Paquis. Only the sparrows show no respect stealing food from every-one’s plate!

The cheese fondue is back!!! Enjoying a champagne fondue in the “cabane” of Bains des Paquis” is an unique experience! You will definitely like the warming atmosphere of the place unless you want to have a quite romantic dinner. Ask for the “Religieuse”, once you finish the cheese… A recommandation: come early to eat, the place is closing before 21:30.

Other beautiful moments at Les Bains des Paquis:

…A breakfast from 08:00 with a fresh juice and some Swiss specialities : bircher & Cenovis that you share with ducks and swans as the place is still not too crowded

…For lunch, a colourful meal of the day from CHF 12.00 only, for sure the best value of Geneva.

Bon appétit!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Bains des Paquis | Bars, Relaxing, Festivals & events, Restaurants (Healthy)
Quai du Mont-Blanc 30 | Les Pâquis | +41227381616
08:00 – 21:30 daily

Looking for something that you will not find in any guidebook? Fancy a snack or a drink? You will have to make your way to Rue de la Ferme, a small side street somewhere between Plainpalais and Carouge.

Squeezed in between the post office and a hairdresser you will see a sign: “Bigoudi 13″. This small, convivial tapas bar is highly appreciated by the locals and although it looks very discreet from the outside, it is an extremely popular place! It is run by two women, Muriel and Laura and they serve delicious home made food, always fresh and according to the season.

There is a daily menu for lunch and in the evenings you can try their tapas, salads and soups. Don’t miss the juices and cocktails! Everything is served in a friendly atmosphere, making you feel as if you had been invited to a friend’s place for a drink or a bite to eat!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Bigoudi 13 | Bars, Snacks, Restaurants
Rue de la Ferme 9 | Plainpalais | +41764223535
Mon – Tue 10:00 – 00:00, Wed – Fri 10:00 – 01:00

Café Art’s is closed to La Caravane passe in les Pâquis. It’s a very nice café: amazing vertical lightening, great interesting paintings (there are exhibitions from time to time), nice jazzy music… At the back of the room, you’ll find comfortable couches, near which a huge bookcase is located.

It’s not rare to see parents and their children sitting in “the reading room” while the father is reading his newspaper and children comic books chosen from many nearby. A lot of different objects are placed in the café, such as mirror, type-writing, old books, lamps that make this place so particular in the so chic Geneva. A wi-fi connection is available in the entire café.

As each self-respecting café, their cappuccino is awesome, their renversé is inimitable and their hot chocolate the same as when we were kids. At lunch, the basilica tortellinis is my favourite and the white beer so good. You can finish with a slice of cake, and that always helps when you spend a few hours there to work for college, or to read a good book!

It’s as if you’re no longer in Geneva, but rather in the famous Café St Germain in Paris!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Café Art’s | Bars, Restaurants (French) | White beer CHF 6.00
Rue des Pâquis 17 | Les Pâquis | +41227380797
Mon – Fri 11:00 – 02:00, Sat & Sun 08:00 – 02:00

The “Grütli is one of my all-time-favourites. It combines art and culture with culinary pleasures and if you are interested in theatre and cinema and appreciate fine food in a relaxed non-smoking environment, do not miss this place!

The building, a former school built in the early 1870’s, is owned by the city of Geneva and has been transformed into the “house of art” (Maison des Arts du Grütli) in 1987 by well-known architects. Several film-festivals take place here during the year offering a great selection of films and documentaries from all over the world. Showings usually come with French/German or sometimes English subtitles.

The restaurant, called “Café du Grütli”, is my favourite place for a drink or dinner. Indulge in its creative cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere, flick through art magazines or admire temporary exhibitions. The menu changes each season and the desserts are a must (try the “crème brulée”, it is divine). The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner every day of the week and has a great terrace as well as good, friendly service.

Please note: the restaurant is closed on Sundays during the month of August.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Café du Grütli | Art & culture, Cinemas, Theaters, Restaurants | Main from CHF 30
Général Dufour 16 | Vieille-ville | +41223215158
Mon – Thu 08:00 – 00:00, Fri 08:00 – 01:00, Sat 16:00 – 01:00, Sun 10:00 – 22:30 (Aug closed on Sun)

Chez Ma Cousine is right below the Place du Bourg de Four and is a really nice restaurant, if you like chicken of course, because this is their specialty. You can either choose it in a salad or hot.

The menu isn’t extremely extensive, but people usually go their because it is a cheap and good restaurant in the center of the city, and it is as well a great alternative to the Mac Donald’s. And of course, healthier:-)!

At lunch, it is usually crowded by working people who eat their meal on the little terrace or pick it up and eat it in a little park nearby. Otherwise, people hanging out with friends or couples having a great time together can be seen. There are not a lot of tables in the front, but a lovely little extra room at the back of the restaurant will welcome you if you are a group of friends.

