Restaurants and Bars

With more than 1000 restaurants, Geneva and the surrounding area are hardly lacking in places to dine. While Swiss, French and Italian restaurants are seemingly everywhere, the city's ethnic groups have contributed towards the growing diversity in cuisine originating from other cultures.

The recent explosion in sushi bars in Geneva is just one example of increasing demand for the exotic and a broader choice of dining establishments. Despite the multitude of options symptomatic of this trend, it becomes increasingly more challenging to identify quality restaurants. The good news is that there are many culinary treasures to discover, from award-winning Michelin restaurants to sleek contemporary bistros and rowdy local cafes.

City Center

Geneva abounds with fine French restaurants. Highly rated is Le Bearn, an elegant French restaurant with many items on its menu that include truffles. There is also an extensive wine list. The boisterous Relais de L'Entrecôte has a large crowd of regulars, and is set up like a traditional bistro inside, with warm accents and dark wood tables. Opened in 1955, L'Age d'Or holds the title of being the city's oldest pizzeria, and one of the most popular as well. The owners are sure to make each pizza with the finest ingredients.

L'Antidote is popular among young people for its quirky menu and no-nonsense interior. Brasserie Lipp serves traditional fare and stays open into the early hours and has a terrace for guests to enjoy, while the classic hamburgers at Road Runner attract Americans living abroad and those visiting Geneva.

Old City

The Old City has limited dining options, but there are many small cafes and restaurants to discover here. Les Armures is a step up on the glamor scale (and consequently the price scale) but focuses mainly on Swiss regional cuisine. Another nice option is Chez ma Cousine, which serves Provincial French cuisine in a country house style setting. The atmosphere here is distinctly down home, with yellow and green color patterns and sturdy wooden tables in the dining room.

Les Eaux-Vives

Three mid-price range contemporary restaurants must be mentioned in the same breath (they are owned by the same group). L'Opera Bouffe produces light, modern cooking in aesthetic surroundings. There are numerous enjoyable Italian restaurants in town (as well as an equal number of avoidable ones). Other sure-fire winners include Da Paolo. The small bistro Côte Parc is ideally located on a peaceful street, and has the benefit of a visible kitchen from the dining room. Guests are able to see their food being created. Cinecitta serves the best traditional Italian fare such as pasta and pizza. Their outdoor terrace has film director chairs for those looking to dine in style.

Les Pâquis

Geneva's Bohemian district is full of eclectic dining options from all over the world. La Diligence is a well-known and high-quality Mexican restaurant that also has Swiss options on the menu. The Malaysian food on offer at Jeck's Place is truly delicious, and the staff is pleasant and accommodating. Lebanese cuisine can be found at Amir Beyrouth, which is divided into a more formal dining room and a side area for snacking. Mañana was the first Mexican restaurant opened in Geneva, and offers all the mainstays of a delicious, traditional meal. Thai food is represented at Sam Lor, where visitors come to sample all the different ways duck can be prepared.