@packdsuitcase's Geneva Food Guide

FONDUE!🫕

Restaurant Les Armures

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Have a delicious fondue dinner at Les Armures, in Old Town. It isn't a budget meal, per se, but after a cost-efficient day, it's well-worth the splurge. Don't miss trying the Moitié-Moitié fondue— a mix of Gruyère and Vacherin cheeses. Drink it with a crisp white Chasselas wine that's local to the region. (Reservations are a must.)

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Café du Soleil

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Cafe Soleil is one of Geneva's most revered fondue institutions, and if you're looking for an authentic option a little off the beaten path, you'll love this tasty option. It's located in Petit-Sacconex, in a charming historic square, with indoor and outdoor seating. Of course you'll get the fondue, but consider a round of cheesy Malakoff's (fried cheese balls) too -- along with a crisp glass of Chasslas wine.

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QUICK BITES

Umamido Rive

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Umamido is a trendy ramen and rice bowl restaurant located steps from the Rive tram stop. I like that the vibe is hip and modern, and the prices are on the lower side for a meal out in Geneva. (Around 20 CHF for a hearty bowl of ramen.) It's perfect for a quick-ish meal in the city center.

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Bao Canteen

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Come to Bao Canteen for Taiwanese street food with a modern twist. There are 2 locations, Rive and Planpalais, but my preference is the Plainpalais location because it has more seating. There is a "Dragon" menu that comes with 2 baos and a side-- my order of choice arethe tofu and braised beef baos with a side of sweet potato fries. YUM. And bubble tea, too.

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Taco Rico

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Taco Rico is like Chipotle... a tastier, fresher, more *expensive* Chipotle. 😉 Here you can get quick burritos and tacos. My go-to is a pork cochinitas burrito with all the toppings (I especially love the pickled onions, housemade guac and chipotle mayo drizzle). Prices for a burrito are over 20 CHF, which I know is pricey but they are HUGE and stuffed with local, Swiss ingredients, and lots of flavor. I don't get them every day, but when I do I am HAPPY.

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Le Bánh Mì

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Manora Restaurant Genève

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Pretty Patty - Smash Burger

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Spoon Food Hall

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CHEAP EATS

Buvette des Bains - Bains des Pâquis

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For 12 CHF, you can enjoy one of my favorite breakfasts in Geneva. The menu is simple: 2 tartines with your choice of spread, 1 fresh-squeezed fruit juice, 1 bircher or fruit salad, and 1 hot drink. Enjoy your breakfast with one of the prettiest views of Geneva. Pro Tip: Get the mixture of all juices (carrot, orange, apple and ginger) -- it's zippy and delicious! This is also a fab spot for lunch or dinner, with affordable Plat du Jours, salads and some of the best fondue in town.

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Chez ma Cousine

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Parfums de Beyrouth

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Saj Eat

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Restaurant Pizzeria Mania Genève

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Raconte-moi des Salades

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This is made-to-order salad spot is my favorite of healthy lunch spots in Geneva. The ingredients are SO fresh, with housemade dressings and local touches. And the family-owned business is super welcoming, too. The salads come in 3 sizes, and I've found the portions to be generous and the prices to be fair. I particularly love that they start making salads in the morning when they open, so you can grab it even in the morning to go to take home for lunch. Definitely recommend! (And don't miss one of their great coffees, too!)

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BONUS COST-SAVING TIP: Many traditional restaurants look very expensive -- and they are - but don't underestimate the value of the Plat du Jour. Particularly during lunchtime, most restaurants usually have 1-3 "dishes of the day" that run in the 18-26 CHF range. They are usually very creative, seasonal and delicious. So if you are willing to be flexible with your palate, you can eat very well for less. 

MY FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

El Catrín

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Les Tilleuls

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This is my favorite restaurant in Geneva for lunch. Each day, they have 2 plat du jours (22 CHF each) and discounted pizzas. The food is always creative and delicious with ample portions. And the pizzas are some of the best in Geneva.

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Da Paolo

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This Italian restaurant near the Jet d'Eau has great pizza. There are Swiss prices, but I've never been disappointed. It's my favorite "fancy pizza" place in the city. Try the one with spicy salami!

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Le Relais de l'Entrecôte

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SCENIC RESTAURANTS WITH LOTS OF ATMOSPHERE

Restaurant de la Plage

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The Restaurant de la Plage is a little bit of a walk but fabulous. They are open on Sundays (during the warm season), and always have a few plat du jours that are affordable and I've always enjoyed the meal and the views. Be sure to check their website to confirm hours and make a reservation.

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Cottage Café

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Café du Marché

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The Café du Marché is the perfect blend of traditional European charm and modern café culture. This cozy spot offers visitors indoor or outdoor seating with a brasserie-styled menu. Its proximity to Carouge's bustling market ensures a vibrant atmosphere, making it a favorite haunt for both locals and tourists. I found the menu to be creative and super delicious -- I had a vegetarian lentil dish that I'm STILL dreaming about -- but I also found them to be a little inflexible when it came to adapting dishes on the kids menu. (IE my kids are vegetarian and they were not able to figure out a vegetarian option for them, etc.) Whether you're stopping by for a morning espresso, a leisurely brunch, or an evening aperitif, Café du Marché promises a genuine taste of Carouge's lively spirit. ☕🥐🍷

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RESTAURANTS NEAR THE UN ORGANIZATIONS

If you are working at one of the International Organizations, here are some of my favorite places nearby in the Grand-Saconnex area.

