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$$$$ | Les Pâquis |
Overlooking the lake, this Nordic-inspired restaurant has a minimalist look reliant on natural materials like wood, leather, and glass. Four connected spaces include a stunning emerald-green banquette and a fresh-fish counter with communal seating in front of a shimmering glass wall. The menu specializes in fresh seafood and locally sourced, organic ingredients. There's an extensive wine list and a bar that offers a full menu of creative craft cocktails.
11 quai du Mont-Blanc, Geneva, Geneva, 1211, Switzerland
Known For
- Creative Nordic cuisine
- Seafood-centric menu
- Relaxed atmosphere
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.--Tues., Reservations are recommended.
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$$$$ | Les Pâquis |
The elegant dining room of the Beau-Rivage is dressed in rich creams and browns with the occasional pop of apple green, but with majestic views of the Jet d'Eau and Mont Blanc the terrace steals the show. The menu evolves with the seasons: Michelin-starred chef Dominique Gauthier tweaks the details of his lineup every few months, and dishes may include such delights as frog legs from Vallorbe or langoustines in kadaïf, a crispy, thin Turkish noodle. The vast wine cellar features 40,000 handpicked bottles, including many rare vintages.
13 quai du Mont-Blanc, Geneva, Geneva, 1201, Switzerland
Known For
- Stunning terrace views
- Elegant, seasonal French fare
- Vast wine list
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon., Reservations essential
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$$ | Plainpalais |
Sunlight streaming through large windows, impeccable service, and seasonal Italian fare make this corner bistro a bright addition to the Genevois dining scene. Diners of all stripes choose between dark maroon banquettes and cherry-color chairs for plates of homemade pastas and hearty Italian classics. The Italian-heavy cellar includes nearly 30 wines by the glass every season. There's a wraparound sidewalk terrace surrounded by large shrubs for added privacy on the busy street.
8 rue Hornung, Geneva, Geneva, 1204, Switzerland
Known For
- Homemade pasta
- Extensive list of wines by the glass
- Attentive, friendly service
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. No lunch Sat., Reservations essential
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$ | Les Pâquis |
Launched as a food truck, the Hamburger Foundation expanded to a classic, American-style burger joint decorated with simple black-and-white tile and red-umbrella-shaded picnic tables on the patio. The menu features three items—a burger, cheeseburger, and bacon cheeseburger, all made from locally sourced Swiss ingredients, including beef that is ground each morning by the in-house butcher. Burgers are served with a green salad, crispy fries, and lightly dressed coleslaw, and a full bar pours cocktails, beer, wine, homemade lemonade, sodas, and milk shakes.
37 rue Philippe-Plantamour, Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
Known For
- Local meat, buns, produce, and beer
- American-style burgers
- Fun, laid-back environment and staff
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$$ | Vieille Ville |
Low ceilings, whitewashed beams, and a worn zinc bar give context to simple regional dishes like cassoulet, émincé de veau (veal strips in a cream sauce), filets de perches, and the namesake pigs' feet (served grilled or stuffed)—the selection varies. The crowd can be noisy, and table service can occasionally be a tad gruff, but locals and tourists keep streaming in, not least because it's one of the few places in town that serves meals straight through from noon to 10 pm. The terrace is great for people-watching.
4 pl. du Bourg-de-Four, Geneva, Geneva, 1204, Switzerland
Known For
- Regional dishes
- People-watching on the terrace
- Ongoing service from noon to 10 pm
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$$$ | Centre Ville Rive Gauche | Coffee
The "Années Folles" decor—green-and-white tiles, mustard-yellow ceilings, warm wood—and busy waiters in ankle-length aprons channel Paris. Local diners of all stripes come to tuck into hearty portions of choucroute (sauerkraut) with pork and potatoes, vegetable couscous, tartares of beef or fish, and heaping platters of seafood. The dining room expands onto a delightful summer terrace at the foot of the Vieille Ville, and, unusually for Geneva, this place serves late: the kitchen stays open until 11 pm.
