BEST PLACES FOR A HOT DATE IN GENEVA
by Elena Pedrazzani and Gaëlle Forget
CREDIT main photo: Bistrot 23
There are cool places for going out in Geneva, but sadly, not so many romantic options. So, where do you go for a first date, hot date or romantic dinner on Valentines Day?
Here are some of our suggestions which could turn an ordinary dinner into a hot date.
MANHATTAN CAFE
The perfect recipe for a successful first date is to find a trendy spot with a nice crowd and an elegant, yet friendly atmosphere. Not too loud or crowded, but being the only couple in the place would make things a bit awkward. Dim lighting, plush and comfortable leather or velvet seats, preferably red. Last but not least, there must be a good selection of cocktails, wine and small plates to share, to help create the intimacy (or get you through the evening if things don’t go according to plan.)
Manhattan Café is cosy, warm and stylish with excellent service, the perfect setting for a romantic dinner or drinks and nibbles, if you are not yet fully convinced by your date 😉
We tried their winter hot dog with pan-fried foie gras and fig jam (CHF26), which was fab. Impress your meat-loving date and order their tomahawk, which is 1.1 kilo of Angus prime beef rib (CHF115 for 2 persons). Seal the date by splitting a Manhattan cheese cake with vanilla ice cream and speculoos (CHF12).
WHERE
Boulevard Georges Favon 5
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BAO STEAM KITCHEN
You can’t go wrong with a bit of steam on Valentines night, right?
This place’s vibe is quite simple, yet refined with a nice open kitchen. The dumplings are good and as sharing is caring, we think this is the right place for a romantic rendezvous with good food and good drinks (try the Rosé!).
Their specialties are bao, dim sum and soup dumplings or Xiaolongbao. Xiaolongbao is a steamed bun filled with hot soup. The dim sum are tasty and fresh. The prices are reasonable for the quality of the food and service, which is warm, attentive and friendly. The open kitchen is a nice distraction if you run out of things to say…
WHERE
Bao Steam Kitchen
Chemin du 23-août 28
MORE INFO
https://www.baosteamkitchen.com
CIRO TRATORRIA
Refined Italian food, steering clear from mainstream Italian fare served on chequered red and white table cloths. The menu is small, always a good sign of authenticity. Even Italians recommend it. It goes without saying that the wines are pretty good too. If you want to celebrate your San Valentino tri-colore style this might be the place for you. Seduce your date with black truffle risotto, crab linguini, octopus tentacles with cauliflower and, of course, tiramisu.
WHERE
61 Rue de Berne, Pâquis
MORE INFO
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BISTROT23
Just the right amount of light, nice decor and music. Great food. The appetisers are small, but perfect for trying a few different things and sharing, mains are tasty and they have a fair variety for vegetarians too. We think Bistro23 particularly scores high in the drink department: the wine is good and they also have a very interesting cocktail list (with some daily specials). We enjoyed the Lolly Pop Martini, a mix of citron-infused vodka, limoncello and bitter rhubarb.
WHERE
MORE INFO
TAQUERIA LOS CUNADOS
This place is hip, the food is good (and fun to share), atmosphere is fun and frozen margaritas are bomb! Yes, it isn’t maybe your stereotypical candlelight dinner spot, but there will be candles (albeit in Mexican skull-shaped candle holders) and if the date doesn’t deliver, the hot sauces will definitely add a bit of spice to your night.
WHERE
17 Rue de Montchoisy, Eaux-Vives
MORE INFO
https://taquerialoscunados.ch/
Who almost made it… but not quite
KAMPAI
Japanese-Peruvian fusion restaurant in Pâquis. We’d recommend this for the food and drinks. The concept? Tapas inspired by both countries, full of colour and taste! The service is friendly, but… the place has strange lighting and a bit of a strange vibe overall. If you don’t mind eating awesome ceviche in bright neon light with off-beat décor this might be the place for you and your Valentine!
WHERE
25 Rue de Monthoux, Pâquis
MORE INFO
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