Snacks – All our local tips

“I have tried all fast food restaurants of Rue de Berne, the best one is the Lebanese Al Amir” told me a colleague of La Placette 10 years ago.” Some years later, two good friends tell me exactly the same… It seems Al amir is the favorite night snack for the 1978 (my birth year) generation!

I trusted my friends and always went to this simple place whenever I had sudden night hunger… Why changing good habits? I always eat the chawerma chicken sandwich, delicious, especially after long nights of pints… The atmosphere of the place hasn’t changed much for years: Lebanese music channel on a TV that becomes bigger and bigger!!

Al Amir is located in the heart of the red light district of Geneva in the famous Rue de Berne.

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Al amir | Snacks | Chawerma sandwich € 8.00
Rue de Berne 22 | Les Pâquis | +41227319298
11:00 – 02:00 daily, Fri – Sat opens again at 04:00

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!

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Bigoudi 13 | Bars, Snacks, Restaurants
Rue de la Ferme 9 | Plainpalais | +41764223535
Mon – Tue 10:00 – 00:00, Wed – Fri 10:00 – 01:00

Switzerland is a special country in many ways. One of them is the archaic general trust you can feel by observing some objects.

Take the newspaper boxes for example. Until recently none of them had a lock. You could just take the daily paper without paying anything. The owner was just convinced it wasn’t necessary, and there wasn’t many thieves, people paid before taking a newspaper. Now you’ll see some new boxes on which you have to pay before being able to take the paper, but still, the huge majority of boxes is unlocked.

Well, Chez Quartier has quite the same trust policy. For breakfast, just enter and suit yourself, take croissants, chocolate filled croissants and whatever you want, order a fresh fruit juice, a coffee. When you are done with your breakfast, when the time has come to pay, just tell the waiter what you’ve taken; no bill, just trust.

One could say trust might not be enough to enjoy a breakfast; no need to worry, the food is good!

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Chez Quartier | Coffee & tea, Snacks | Croissant CHF 1.30
Rue Voltaire 24 | Les Pâquis
Tue – Sun 07:00 – 19:00

We’ve been told to write about places we go to. Well, this café is probably the place you’ll see me most of the time when the classes have begun.

It is located right between two university buildings, les Bastions – the old, historical one – and Uni Dufour – the new, ugly modern one, not to be mistaken with Uni Mail, which is even newer but still well designed… It’s also really near to the banks so the clients are either bank employees, even if most of them prefer the fancy expensive café-restaurant right beside, or university students (professors usually go to the fancy one).

The best thing about this place is the atmosphere: the bartender, Mehmet, knows everyone by name, you’ll see students working on some history book, or discussing literature, it is definitely a good place to have a coffee to during the day. And if you’re hungry there are croissants, homemade sandwiches and paninis.

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Du Théâtre | Coffee & tea, Snacks | Coffee CHF 3.20
Rue du Conseil-général | Plainpalais
Mon – Fri 07:00 – 19:30

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.

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Ephese Kebap | Snacks, Restaurants | Fallafel CHF 8.00
Rue de Carouge 72 | Plainpalais | +41223201396
08:00 – 02:00 daily

Don’t miss this incredible spot if you have the opportunity to spend a few days in the city!

There are only a few tables but you’ll have the opportunity to see everything that is on the menu right in front of you, since every cake, quiche, etc, are on a large buffet. There are so many different choices that you will obviously find something that will fit your taste.

Despite being absolutely tasteful, it is at the same time cheap for what it is. Everything is home-made, from the fruit cake to the lorraine quiche and the apple crumble (so delicious!). There are also several different cheeses, so you can totally mix the sugar and the salt.

It is a great place to enjoy an artisanal café (the one with nuts is particularly original) and read a book or newspaper with a a sweet music at the back of your head.

The place is very colorful, the waitress is very nice and you will definitely spend a great time in this spot where you will feel yourself like in your grandmother’s kitchen. When you leave, you can buy an home-made jam pot or a bottle of olive oil, so you can have a taste of this place back with you.

