Image by sylvie Meynier

I usually go to L’Auberge du Cheval for their Sunday brunch, which consists of a buffet with a wide variety of yummy things. And it’s all you can eat. It’s better to make a reservation, as it’s quite popular. They now have it on Saturday as well! 

I also go there from time to time for a drink and some tapas. They have good quality wine and there is a wide range of tapas. They always serve fresh food and products from the season.

L’Auberge du Cheval Blanc means the Inn of the White Horse. It’s a real tavern full of treasures. The place is a bit hidden in Carouge. It’s not only a cozy place to have a drink or a meal, but they also organize concerts in their downstairs room (Le Box) on Thursday, Fridays and Saturdays.

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L’Auberge du Cheval Blanc | Bars, Music, Restaurants | Brunch CHF 30
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 11:00 – 01:00

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Image by sylvie Meynier

I don’t go there for the place itself as to be honest Brasseurs des Grottes is just one of these typical pubs with nothing special. But as I am a big fan of live music, I found out they have live blues every Thursday night and it’s just fantastic.

It is organized by the Blues Association of Geneva. I go there quite often and I have even been offered a membership from my friends for my birthday!

The concerts take place in the room downstairs. It’s a bit dark and not a great-looking room. But all of this does not matter as the atmosphere is really fun. They either have jam sessions or proper concerts and whoever is playing is always really good. 

If like me you like live music, also check out these places: AMR and Le Chic

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BAG Thursdays | Bars, Music | Concert from CHF 15.00
rue de la Servette 6 | City center
Thu 20:30

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Image by Sylvie Meynier

The first time I went to Le Chic I was a little put off as it is located in the basement of a dodgy pool bar (L’America) in Geneva’s Red district. However, once I had made it downstairs I knew I would be coming back on a regular basis.

Each time I go my ears get a real treat! From jazz to hip-hop and rock, the lounge has some fantastic bands playing live, every evening from Wednesday to Saturday. It reminds me of the best New York City jazz bars, hidden and mysterious from outside, warm and funky once inside.

Drinks are a little expensive but all the concerts are only 5 CHF so I go there quite often. I usually get a Corona but I hear the cocktails are decent. They also have jello shots for 2 CHF!

It’s a nice change from all the bars in Geneva that are either alternative or posh. Bridge Bria and her team know how to create a nice atmosphere and have always made me feel welcome while keeping it simple. It’s a very cozy little bar.

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Le Chic | Bars, Music | Cover charge CHF 5
Rue de Fribourg 3 | Les Pâquis | +41227320430
Tue -Thu 18:00 – 01:00, Fri -Sat 18:00 – 02:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Geneva

Image by Delphine Rieder

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 very extensive, but people usually go to Chez Ma Cousine 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.

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Chez Ma Cousine | Restaurants (French) | Chicken menu CHF 15.00
Place du Bourg de Four 6 | Vieille-ville | +41223109696
11:30 – 23:30 daily

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Geneva

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

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

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Image by sylvie Meynier

Le Scandale is a lounge, a bar, a restaurant and a pizza place. It’s a huge place on two floors, conveniently located near the train station. Whether you just want a drink, a snack or a full meal, it’s a great place to hang out and chill.

This gay friendly place always has some amazing DJs playing and they even have a dance floor downstairs for special events. The restaurant is separated from the lounge area so you can enjoy a bit more quiet time.

In spite of its name it has nothing scandalous about it, except maybe its weird movies that are projected on the main wall…

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Le Scandale | Bars, Restaurants (Mediterranean) | Pizza CHF 20.00
rue de Lausanne 24 | City center | +41227318373
Mon – Sat 12:00 – 14:30 & 18:00 – 01:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Geneva

Image by sylvie Meynier

I am usually not a big fan of chains but this one is a good one, especially for sushi. They have several locations all around Geneva, on boulevard Helvétique but also on Rue du Mont-Blanc 21 (near the train station) and on rue du Marché 5 (near Bel-Air).

They make pretty decent sushi for reasonable prices. I usually go and eat there but you can also have them to go or have them delivered. My favorite is the shrimp and avocado Temaki. 

They also make warm dishes such as Yakitori chicken. It’s great for lunch or for a quick dinner.

Another good place in Geneva for sushi is Mikado (check the Mikado article), where I also go quite often. But Wasabi is a bit more spacious. 

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Wasabi Sushi Bento Bar | Restaurants (Japanese) | 12 sashimis CHF 13.80
Boulevard Helvétique 32 | Eaux-Vives | +41227353232
Mon – Sat 10:00 – 22:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Geneva

Image by Luc Berthoud

If you miss the Shakespeare language and the pints of beers, head to the oldest and biggest English pub of Switzerland: Pickwick!

This pub, Pickwick, 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 football fans that meet occasionally for a Champions league or an international game. Pickwick is full of screens that allow you to watch various games in the same time.

Apart from football, 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!

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Pickwick | Bars, Restaurants (English) | 5dl draft beer CHF 9
Rue de Lausanne 80 | Les Pâquis | +41227316797
10:00 – 02:00 daily

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Geneva

Image by Luc Berthoud

L’Aiglon, you love it or hate it!!! This bar is located in the heart of the red light district and has a mix of gay and straight people. Some days, the bar is quite calm… The day after, you can see people dressed up, dancing on the tables or on their knees on the floor!

At night, the music gets louder and louder as the time goes by… and the people get wilder and wilder…

I have not been often to l’Aiglon recently. Nevertheless I still like it at lunch time with the meal of the day for CHF 17.00 with appetizer and dessert, good value for Geneva!

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L’Aiglon | Bars, Music, Restaurants (French) | Meal of the day CHF 17
Rue Sismondi 16 | Les Pâquis | +41227329760
Mon – Sat 08:00 – 02:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Geneva

Image by Luc Berthoud

You like singing but you never dare to do it in public (unless you are drunk) as you have a poor voice… You want to escape from the Geneva atmosphere and spend a night in the heart of Asia?… You like underground bars and new adventure… Go to Philippine Assia!!!

This is place is unknown from most people in Geneva. You will plunge yourself into a really kitsch atmosphere, last time I went there were tens of little hearts sticked on the walls…

If you come during the week and early enough, you’ll have the place and the microphone for yourself. I have noticed that the place was becoming a bit more busy recently though. On the week-ends, a DJ plays from about midnight and the place turns to a disco. We go there a couple of times a year with different friends and always have a lot of fun!

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Philippine Assia | Bars, Music
Square Pradier | Les Pâquis
Tue – Sat 20:00 – 02:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Geneva