You can find this restaurant in two other areas in Geneva (on the right side of the city called St-Gervais, down the train station and in le Petit Saconnex). The portions are very generous and you will definitely feel full afterwards. Afterwards you can hang out in the old town and have a drink in La Clemence (check the La Clemence article), La Demi-Lune (check the La Demi-Lune article) or other bars in the pedestrian streets.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Chez Ma Cousine | Restaurants (French food) | Chicken menu CHF 15.00
Place du Bourg de Four 6 | Vieille-ville | +41223109696
11:30 – 23:30 daily

Fancy a Kebab or a Falafel? Whether you want to eat in or have a take away, check out this popular place. It is a family-run business with good food and friendly staff and according to some locals (and certainly according to me!) it is the best Kebab in Geneva!

They have recently re-located to bigger premises but the place remains crowded, especially at lunchtime. What I like about it? It’s always fresh, no pre-cooked or re-heated stuff! They offer you choices of “halal” meat from chicken to lamb, bread choices between sandwich buns and Lebanese bread. The little extra: You get a complimentary Baklava dessert with every meal or take away.

It is one of the few places in the area that stays open until 02:00 and perfect for a late night snack.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Ephese Kebap | Snacks, Restaurants | Fallafel CHF 8.00
Rue de Carouge 72 | Plainpalais | +41223201396
08:00 – 02:00 daily

Cheap flights

Named a global city and home to the United Nations Offices; Geneva is a worldwide centre for international cooperation and so it welcomes visitors from all over the world.

Geneva International Airport is just 2.5 miles from the city centre and most people find it “user-friendly.” Getting to the city is easy. The connection between Geneva city centre and the airport takes only 6 minutes by train. There are also buses to and from the airport but they are slower. If you purchase a Unireso single ticket you can travel by train, tram, bus or boat in the France-Vaud-Geneva area.

When I travelled through Geneva airport I had a beautiful meal at Swiss Chalet. This restaurant specialises in Swiss dishes and I would recommend fondue.

Low cost flights to Geneva

L’Adresse is a nice restaurant, which became quite fashionable. It is divided into two parts: a shop where you can find nice clothes and a restaurant and is located in the Eaux-Vives, near the lake.

During the summer, there is a nice terrace outside, which is on the rooftop.

At lunch, you will be able to see the shop; at night it’s closed. The food is quite expensive but it is a great place to go especially at lunch, since the plat du jour is less than CHF 20.-.

They have very original meals and very good bottles of wine. The carpaccio is excellent and the pastas definitely have to be tasted!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
L’Adresse | Shopping, Restaurants (Frenc) | Dinner CHF 30.00
Rue du 31 décembre 32 | Eaux-Vives | +41227363232
Tue – Sat 11:00 – 14:00 & 18:00 – 00:00

You can never predict what you’ll live at l’Aiglon! One day, the bar is quite calm… The day after, you’ll see people dressed up, dancing on the tables or knees on the floor!

Most customers are 30 years or older, men for the most part. You might have your food with a crazy man or a prostitute at the table next to you as the bar is located in the heart of the red light district.

I like going to Aiglon at lunch time. You’ll the meal of the day for CHF 17.00 with appetizer and dessert!I have heard that the food is not so good at night but I have never tried. Bon app!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
L’Aiglon | Bars, Coffee & tea, Music, Restaurants (french) | meal of the day € 17
Rue Sismondi 16 | Les Pâquis | +41227329760
Open Mon – Sat, Dj from Thu – Sat 22:00 – 02:00

lor:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Map

Between the lake and the train station, in the middle of the Pâquis neighbourhood this little but so delicious Lebanese restaurant is located. It is one of my favourite restaurants in Geneva, because of its atmosphere and of course, its food.

If you’re up to an original meal that you may not eat at home, please go there. You’ll have the possibility to order typical Lebanon meals, either cold or hot. Depending of your mood, you can chose different meals or if you’re really willing to taste everything, and that’s what happened the first time most of the time, you can try the meal where you’ll find a little of each one in your plate.

You should definitely try the mint tea (and if you close your eyes, I promise you’ll find yourself on the Lebanon mountains!) or the red Lebanon wine: succulent!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
La Caravane passe | Restaurants (Lebanon) | Meal CHF 9.00
Rue Dr. Alfred Vincent 11 | Les Pâquis | +41227313431
Mon & Sat 18:00 – 00:00, Tue – Fri 11:30 – 14: 30 & 18:00 – 00:00

La Demi Lune is a bar-restaurant located in the Old Town, closed to the Place du Bourg de Four and La Clemence (check the La Clemence article).

It is a nice spot filled with comfortable couches at the back, high tables and chairs in the center and a little room to eat.