During the week-end, it is an amazing place to spend some time to eat a brunch there with your friends. ANd why not have a walk in the lovely neighborhood of Les Grottes right after?

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Fleurs de Marie | Coffee & tea, Snacks | Coffee CHF 3.00
8 rue de la Faucille | Les Pâquis | +410227334730
Mon 16:00 – 20:00, Tue 11:00 – 15:00, Wed 11:00 – 17:00, Thu – Fri 11:00 – 15:00 & 18:30 – 20:30, Sat – Sun 10:00 – 19:00

I started working in a different area of town and was looking for some lunch when I discovered this awesome bakery / tea room. The smell of fresh bread was irresistible and the croissants and sandwiches displayed in the shop window looked delicious. The bakery has existed for over a hundred years and they still use traditional methods to make their bread. If you love home made bread and sweets this bakery is a must. You will definitely taste the difference.

It is an ideal place for breakfast: try the variety of croissants or indulge in cupcakes or Danish pastry. Personally, I am a big fan of the little wholegrain buns with either raisins or nuts! For lunch or a snack I can recommend any sandwich (there is a variety of bread and fillings) and they also have fresh salads and quiches. You can eat in or have a take away and there is a small terrace in summer.

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Golay | Coffee & tea, Snacks | Sandwich (take away) from CHF 4.50
Rue Adrien-Lachenal 12 | Eaux-Vives | +41227367156
Mon – Fri 07:00 – 18:15, Sat 07:00 – 14:00

You know autumn has come to Geneva, when you smell the hot chestnuts. In fact, autumn in Geneva is all about chestnuts.

Chestnuts all over the ground in the Parc des Bastions, chestnuts on the Treille, grilled chestnuts’ shells to crush – that sound, it’s perfect ! – and that famous grilled chestnuts smell everywhere in the city.

I don’t like chestnuts’ taste, but I do like the way they smell – I’m quite complicated with food – but I can tell by the number of people eating some, that it might be appreciable. And they’re hot, the perfect thing for a rainy, windy, cold shopping afternoon.

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Hot Chestnuts | Snacks | 100 gr CHF 3.00
Place du bourg-de-four | Vieille-ville
Mon – Fri 09:00 – 19:00, Sat 09:00 – 18:00

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!

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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

La Ferblanterie is right in front of the Cafe du Lys (check the Cafe du Lys article) and a good alternative if this one is too crowded, which is usually the case at night.

In the summer, there is a lovely tiny terrace at the back, where you can enjoy the sun, which is better than sitting outside by the street.

I just love how they decorate the place, with old pictures on the walls, tables and chairs in wood. You feel like you’re in in a kind of house where you become a part of the family. The music is always nice, getting you in a very good mood. The staff is helpful and very funny (and pretty!).

You can eat great and cheap sandwiches, paninis and other home made snacks, with a beer (picon beer is one of my favorites).

It is also a great place to find tips for exhibitions and concerts, because there’s a spot inside devoted to announcements with many leaflets and flyers! Of course, it is not the only place in Geneva where you can find flyers, but it is always good to know where you can find them!

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La Ferblanterie | Bars, Snacks | Beer CHF 4.00
Rue de l’Ecole de Médecine 8 | Plainpalais | +41223209042
Mon – Thu 10:00 – 01:00

I brought Spanish and Argentinean friends to various spots in Geneva in the last summers; their favourite place has been Le Bateau!!! Dancing in an authentic boat with an amazing view of the lake and the “Jet d’eau” is a moment!!!

Unfortunately we’ll have to find some more months as there are not many parties in winter. For the program, check the website. Do not miss the overground festival that take place end of August, you will probably see me there as I go almost every nights!

In summer… you can also eat the meal of the day starting from 12 frs.  I enjoyed various  “raclettes” with some beautiful sunsets! As few people knew that we could eat on this boat, I often had the deck for me!

Le Bateau is not only a restaurant or a party place but also a social association. The goal of this association is to receive adults who are in a difficult personal or social situation.