Cuisine Lab

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This is a restaurant that mixes great food and a great mission. Cuisine Lab's operations all revolved around sustainability and over 50% of the staff are refugees. A menu and daily plat du jour all feature flavors from the refugees that it employes. For example, I had Eritrean-spiced salmon and it was just so delicious. (19 chf for the plat du jour.) Amazing find.

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LA DULA ibérico shop

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Bringing an authentic taste of Spain to Geneva is La Dula. Besides a market with ready-to-purchase iberico jamon, cheese, and other Spanish delicacies, there is a bustling cafe. It's owned by a friendly husband and wife duo, one Catalan and one Swiss -- the best of both worlds! Lunch offers an array of sandwiches (bocadillos!) and a fairly priced lunch special with an appetizer, sandwich and drink for 19 CHF. There are also a la carte cold tapas available. Apero here is also popular, with tasty tapas + platters, as well as wines, beer and sangria.

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Café du Soleil

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Cafe Soleil is one of Geneva's most revered fondue institutions, and if you're looking for an authentic option a little off the beaten path, you'll love this tasty option. It's located in Petit-Sacconex, in a charming historic square, with indoor and outdoor seating. Of course you'll get the fondue, but consider a round of cheesy Malakoff's (fried cheese balls) too -- along with a crisp glass of Chasslas wine.

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Tukul restaurant

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FANCIER FARE

Brasserie Lipp

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WHERE TO HAVE A DRINK

MET Rooftop Lounge - Hôtel Métropole

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With panoramic views of the Jet d’Eau and the Jardin Anglais, it’s a lovely place to end the day and cheers to a picture-perfect day in Geneva. It's free to enter, but the handcrafted cocktails are a little pricey at over 20 CHF/ each... If you're looking to drink on the cheap, try a locally-brewed Calvinus beer. A much more affordable option.

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La Barje des Lavandières

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Le Kraken

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L'Apothicaire Cocktail-Club

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Fred by Fiskebar

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KID-FRIENDLY

You'll find that many places in Geneva are relatively kid friendly-- they have menu enfants -- a kids menu -- with a few options at a more reasonable price. But one thing that I as an American found difficult to get used to was the fact that many restaurants don't open til after 7 pm, which is tough when you're with small kids used to eating earlier.

To find earlier dining options, look for restaurants advertising "non-stop" - this means they don't stop down between lunch and dinner. 

Luigia Rive Droite

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Tavolone

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Mazecafes

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The Foundry Restaurant

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La Huchette

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La Huchette is a great neighborhood spot with a delicious, locally-sourced menu and a great convivial vibe. They're known for fire-grilled meats, but there's delicious options for kids and vegetarians, too.

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BRUNCH/ BREAKFAST

Muller's Factory

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Sawerdō

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Sawerdo is one of those restaurants that’s always jam packed in the mornings. Their brunch is such a star, with colorful and flavorful dishes that celebrate their housemade breads in all forms. But, there’s no need to wait for the weekend! Sawerdo’s popular brunch menu is actually available every day, 9 - 11:30 am. I went and tried a smattering of their best brunch dishes and was absolutely impressed with the quality and creativity of the dishes. It’s vegetarian friendly, too— definitely check it out!

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Aux Merveilleux de Fred

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This popular spot is famous for their cramiques. These pillowy Belgian brioches come dotted with chocolate, pearl sugar or raisins, and are baked fresh throughout the day. They are SO good I'll often go out of my way to stop by one of their two locations in town. (The other location is in Plainpalais.) They're also known of the namesake Merveilleux, which are sweet meringue desserts layered with whipped cream, mousses and other toppings. The menu is a little limited to mainly baked goods, and of course juice and coffee, but the tea room is a nice place to enjoy these marvelous pastries.

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COFFEE SHOPS

Utopia Coffee (St Jean)

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Café Calico

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The Barista Lab

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Les petites artisanes

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SWEET STOPS

Pâtisserie Sofia

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Parisserie Genève

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Gelato Mania

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MR & MRS RENOU - Pâtisserie

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Pitstop Donut

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Ginger Donuts

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CHOCOLATIERS

Chocolat Favarger

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La Bonbonnière Chocolaterie

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Geneva is for CHOCOLATE lovers and there are a few ways to experience the city’s chocolate scene. A budget-friendly favorite of mine is to pay a visit to one of the iconic Geneva chocolatiers, La Bonbonniere. Grab a seat at their tea room near the Rive tram stop and order the Instant Choco. For 10.50 CHF you’ll get a tasting plate of 4 chocolates and one gourmet hot chocolate off their extensive hot chocolate menu... SWEET! 🍫 Pro Tip: I do NOT recommend upgrading to the "Tea Time" menu for 18 CHF. I tried it and most of the sweets that came with it were just so-so. The Instant Choco is MUCH better.

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Canonica Chocolaterie

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And don't miss my free guide to one EPIC day in Geneva 👇

Chris✨ (aka @packdsuitcase)

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