Gastronomy in Geneva : from fondue to Michelin star

From traditional fondue to Michelin star restaurants

Geneva, a rich and varied gourmet destination

Constantly innovating, Geneva’s gourmet scene offers exceptional diversity. From neighbourhood bistros to Michelin-starred restaurants and trendy restaurants and bars, Geneva is a recognised gastronomic destination at the heart of Europe.

Catering to all tastes, desires and budgets, Geneva will delight the gourmet in you!

Whether you are a fine dining enthusiast, a meat lover or on a quest for the best Swiss specialities, Geneva will delight you with its cosmopolitan cuisine.

The city is filled with mouth-watering treasures and attracts visitors thanks to the quality and, more particularly, diversity of the gastronomy it has to offer. No matter which district you are in, you will find something to satisfy your taste buds at any time of the day.

With their gently euphoric atmosphere, generosity and authenticity, bistros never cease to attract gourmets. Established or up-and-coming, here are a few of the best: in Eaux-Vives, a stone’s throw from the lake, treat yourself to a gourmet break at Max, the new trendy “Parisian” brasserie. Nearby, Coin du Bar charms with its exceptional cellar and its revisited bistro cuisine. In Carouge we have fallen for Le Dix Vins, with its French cuisine. In the heart of Jonction, Le Comptoir Canaille takes inspiration from Lyon’s traditional restaurants, while at Odéon, Benjamin Garin revives forgotten recipes. Le Bologne, near the train station, fascinates with the crafted quality of its products.

The Italian dolce vita can also be experienced in Geneva.

From pasta fresca to Neapolitan pizzas, Italy shines with its rich and varied cuisine. For pizza, head to Franco Pepe’s Kytaly, voted best pizzeria in Switzerland in 2020, where Franco will delight you with his creations. Or go to Gigi’s, the latest newcomer to Eaux-Vives. You can also enjoy them gluten free at Pizza Leggera, in the Rive district. But if you’re in the mood for pasta, head to Champel to Osteria Zaza to discover its gourmet and creative dishes. In Plainpalais, we recommend Seppia, a Sicilian bistro, or Fabbrica Pasta. The most refined, Ciro and Osterria della Bottega, feature elegant creations and exceptional products. Finally, Tosca is a Michelin star restaurant that should not be missed. 

Fondue, rösti, double cream…

Swiss specialities are a must during your stay in Geneva. To taste them, head to Le Gruyérien, a Swiss institution par excellence, or to Buvette des Bains des Pâquis for its famous fondue and its breathtaking views of Lake Geneva. For a “chalet” atmosphere, go to Les Pâquis at the Hôtel Edelweiss, with its uniquely decorated restaurant, or to the Auberge de Savièse for its traditional raclette. In the Old Town, don't miss the Restaurant des Armures, an emblematic establishment where Bill Clinton and Georges Clooney have sat, or Restaurant de l'Hôtel-de-Ville, the meeting place for Geneva’s international and political guests. The most contemporary, the Swiss Chalet, awaits you upon arrival at the airport. Finally, a few steps from the Grand Théâtre and the Parc des Bastions, you can taste the inimitable Emincé de veau à la Zürichoise and its home-made rösti, in the warm and freshly renovated setting of the Cave Valaisanne-Chalet Suisse. 

Geneva is also full of new concepts and trendy restaurants where the atmosphere has a festive touch, and the menu features creative cocktails and contemporary cuisine. Chez Calvin at Eaux-Vives is a perfect example. Thanks to its revisited French dishes and intoxicating atmosphere, your evening is a guaranteed success. Inda-Bar charms with its fusion cuisine and inventive cocktails. At Yakumanka, the Peruvian restaurant of famous chef Gastón Acurio at the Mandarin Oriental, you can enjoy pisco cocktails, ceviche and tiraditos in a most exotic setting. Rooftop°42 with its terrace, unique views of the Jet d’eau and the creations of chef Cyril Arachequesne will delight gourmets. You can also dress up and eat Asian food at the Baroque Restaurant in the banking district, and immerse yourself in the good life and the Greek sun at Khora’s, where sharing is the order of the day.

Not enough time for a long meal?

Discover “on the go” addresses throughout the city that will allow you to eat quickly, at any time, and always with quality. In Plainpalais, Bao Canteen offers real “gua baos”, small, popular Taiwanese steamed dumplings. Close to the train station, try out Panino Giusto, the den of the true Italian panino. For burgers, it all happens at Black Tap. The “best burger in New York” has arrived in Geneva for all fans of the round roll. At Denise’s, in the heart of Globus department store, starred chef Philippe Chevrier treats our taste buds with refined and creative burger recipes. For brunch lovers, Marcel welcomes his guests throughout the day with more than comforting dishes. Granola, with its three branches, delights all gourmets in search of balance, from breakfast to snacks. You can also stop at Oh Martine! to take away or sit and eat one of their creative sandwiches and, of course, their banana bread. Finally, ideal during a shopping trip, try out a slice at Nero's Pizza, the real Roman pizza “al taglio”.