8 rue de la Confédération, Geneva, Geneva, 1204, Switzerland
Known For
- Lively atmosphere
- French bistro fare
- Charming outdoor terrace and gardens
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations necessary
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$ | Vieille Ville |
There are four of these appealingly decorated restaurants around town: this one in Vieille Ville, as well as one on Rue Lissignol in Centre Ville Rive Droite, one in Plainpalais, and one in the International Area. The idea is basic: lunch and dinner, you get half a roast chicken, Provençal-style potatoes, and green salad for SF16.90. Sauce for the chicken is optional (and a bit extra); there are a few additional salads as mains in the same price range. Chez Ma Cousine is understandably popular, not only because the food's cheap and good, but also because sitting outside in the Vieille Ville and International Area is great for people-watching.
6 pl. du Bourg-de-Four, Geneva, Geneva, 1204, Switzerland
Known For
- Inexpensive, good, quick fare
- Rotisserie chicken and simple sides
- People-watching on the terrace of two of the locations
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$$$ | Centre Ville Rive Gauche |
Inspired by New York steak houses, local powerhouse Philippe Chevrier created this modern restaurant with exposed brick and sleek black leather banquettes in the heart of downtown. The meat-centric menu features top-quality beef from Switzerland, Ireland, and Japan as well as an extensive wine list.
8 rue du Rhône, Geneva, Geneva, 1204, Switzerland
Known For
- Modern, lively vibe
- Terrace seating
- Steak-house fare
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations essential
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$ | Eaux-Vives |
The ice-cream maestros at Gelateria Arlecchino, across the street from the Jet d'Eau, crank out some 50 homemade flavors, including ginger-lime, tiramisu, pineapple mint, green tea, licorice, and several sugar-free options.
1 rue du 31-Décembre, Geneva, Geneva, 1207, Switzerland
Known For
- Wide selection of flavors
- Creative flavors like basil and ginger-lime
- Location near waterfront park and Jet d'Eau
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$$$$ | Centre Ville Rive Droite |
Decorated with rich brocades, glittering chandeliers, and bright frescoes, this robin's-egg-blue dining room has plenty of light streaming through a wall of windows. Diners enjoy classic dishes from northern Italy and a menu of Italian, French, and Swiss wines. If roasted scampi and sea asparagus were served at Versailles (instead of the Four Seasons, where Il Lago is located), this is what it might be like. In season, there's a gorgeous sidewalk terrace complete with olive trees and aromatic herbs.
33 quai des Bergues, Geneva, Geneva, 1201, Switzerland
Known For
- Elegant decor and service
- Classic Italian dishes
- Expense account prices
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations essential
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$$$ | Centre Ville Rive Droite |
This rooftop restaurant serves up panoramic views of the city and Japanese-fusion fare. Nestled on top of the Four Seasons, the simple, modern decor lets the natural beauty of the nearby Alps take center stage while dishes like black cod miso and shrimp with coriander rice tempt the taste buds.
33 quai des Bergues, Geneva, Geneva, 1201, Switzerland
Known For
- Stunning panoramic views
- Well-prepared Japanese-fusion food
- Relaxed, lounge atmosphere
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$$$$ | Centre Ville Rive Droite |
Chef Armel Bedouet creates Michelin-starred fine dining with the freshest local ingredients at this bright, crisp restaurant in Hôtel Royal. Only 15 people can be seated at once, making the experience truly intimate and special.
Rue de Lausanne 41--43, Geneva, Geneva, 1201, Switzerland
Known For
- Sensational multicourse meals
- Wine selection
- Beautiful presentation
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed weekends, Reservations essential
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$$ | Vieille Ville |
It's hard to get more Genevois than this: diners reflect the city's mix of locals, tourists, expats, and politicians. The menu specializes in local favorites like filets de perches, longeole sausage, and game in season. The dining room transfers to the sidewalk in summer, and the kitchen closes late for Geneva—at 10 pm.
39 Grand-Rue, Geneva, Geneva, 1204, Switzerland
Known For
- Local specialties and wines
- A late-for-Geneva kitchen
- People-watching on the terrace
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$$ | Vieille Ville |
A robust Swiss menu has made this Vieille Ville institution a magnet for local street sweepers, foreign heads of state, and everyone in between. Before tucking into a fondue or raclette (melted cheese served with small potatoes in their skins, pickled pearl onions, and gherkins), order a starter of air-dried meat cut paper thin—a specialty of the canton of Grisons. Other choices include Schübling (sausage) or veal strips in cream sauce: both come with sinfully delicious Rösti, a buttery cake of grated potatoes. The kitchen serves until 11:30 pm (11 on Sunday), and in season you can sit outdoors and soak up the Old Town's historic vibe.
