Dolce Vita in Geneva

The richness of Italian gastronomy in Geneva.

From iconic recipes to original creations, discover without further ado our favourite Italian eateries. From fresh pasta to Neapolitan pizzas, including the unmissable Vitello Tonnato and the famous Cannolo, explore the art of life the Italian way with unmissable little nuggets that will delight your taste buds. Here’s an overview.

Ciro, where the produce is king

A few steps from the train station, in the heart of the Pâquis district, Ciro shines with its flavourful cuisine and attracts transalpine gastronomy enthusiasts. A thriving place, the establishment offers authentic and refined cuisine, juggling local produce with traditional recipes from southern Italy. We like its conviviality but above all its menu which changes according to the market produce of the day and the inspiration of the chef.

The plus: Ciro is also Ciro Pizza Napoletana, Chemin du 23 Août, where you can enjoy original pizza creations.

cirotrattoriagourmet.ch

Osteria della Bottega, in the heart of the Old Town

Cobbled streets, historic scenery and unfailing charm: welcome to Osteria della Bottega, a little culinary gem in the heart of historic Geneva. On the menu, lip-smacking Fettuccine al ragout di manzo as well as homemade Tiramisu and the restaurant’s unmissable Cheesecake with its Valais apricot sauce. The osteria’s fresh pasta and chic minimalist decor make it a must for all foodies. Don’t forget to book!

osteriadellabottega.com

Kytaly, award-winning pizza

Recently awarded 10^th place in the European ranking of the best pizzas by the famous 50 Top Pizza guide, Kytaly is an institution thanks to its dynamic and urban atmosphere and the quality of its produce, imported from Italy. A guarantee of quality and an ode to transalpine flavours orchestrated by Edoardo, in charge of the kitchen and the joyful pasta, as well as by the two master pizzaiolos who will make you discover their latest novelty, Les Fritte, fried pizzas unique to Geneva.

kytaly.ch

Calia, the latest addition

The Charmilles district is home to a new gastronomic den that echoes with the mellifluous sounds of the southern Peninsula. Head for Sicily at Calia! On the menu: flavours, colours and delicacies for a most exotic journey. In its décor of a thousand lights, jazzed-up with objects and accessories straight from Sicily, the restaurant delights with its typical specialities such as Rigatoni alla Norma, Caponata e Burrata or Pennette alla Siciliana, a traditional recipe for oven-baked pasta with tomato, aubergine, mozzarella and basil sauce. Yum! calia-restaurant.ch 

Chez Zaza, for Aperitivo and pasta 

In the heart of the Champel district, Osteria Zaza is the ideal place to enjoy a traditional Spritz, feast on premium Italian charcuterie or melt your taste buds with the unmissable homemade pasta. In the giardino in the summer or in the cosy room around the remarkable central bar in the winter, “Zaza”, for those in the know, is a must for discerning gourmets. Its Agnolotti del Plin and Spaghetti carbonara have conquered the hearts of all Genevans. The best part: from the pasta to the desserts and the pizzas, everything is homemade! osteriazaza.ch

Intenso, the most stylish

The Bergues district houses a new Mediterranean address with Amalfi flavours, Intenso. A unique concept designed for all who love the specialities of the southern Peninsula, combining a restaurant with a shop selling exceptional artisanal produce. Amidst white and emerald-green tablecloths reminiscent of local ceramics, you’ll enjoy the Vitello tonnato with Amalfi Coast tuna and Pantelleria IGP capers, the elegant Culatello di Zibello or a Risotto with Piedmont summer truffles. All the produce on the menu can be found in the adjoining shop. intensoitalianfood.ch

Vicolo39, in Carouge

A transalpine duo shines at the head of this Carouge restaurant. Gianluigi Alla from Rome and his chef Gilbert Vallet have set up shop at the Auberge Communale, a famous 19th century historic building in the Sardinian city, to the delight of our taste buds! The establishment offers a menu with Mediterranean flavours, from emblematic recipes of the southern Peninsula to original signature creations. Elegant and generous dishes such as Tortelli alla Parmigiana and Risotto cacio e pepe. vicolo39.ch

In Eaux-Vives, Cinecittà, Gigi and Puccini treat us

The buzzing Eaux-Vives district, a few steps from the lake, takes us straight to the heights of transalpine gastronomy. Pasta fresca, pizza al forno, risotto and parmigiana di melanzane await for warm and friendly moments around the table. Whether you are with your partner, family or friends, you will certainly find something to your liking. Here’s our selection.
Cinecittà has been delighting visitors and locals alike since 1991. With its spacious terrace and its colourful gourmet menu, the establishment is always full. After a few sporty endeavours by the lake, come and enjoy a Burrata di bufala D.O.P, fresh Tagliatelle alla Bolognese or a Margherita and its fior di latte. In the evening, a special “Aperitivo” menu is also available. restaurant-cinecitta.ch

Gigi Cucina & Bar

Gigi Cucina & Bar is a refreshing and trendy address in the neighbourhood. A dynamic and resolutely modern concept that never ceases to delight foodies! Nestled at the gates of the new Eaux-Vives train station, the restaurant offers creative cuisine in a relaxed, urban atmosphere, ranging from traditional recipes to original signature dishes. The best part: every Sunday, it’s brunch time at Gigi’s with egg casserole, pancakes and gazpacho on the menu! gigicucinabar.ch

Café Puccini 

The Puccini Café team is none other than that of Tosca, the adjoining Michelin-starred address in the neighbourhood. Here, you will rediscover with finesse and enchantment all the traditions of the southern Peninsula, and in particular those of Tuscany. Treat yourself to some Ravioli del Plin à la Piémontaise, Fusilloni Cacio & Pepe and the unmissable Vitello Tonnato! All under a sumptuous fresco by Marco Borgianni. tosca-geneva.ch/puccini-cafe