Check the website to have more information (in french only)

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Le Bateau | Art & culture, Bars, Music, Snacks, Festivals & events
Quai Gustave Ador | Eaux-Vives | +41227360775
Events only

This amazing place is located in Rue de L’Ecole de Médecine in Plainpalais, a street where there are a few great bars on its two sides. It has been built, as the legend says, by three excited friends after a bet that they made. The music is always nice. Of course, the cafe is peaceful and quiet during the morning and the afternoon and is much more crowded I would say starting 06:00pm. I spent some of my most unforgettable nights there…

It’s really close to Uni Mail (see the unimail article), that’s why so many students come running to this place to enjoy their drinks, especially at night. For lunch, they always serve some delicious and original meals, and their student-formula is really attractive.

At night, they have nice tapas with good beer from one of the longest and most diversified beer lists that I have seen in Geneva. From time to time, they have parties in there, where everyone is dressed up for the occasion.

The staff is always nice, helpful and funny. They also have a great selection of teas, coffees and craft syrups. You can finish up by having their succulent and famous chocolate cake, that will make you come back many times.

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Le Café du Lys | Bars, Snacks | Tapas CHF 5.00
7 rue de l’Ecole de Médecine | Plainpalais | +41223287826
09:00 – 02:00 daily

Les halles de Rive are a great place to buy food. It is a little expensive, but the prices equal the quality.

It is located at the beginning of les rues basses at Rive where everyone goes for shopping. It is divided in several stands, where you can either buy meat, sushi (really cheap ones that you can take away), fish, Asian food, cheese, wine, vegetables, flowers, cake shop and a bar as well.

At lunch, people who work nearby go there to get a good meal and eat it by the lake (during summer) or in the English Garden.

People are always nice and helpful, and on Saturday morning, it is usually full of people, because the market takes place next to it. You will definitely be hungry while entering it!

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Les halles de Rive | Shopping, Snacks | Sushis CHF 15.00
Boulevard Hélvétique 29 | Eaux-Vives
Mon – Sat 10:00 – 18:00

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.

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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.

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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

Calm stands for “Comme A La Maison” (meaning that you will feel like at home) and if you are looking for a coffee break in a really cosy place right in the heart of Carouge you should try this café.

If the sun is out, you may want to relax on their beautiful shady courtyard terrace. They serve soups, salads, home made quiches and cakes and they also have a good selection of tea and coffee. On Saturday and Sunday, the place is known for its brunch. If you want to  make sure to get a table, you better go early as they do not take any reservations.

The place has been criticized for being rather pricey (CHF 6.00 for a pot of tea and about the same for a slice of cake) and service is certainly not among the best in Geneva. But despite critics, I like this cosy hangout because a) Geneva is not exactly known for being a service-heaven and b) the cakes are simply delicious (try the apple crumble!).

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ô Calm | Coffee & tea, Snacks | Pot tea CHF 6.00
Rue Ancienne 36 | Carouge | +41223012220
Tue – Sun 10:00 – 18:00

When visiting a city, some people like visiting churches… I personally prefer visit soccer stadiums and hanging out in the universities! It plunges me back into a great time I had at the University of Geneva, especially in Unimail!

First of all, if you want to look like more “Genevois” do not pronounce UniMail like “mailbox” but like the french word “maille”!!! You are now ready!

The modern UniMail is located in the heart of the lively Plainpalais at one block of the Plaine de Plainpalais. The construction of this university is one of the main reasons of the flourishing bars in the neighbourhood : Calamar, Café du Lys (see this article) Ferblanterie etc.

If you’re lucky you will find free and delicious food as there is quite often a buffet after some conferences or workshops! Anyway, you can always join the rest of the students in one of the two cafeterias in the day time.

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Unimail | Art & culture, Coffee & tea, Relaxing, Snacks
Boulevard du Pont d’Arve 40 | Plainpalais | +41223201704
All year around (sometimes a badge is required to open the door)