Their cocktails are great (you should try the Demi Lune cocktail!). Their meals are really good : among others you can choose from tandori chicken, spring rolls and hamburgers…

The staff is young (students mainly) and the music is quite jazzy most of the time, although you can hear some french music and others from time to time!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
La Demi-Lune | Bars, Snacks, Restaurants (International) | Hamburger CHF 15.00
Rue Etienne Dumont 3 | Vieille-ville | +41223121290
Mon – Wed 10:00 – 01:00, Thu – Fri 10:00 – 02:00, Sat 16:00 – 02:00 , Sun 16:00 – 01:00

This great bar is located near Le Coup de Girafe (check the Le Coup de Girafe article) in front of the primary school of Lea Eaux-Vives. It is easy to get there by bus, since bus 2 and 6 can take you there (bus stop: Vollandes).

I really enjoy going there for cocktail time and hang out for a couple of hours with my friends. They have one of the best list of wines (especially red ones) and if you don’t know which one to pick, the nice staff will help you in your choice depending on your tastes.

They can also serve you amazing cocktails and at night. Your drinks will come with olives, which will make your drink more delicious! What I particularly like in this bar is that the staff are really passionate about their job, so they will make their customers discover new wines each season.

They will serve you delicious plats du jour during the lunch break and they always pay a particular attention to fresh products. You can also have their fresh salads if you prefer, which is also very good.

The music is really nice, and since the bar is from now on a non-smoking place (as every other bars and restaurants in Geneva now!), it is even more pleasant to have a drink there.

During the summer, they open a little terrace at the back of the bar, which will allow you to make the most of your time under the sun, while enjoying a nice Spanish wine. Divine!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
La Suite 115 | Bars, Restaurants (French) | Glass of wine from CHF 5.00
61 rue du 31 décembre | Eaux-Vives | +410227861115
Mon – Wed 07:00 – 00:00, Thu – Fri 07:00 – 02:00, Sat 17:00 – 02:00

This Asian restaurant is a great place to spend a long evening.

Very discrete from the outside, it is in fact spacious, with two different open rooms, one very cosy, lounge-like, low tables and intimate atmosphere, the other more “restaurant”-like, white and modern decoration; you’ll find yourself in a very good mood as soon as seated.

I like the menu, even if an Asian friend likes to point out that the dishes don’t respect the original tastes. I usually go for some sushi – really cheap compared to other places in Geneva, but please spare the over-fished tuna – and the delicious teppan de canard (duck), my favorite.

If you’re not that hungry, you can go to the bar right next to Le Comptoir, le Lola, and have a drink – le Lola also offers sushi and some Japanese food. Good electro music is usually played.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Le Comptoir | Restaurants (Asian) | Main dish CHF 25.00
Rue de Richemont 7-9 | Les Pâquis | +41227313237
Tue – Thu 18:30 – 01:00, Fri – Sat 18:30 – 02:00

The Mortimer is a French restaurant right next to Chez Ma Cousine (check the Chez Ma Cousine article) in the Old Town. If you want to have a nice view of the city, you can take the stairs in the rocks outside the cafe, right next to the terrace and you will have nothing else to do than enjoying!!!

The building in which it is located has been built in the XVIth century and is very beautiful. I particularly like this place, because it is a very warm spot, and the atmosphere remembers me of the very typical Parisian bars, possibly because of the posters on the wall that I love.

When the night comes, candles are switched on which give the spot a intimate atmosphere.

The meals are really delicious, the wines as well, and the waiters and waitresses are always friendly, even if there are many customers. The terrace in the shadow is very pleasant. You’ll have a very nice time hanging around here!

Don’t forget to taste their very famous home-made chocolate cake! A cappuccino will be great with it, but a glass of water as well!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Le Mortimer | Restaurants (French) | Meal CHF 30.00
Place du Bourg-de-Four 2 | Vieille-ville | +41223101398
Mon – Sat 06:00 – 00:00

A very nice family decided one day to rent this little arcade in the main street of the Old Town, renovate it and turn it into this amazing place. It is a good spot to have some rest after visiting the St. Pierre Cathedral for example which is nearby.

There are a few tables upstairs where the kitchen is located as well and downstairs the rest of the tables. Personally I prefer upstairs, because you can see the mother of the family rushing behind the stoves in order to make delicious sweet or spicy pancakes (chocolate and coconut pancake and curry pancake being my favorites!). You can book a table for lunch, but do not go there if you just want to have a drink. As there is not a lot of tables, people who want to spend some time there are hungry and will want a pancake!

