Image by Delphine Rieder

La Mamounia Restaurant is THE place to be if you’re feeling cold and are looking for a good meal that will give you the illusion of traveling somewhere South.

Tajines and couscous are their specialties! I prefer the lemon tajine or the royal couscous which are just amazing! I never forget to take a few cups of mint tea which is perfect to accompany the dish. You can also take the meals to go, and thus bring a piece of Morocco with you at home!

I love the décor of the restaurant. At the entrance, there is a blue fountain which will make you think you are in a Medina Marrakech

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La Mamounia | Restaurants (Moroccian) | Main dish from CHF 15
Boulevard Georges-Favon 10 | Plainpalais | +41223295561
11:00 – 14:00 & 19:00 – 23:00 daily

Image by Luc Berthoud

I go to this bar several mornings a week as it is only one block from my apartment. As they know me, I do not need to order, right away they bring me my coffee, a glass of water and some bread and jam while I read the newspaper… better than home!!

Most of the customers are over 50 years old (a lot of Spanish) but you’ll find a lot of students from the IES (social work school) if you come during their break (at about 9:30). The atmosphere can be quite loud when the bar is packed.

This bar is famous for its paella, that is served every Friday at lunch time. You won’t be hungry after it as the plate is quite big! It’s better to reserve before coming because the place can be quite packed.

At night, you can watch football games like the liga española or the Champions league..

See you there!

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Le Vieux Martin | Bars, Coffee & tea, Snacks, Restaurants (Spanish) | Coffee & bread CHF 4.50
31, rue Prévost-Martin | Plainpalais | +41223299102
Mon – Sun 07:00 – 23:00

Image by Luc Berthoud

When visiting a city, some people like visiting churches… I personally prefer visit football 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 (check the Cafe du Lys article) Ferblanterie etc.

You can always join the students in one of the two cafeterias in the day time.

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

Image by Delphine Rieder

Cafe Universal is one of my favourite restaurants in Geneva. If you like good meat, this is the place to be!

Established in 1903, Cafe Universal is a mix of classical cafe and American brasserie in a very modern style. You’ll surely feel at ease in this place where the decorating is really nice with lovely candles and a phone booth which I particularly love.

As for the food, the meat is delicious (try the morel sauce or the Tartar!) and is always combined with some vegetables and excellent fries. They also have good fish and excellent salads.

The staff is friendly, welcoming, and will help you in your choice, especially for the wines. They have a different menu depending of the season, but I’m sure you’ll find what you want! A spot that can’t be ignored!

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Cafe Universal | Restaurants (French ) | Main meal from CHF 30
bvd du Pont d Arve 26 | Plainpalais | +41227811881
Sun – Mon 12:00 – 14:00, Tue – Fri 12:00 – 14:00 & 19:30 – 22:30, Sat 19:30 – 22:30

Image by Delphine Rieder

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