The top Geneva restaurants to dine at
Think you know Geneva’s dining scene? Think again. If there’s one thing we know about this stunning Swiss city, it’s that it offers its visitors a wide range of cuisine, from traditional French fare to varied vegetarian options.
To paint a picture of what to expect when you get there, we’ve put together a handy guide covering the best restaurants in Geneva. These mouth-watering eateries promise to totally tantalise your taste buds.
This is it – our favourite choices for foodies among the top Geneva restaurants.
French fare
Go full-on French when you feast in Geneva. At Michelin-starred Bayview, you can anticipate exactly what it says on the tin – a dining experience with a fantastic view of the bay. Scallops, trout from Grenoble, beef tenderloin, cheese trolleys – the list of French dishes with a contemporary twist is divine.
Fine dining
The upper echelon of Geneva’s restaurants takes fine dining to new levels. Intensus prides itself on its private location, where you share a nine-seat table with other discerning foodies. Expect a menu that’s inspired by seasonal produce and delivers an exceptional dining experience.
For somewhere a little larger, opt for Fiskebar, where you can sample a medley of Scandinavian fusion plates. You’ll be able to have your fill of dishes including pigeon with roots and shallots, mackerel with hibiscus and cauliflower, John Dory with lemon, turnip and spinach and much more.
Sumptuous seafood
At places like Brasserie Lipp, you can stick to sensibly-priced courses or go all out on big platters for couples or groups – whatever your budget, this is a superb pick for seafood. We’re talking mussels, langoustines, lobster – you get the gist.
If only a chic venue will do, Gouzer Oyster Bar is perfect. The simple combination of an extensive wine list and exceptional oysters make this a trendy choice for locals and visitors alike. Get glammed up and prepare to enjoy fresh oysters, lobster rolls, mini sardines and more.
Great-value eats
Save some pennies and eat in cosy restaurants that serve homely local cuisine at fab prices. Chez Ma Cousine is ideal for a warming plate of grilled chicken, Provençale-style potatoes and a side salad of crispy lettuce.
Wander around Geneva and you’ll likely spy plenty of similar low-key joints around the city. Parfums de Beyrouth, a traditional Lebanese food vendor, is one of the best. Falafel platters and Arabic bread sandwiches served with chicken, salad and a good slathering of garlic sauce are both winners.
Brilliant bakeries
Treat yourself to something sugary and delightful from one of the city’s many pretty patisseries. Boulangerie Eric Emery is an excellent choice for speciality panettone, homemade bread and pastries with garnishes of fruit or chocolate. Meanwhile, the artisan finery of Parisserie Genève is showcased through their colourful macarons, tarts and cream cakes. It’s well worth popping in for a sweet treat when you’re on the go.
Super steakhouses
You can’t beat steak frites. What better place to have this divine French dish than in one of Geneva’s bustling steakhouses? You’ll find plenty of top-notch food joints serving juicy rumps and sirloins with crispy fries and dressed side salads.
Le Grill is a solid restaurant pick, while Minotor Steakhouse goes one up with its incredible offering. Meat-eaters – you’d be mad to miss this one! Each well-seasoned morsel will just melt in your mouth, so get ready for a taste sensation.
Italian classics
There are some fab Italian eateries among the best restaurants in Geneva. You can start at the cheaper end of the spectrum and opt for simple pasta dishes at Tavolone.
Likewise, you could really indulge at Il Lago, the restaurant in the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues Geneva. The service, food and atmosphere are all widely raved about and the dishes are among the finest you’ll find in the city.
Veggie options
Quite a few of Geneva’s restaurants offer vegetarian options and some cater for vegans as well. That means you won’t struggle to pick a place that has meat-free menus.
Strictly vegetarian and vegan food eateries aren’t ten-a-penny, but a real gem on the scene is MU-Food. With tempting dishes like classic dhal, buckwheat gnocchi and soy and vegetable burgers, you can get your full fix of your five-a-day with lip-smacking flavour.
If some or all of these fab foodie options have whet your appetite, check out our Jet2CityBreaks to Geneva and sample all the best flavours for yourself. Culinary wizardry awaits…