Geneva’s best outdoor summer bars & restaurants!

There’s new and old spots to see in this selection of bars & restaurants with terraces, perfect for the summer of 2012. Each and every one is a personal favorite of one of our Spotters and well worth checking out when you’ve got a sunny day in Geneva to while away!
1. La Barje (by Lorcan Meyfarth)
“You’ll arrive on a place surrounded by the Rhone. It’s very calm, with an old caravan in the middle. That’s the bar. You can get many different local drinks – a Calvinus (a Genevan beer), natural apple juice, or whatever you want – and can even eat homemade pie.”

2. La Clémence (by Lorcan Mayfarth)
“In summer, the terrace will be set up and a massive crowd will progressively invade the place. You can get a grasp of the popularity of la Clémence by seeing the nearest bars [...] half empty (I insist, not half-full) while it’s legendary competitor is overwhelmed by clients.”

3. Qu’importe (by Sylvie Meynier)
With very good wines and ‘tapas a la Suisse’, Qu’importe is a perfect place for winding down.
“It’s more like a cozy lounge. It has beautiful old furniture and a wonderful fireplace. It’s ideal to relax in one of their big sofas after work. In summer, you can also enjoy their huge terrace.”

4. La Ferblanterie (by Delphine Rieder)
“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.”, writes local Delphine Rieder about La Ferblanterie. A cozy bar restaurant which is a genuine local hangout the tourists know nothing about!

5. Cottage Cafe (by Peter Clayburn)
It’s cute, it’s Swiss, it’s got great views, it’s got boardgames, it’s got homemade delicacies…need we say more?
“There is an ample terrace backed by a pleasant fountain, but even the indoor part merges nicely with the surroundings, and the Swiss-chalet style of the restaurant proper will have you thinking you’re far away from the city.”

6. Chez la Voisine (by Sylvie Meynier)
Chez la Voisine is close to one of Geneva’s main attractions, but you won’t run into many tourists here!
“I often go to this bistrot for lunch. The food is simply delicious. They cook with fresh products of the season. I love having fish when it’s on the menu but any of their dish of the day is yummy.”

7. Les Cinq Portes (by Peter Clayburn)
Peter’s subtitle ‘Reliable lunch spot‘ should be convincing enough! With colorful seating on its terrace, good quality food (every time) this is a perfect spot for lunch in the sun, Al Fresco!

8. Yvette de Marseille (by Sylvie Meynier)
All the locals come to Yvette de Marseille!
“It is the perfect spot for an after-work drink and some tapas. Whether you like wine or cocktails, you’ll be happy there. It seems to be very popular amongst Geneva people and it’s always full. In summer they have a big terrace with lots of shade.”

9. La Petite Reine (by Peter Clayburn)
Petite Reine is another one of Peter’s favorite bars. Situated close to the station, with good beers and empanadas, this is worth a visit!
“When the weather allows, early-evening visitors enjoy the outdoor terrace, often spreading out along the path which leads to the bar itself-testament to the favor which this seemingly makeshift watering hole has curried among Geneva’s more adventurous after-work crowd. “

10. La Terrasse du Paradis (by Sylvie Meynier)
We’re closing off this selection of outdoor summer spots with La Terrasse du Paradis, Heaven’s terrace. It’s open every day if the weather’s good with tasty lunches and the best seating on this side of the River Rhône.
“The name is the right fit: it’s paradise on earth. If you need a break, you can chill out on their deck chairs. Be careful as you will quickly get a suntan!”