BEST 5 BURGERS IN TOWN
by Kirsty Dunlop
PHOTO CREDIT MAIN IMAGE: INGLEWOOD
If by now you’re desperate for a break from cheese, cheese and MORE cheese, then a tasty burger is well worth the outing. Make sure you know your French words for rare – saignant, medium rare – à point and well done – bien cuit. There are several burger restaurants to choose from in Geneva – here are 5 of our favourites.
BLACK TAP
Rive
This is your quintessential American diner so go HUNGRY!! The staff is friendly and speak English and the atmosphere is lots of fun. There are several burger options(200 grams standard, which can be taken down to 130 grams for 2francs less)with a side of fries and onion rings. Prices range from CH19 to CHF36 for a steak burger with crumbled blue cheese.
Try their new Italian burger – with fried mozzarella, zesty tomato sauce and Grana Padano shavings. (CHF27) The quality of the meat is excellent which makes you feel less guilty about… their Crazy Milkshakes.
Although pricey, (CHF9) these amazing milkshakes are a work of art. Our favourite is the Oreo cookies and cream. Make sure that you order them after the kids have eaten their food and try to convince them to share – these shakes really are GINORMOUS!
A large selection of Craft hops from around the world is available on tap and by the bottle. Once you have finished your meal, head straight for the gym as you have just eaten your weekly calorie allowance in one sitting. Don’t feel bad… it’s worth it.
WHERE
6 Cours de Rive
MORE INFO
Opening hours:
Open every day from 11:30am to 11:30pm.
Closing at 10:30pm on Sundays.
Non-stop service
OUR RATING: 5/5 – especially with kids.
INGLEWOOD
Plainpalais and Eaux Vives
The restaurant itself is quite small and cosy but can feel cramped and overcrowded if you get there at the wrong time. There can often be a queue out the door in Carouge however that must be a good sign as it means that the restaurant is popular. The staff is friendly and efficient and the ingredients are fresh and locally sourced. The burgers are THE best in town – we love the Calivocat – with bacon, cheddar, avocado puree and Inglewood sauce. (CHF19.90)
Local craft beer and local wines – are a good option to wash down your burger.
TIP Watch out for their Burger of the month – we tried the venison burger and it was delish!
Prices range from CHF15 to CHF25 and burger comes with fries.
This restaurant in avenue de Frontenex is also open on Sundays, a big plus in Geneva.
WHERE
5 Avenue de Frontenex
44 Boulevard du Pont d’Arve
MORE INFO
Monday-Friday: 11:30-14h30 and 19h00-22h00.
Saturday: 12h00-14h45 and 19h00-22h00
Frontenex – Sunday: 12h00-15hoo and 18h30-21h30.
OUR RATING 4/5
FIVE GUYS
Rue du Mont Blanc
This is the first of this popular American chain to hit Switzerland. It is very much a fast food restaurant, but it’s possible to order take-aways or eat-in. Downstairs is busy but there is an upstairs section with a bit more space. The vibe is ‘loud American diner’ and the food is American diner too. The burgers are delicious made from fresh ground beef and the fries (cooked in peanut oil) are either regular or Cajun, for those who like it spicy. At CHF17 for the ‘All the way’, a Five guys burger includes 15 different toppings at no extra charge. Their milkshakes are good but not cheap at CHF10. You can order a soda on tap which is unlimited.
The staff are amazingly friendly which goes a long way when eating out in Geneva.
MORE INFO
24 Rue du Mont Blanc
Sunday – Thursday 11-23h00
Friday to Saturday 11-1:00
OUR RATING 4/5
THE HAMBURGER FOUNDATION
This is one of the best burger joints in Geneva. Their Pâquis restaurant was their first in Geneva and they now have three venues: in Plainpalais, Eaux-Vives and Pâquis, along with two food trucks.
These are no frills burgers – they stick to the essentials, but boy, they do a good job! Bacon cheese burger, cheese burger or hamburger – that’s it!
Sides – french fries, which are OK but not special, a bit of cole slaw and green salad.
The restaurant has table-service, nice cocktails and a wonderful little terrace for the summer time. The vintage décor with its black and white checked tiles is very charming.
Their burger patties are great. Nothing pretentious – pure Swiss meat, freshly made.
WHERE
37 Rue Philippe-Plantamour, Paquis
6 Rue Leschot, Plainpalais
8 Rue du 31 December, Eaux-Vives
Plainpalais
MORE INFO
Open every day 11h30 till 22h30.
OUR RATING 4/5
HOLY COW
Plainpalais and Cornavin
Holy Cow is more of a takeaway restaurant although you can sit down once you have ordered at the counter. They offer fresh chicken, meat and veggie options with large fat fries.
Their student rate is CHF15 – if you show them your card. The service is quick and easy and the quality is good, though not as good as it used to be. Average price around CHF20 for a burger menu with fries and a drink. Good selection of beers.
There are a few veggie options – but when we go for a burger we usually opt for the meat! We particularly lust after the Viva Espana – Beef, goat cheese, chorizo, honey, ketchup, mayo, hot chilli sauce, caramalised onions, batavia salad… Yum.
Very easy access from the tram at both locations.
Our one complaint is the buns… They are too big and not toasted!
WHERE
Place Cornavin 22
Rue Carouge 14, Plainpalais
MORE INFO
Opening hours:
Monday – Sunday
11:00-23:00
OUR RATING: 3/5
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