At lunch, there are very good meals that you can have either outside on the terrace or inside. The father of the family is the waiter and is very friendly. Sometimes, his daughters help him with the customers and the atmosphere is very pleasant. A very nice spot in the middle of the Old Town!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Le Rozzel | Restaurants (Pancakes) | Pancake from CHF 8.00
18 Grande Rue | Vieille-ville | +41223118929
Mon – Sat 11:00 – 18:00

The café/restaurant
I like “Les Recyclables” because it is entirely non-smoking (except the terrace of course) and, most importantly, the business is run according to the principles of sustainable development. Enjoy the convivial and laid-back atmosphere for breakfast and lunch or drop by for coffee/tea and a slice of their delicious homemade cakes.

For lunch, you can choose between two or three daily dishes (called “plat du jour”), one of which is vegetarian. The menus vary every day and ingredients are carefully chosen according to the season. Many products are organic, come from local producers and/or are “fair trade”. They also organize cultural events such as concerts, debates or lectures

The second-hand bookshop
This is a great second-hand bookshop with more than 10.000 titles in stock. Although most books are in French you will also find a selection of English fiction and non-fiction, travel guides, cartoons and some novels in other languages (German, Italian, Spanish). They sell quality literature and all books are in excellent condition. The majority of books are quite recent and sold for about half the retail price.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Les Recyclables | Coffee & tea, Shopping, Restaurants
Rue de Carouge 53 | Plainpalais | +41223282373
Shop Mon – Fri 09:00 – 18:30, Sat 11:00 – 17:00 | Rest. Mon – Sat 07:30 – 20:30

You may have been to Rome once and have had the chance to enjoy the countless Pizzerie “Al taglio”. Well Geneva hasn’t got that incredible choice, but still, there’s a place I would recommend, as I go myself as often as I can.

It is located near the train station, on the ground floor of the popular shopping centre Manor. The ground floor is dedicated to food, with other world specialities, but my favourite is doubtless the focacceria area.

The prices are quite low, the choice huge: white (mere) focaccia, mozzarella focaccia, vegetable focaccia, bacon & mushroom focaccia; there are also various types of pizza slices, even sweet ones – like nutella flavoured pizza! – and many pizzette to chose.

On the last floor of the centre, there’s a self-service restaurant, with another huge choice of types of food, cheap prices, ideal for lunch – you eat well for less than 15 CHF, and above all, a great terrace with a rare view of Geneva. Very crowded, you might have to wait a bit for a table, but it’s worth it.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Manor | Snacks, Restaurants (Italian) | White Focaccia kilo CHF 8.00
Rue Cornavin 6 | Les Pâquis
Mon – Wed 09:00- 19:00, Thu 09:00 – 21:00, Fri 09:00 – 19:30, Sat 08:30 – 18:00

From the outside, it seems to be a successful Japanese grocery, with tables and banks. But don’t be mistaken… there’s a kitchen right behind the cash desk.

How to proceed? Well, you take a tray, sticks, and then you’ll serve yourself in the fridge, pay, and either sit there or just go somewhere by the lake.

The choice is large, despite the lack of red tuna. In fact, it has been cleverly replaced by other types of tuna, and by other ingredients. They also sell different Japanese groceries and alcohol.

On this webpage, you can order your sushi’s online and get them later during the day.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Mikado | Snacks, Restaurants (Sushi) | 12 Maki sushis CHF 10.80
Rue de l’Ancien-Port 9 | Les Pâquis | +41227324774
Tue – Fri 09:00 – 18:30, Sat 09:00 – 18:00

You’ll find this sushi restaurant right in front of Uni-Mail, the most crowded university of the city. It is obviously filled with students at lunch who eat there or take it away for consumption on the Plaine de Plainpalais (check the Plaine de Plainpalais article) right next to it.

The team is nice and what always amuses me is the fact that you can see the cooks making sushis (it seems so easy when you watch them!).

The seaweed salad is excellent and definitely something you have to try if you haven’t yet! The sushis are fresh, because they are made to order. Really good and very cheap!

Their smooth chocolate cake (not very Japanese though!) is excellent (just ask them gently to warm it up and it will be perfect!).

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Misuji | Restaurants (Sushi) | Sushi CHF 15.00
Boulevard du Pont d’Arve 49 | Plainpalais | +41223201000
Tue – Sat 11:30 – 14:00 & 18:00 – 22:00

If you miss the Shakespeare language and the pints of beers, head to the oldest and biggest English pub of Switzerland: Pickwick! It just celebrated its 40 years anniversary!!

This pub is located on the northeast end of the Paquis area; you’ll find it easily as it is on the main road (rue de Lausanne).

This pub is still appreciated by local soccer fans that meet occasionally for a Champions league or an international game. This place is full of screens that allow you to watch various games in the same time: poor neck!

Apart from soccer, Mr. Pickwick is well known for hosting live music and serves English classic food.

I almost forgot the most important… You’ll find a range of 11 different draft beers!

Cheers!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Pickwick | Bars, Restaurants (English) | 5dl draft beer € 8.20
Rue de Lausanne 80 | Les Pâquis | +41227316797
10:00 – 02:00 daily