1 rue du Puits-St-Pierre, Geneva, Geneva, 1204, Switzerland
Known For
- Swiss specialties like fondue and raclette
- Cozy, convivial atmosphere
- Celebrity diners like former President Clinton
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations essential
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$$ | Plainpalais |
Closed Permanently
Right across from MAMCO (Geneva's museum of contemporary art), in an arty neighborhood that has come to be known as QuARTier des Bains, this trendy-chic eatery-cum-bar that spills out onto a sidewalk terrace during the summer months mixes a classic-French-café look with contemporary touches and regularly changing artwork. World flavors are injected into a basically French seasonal repertoire, although one thing that's always on the dessert menu is American-style cheesecake. Good wines are on offer, many sold by the glass.
26 rue des Bains, Geneva, Geneva, 1205, Switzerland
Known For
- Traditional French bistro with a creative, worldly twist
- Beautiful garden and sidewalk terrace
- American-style cheesecake for dessert
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun., Reservations essential
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$$$ | Plainpalais |
Closed Permanently
This rustic Italian restaurant is simply dressed with recycled materials made from brick, wood, and iron, which lend a relaxed atmosphere unusual for a Michelin-starred, fine-dining restaurant. The seasonal and regularly changing menu reinvents Italian classics in an unusual way. A particularly interesting wine list that includes several orange wines and friendly, down-to-earth servers complement the entire experience perfectly.
21 rue de la Corraterie, Geneva, Geneva, 1204, Switzerland
Known For
- Creative takes on classic Italian dishes
- A particularly interesting wine list
- A relaxed atmosphere
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
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$$$ | Centre Ville Rive Droite |
Closed Permanently
With a casual bistro vibe and health-conscious cuisine, the Mandarin Oriental's restaurant draws both business travelers and pleasure-seekers. The café, which offers gluten-free and vegetarian options, serves modern Swiss and French fare with a focus on local and seasonal ingredients.
1 quai Turrettini, Geneva, Geneva, 1201, Switzerland
Known For
- Healthful, local fare
- Parisian-style shaded terrace
- Vegetarian and gluten-free options
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$$ | Plainpalais |
Closed Permanently
This sleek, contemporary restaurant illuminated by sculptural chandeliers and dressed in white, chocolate, and taupe serves a mix of traditional and modern Franco-Italian seasonal dishes to a chic crowd. The menu, including the wine list that concentrates on Swiss, French, and Italian wines, changes regularly.
6 rue de Hesse, Geneva, Geneva, 1204, Switzerland
Known For
- Seasonal menu of classical French and Italian dishes
- Busy lunch scene
- Chic, modern atmosphere
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed weekends, Reservations essential
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$ | Centre Ville Rive Gauche |
Closed Permanently
This petite café dishes up guilt-free fare in a minimalist, earthy environment. Specializing in healthy food, I Feel Bio offers vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, lactose-free, and raw-food options. Everything is organic and defies the healthy-means-tasteless stereotype. Although the menu changes monthly, favorites like the creamy vegetable tartare, made with avocado, carrots, and zucchini, are staples. Breakfast features smoothies and sweet treats like the gluten-free green-tea cake and indulgences include a gluten-free brownie and lactose-free chocolate mousse.
12 rue de la Corraterie, Geneva, Geneva, 1204, Switzerland
Known For
- Healthy, organic fare
- Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and lactose options
- Takeaway and delivery options
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed weekends. No dinner
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$$ | Eaux-Vives |
Closed Permanently
The mood at L'Opéra Bouffe is casual-chic and friendly, with rows of wine bottles on floor-to-ceiling shelving, large framed mirrors, opera posters on the walls, and classical music in the background. For a menu that changes monthly, the chef rolls out subtle updates of traditional French and Mediterranean fare imbued with world accents. How about dessert? Hot apple pie with a scoop of ice cream is the perennial favorite.
5 av. de Frontenex, Geneva, Geneva, 1207, Switzerland
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. No lunch Sat., Credit cards accepted