Restaurants in Geneva

Patara

Some of the best Thai food in Geneva can be found at this classy establishment in the 5-star Beau-Rivage hotel. Since 1999 Patara has been sending its chefs to Bangkok to train, while bringing ingredients back the other way to use in combination with local produce. All in all, it makes for an authentic experience, with dishes including veal osso bucco in Thai northern style curry and green mango salad with crab.

Châteauvieux

Located in a former farmhouse in the western suburb of Peney-Dessus and surrounded by the Geneva vineyards, Châteauvieux is one of Geneva’s finest gourmet establishments. Thanks to the creative seasonal French cuisine of Swiss owner-chef Philippe Chevrier – the former head chef at Geneva's Beau-Rivage hotel – the restaurant is fully deserving of its two Michelin stars.

Auberge du Lion d'Or

Located in the wealthy Cologny district (dubbed the Beverly Hills of Geneva), the Auberge du Lion d'Or is a Michelin-starred restaurant offering panoramic views over the city and lake. The restaurant is decorated in a smart, classical style and guests can enjoy alfresco dining on the terrace in summer. Two chefs, Frenchman Gilles Dupont and Irishman Thomas Byrne, specialise in seafood, with dishes including wood-smoked sea bass and crab ravioli, enhanced by a list of fine, international wines.

La Favola

This intimate little Italian restaurant in the heart of Geneva’s Old Town excels in fresh pasta and an authentic atmosphere. The two dining rooms are fairly limited in size, as is the menu, but this only adds to the overall feel – devotees here hail it as the best restaurant in Geneva. Look out for specialities like the lobster salad and Milanese-style risotto, although the seasonal menu changes regularly. The restaurant is closed Saturday lunchtime and all-day Sunday.

Brasserie Lipp

There can't be a better place in Geneva to people-watch than this buzzing institution. It's big, it's busy and it attracts all manner of people from businessmen to ladies who lunch to wealthy retirees. They come for the vast, Parisian-style menu (with particularly good desserts), swift service and a lively atmosphere, with the outdoor terrace being a particular draw in summer. It's open every day and it's right in the centre of town, too.

Cafe Papon

This popular restaurant sports one of the best terraces in Geneva, overlooking the lovely Parc des Bastions. Situated in a gorgeous vaulted room in the town hall building, it's been around since 1808. But current chefs David Felisaz and Christophe Bernerd have ensured its sense of history is combined with a modern approach. The decor is classy and clean, not fusty, and the menus change regularly to make the most of seasonal ingredients.

Cottage Café

This incongruous little place is a treat. Located on the grass by the Brunswick Monument, a stone's throw from some of Geneva's most luxurious hotels, Cottage Café is a quirky wooden shack serving breakfast, a simple daily lunch menu and a selection of tapas in the evening. Owner Nicole Boder has created a homely atmosphere inside, while the leafy location makes you feel like you're the first to stumble across it. Closed Sundays.

Les Brasseurs

Located just opposite Cornavin station, Les Brasseurs is a convivial eatery that stands as the only place in Geneva to brew its own blanche, blonde and ambrée beers. They also serve German and Alsatian specialities such as bacon and onion Flammenküche (Alsatian tart). Hugely popular with a young crowd. Arrive before 2130, when the venue starts to get crowded. Closed Sunday lunch.

Chez Ma Cousine

Some restaurants know what they're good at and stick to it. So it is at this little bistro in Geneva's Old Town which only serves chicken – delicious, free-range, roast chicken with gravy, Provencal potatoes and salad. All for a very tasty price, too. Unsurprisingly, it's popular, and you'll have to be quick to get a table on the small terrace in summer. However, you can't reserve either, so it's best just to turn up and wait your turn – it's worth it.