BEST RESTAURANTS IN GENEVA
MAIN PHOTO CREDIT: BAYVIEW RESTAURANT
by Brigitte Taylor
Geneva may be a small city, but it punches above its weight when it comes to fine dining options, many of which have been recognised and awarded Michelin stars. We share some of our favourite luxury eateries in town.
IL LAGO – FOUR SEASONS HOTEL DES BERGUES
One exceptional option is Il Lago, the restaurant at the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues, overlooking the famous Lake Geneva. The restaurant is renowned for being a feast for the eyes and the palate, with its lavish imperial décor transporting patrons to a different era before sweeping them off their feet with a menu inspired by Italian classics and Mediterranean fare.
DOMAINE DE CHATEAUVIEUX
Discerning foodies will also venture further afield, to the Domaine de Chateauvieux in Satigny, Geneva’s well-known wine-producing region, a short drive away from the city centre. Under the stewardship of well-established chef Philippe Chevrier, the restaurant offers one of the finest gastronomic experiences in the region, using local produce as a way to unveil new flavours.
BAYVIEW – HOTEL PRESIDENT WILSON
Another favourite for those who appreciate fine dining options is Bayview by Michel Roth at the Hotel President Wilson. Boasting panoramic views of Lake Geneva, every detail has been carefully thought through to create an unparalleled experience for the senses. From the wine cellar and impeccable service to the décor and choice of glasses, each and every one of this restaurant’s touch-points is designed to complement the Michelin-starred chef’s innovative and fresh seasonal menus. Let him guide you through this extraordinary experience and go for the 8-course tasting menu, including the wine pairings – you will not be disappointed.
CHEZ HENRI GOUZER
For those looking for a low-key, little-known option, there is a new experience to tempt your taste buds: Chez Henri Gouzer, one of Geneva’s best-kept secrets. Access this hidden speakeasy – if you dare! – by entering and walking through the well-known Hamburger Foundation in Paquis, and head towards a discreet door at the back, in order to step into this classy, retro bar. Recommended as an ideal spot to people-watch, and taste a variety of oysters brought especially from a family-run oyster farm in Brittany, accompanied by a wine and cocktail selection that complements their flavour.
LA BOTTEGA
But if you seek the comfort only Italian food may bring, look no further than La Botte
ga, a Michelin-starred restaurant located at the crossroads between Geneva’s busy centre ville, the Old Town, and the classically beautiful Place de Neuve, home to the Grand Théatre and the Conservatoire de Musique de Genève. This trattoria offers patrons fresh and sophisticated interpretations of traditional Italian cuisine, in a chic, modern atmosphere.
CHEZ PHILIPPE
There is, of course, plenty more to see – and taste! Other venues are sure to delight any visitor, be it for a quiet dinner, or a well-deserved rest after a shopping trip. One such place is Chez Philippe, Geneva’s answer to traditional New York steak houses, another masterpiece by chef Philippe Chevrier. While the ground floor of Chez Philippe is an ideal place to enjoy a cocktail or a laid-back lunch, the upper floor, with its white tablecloths and equally refined service, offer a classy ambience as the cherry on top of an up-market dining experience. Meat lovers will come for the Irish Angus steak and the Japanese Wagyu Kobe beef, all supplied by revered local butcher’s Boucherie du Molard, but they will stay for the extensive wine list and mouth-watering selection of desserts…
TOUR DU MOLARD
Up the road from Chez Philippe, on the popular Place du Molard, patrons will find the Tour du Molard, located inside the square’s clock tower, the perfect setting to try some local wine and tapas while enjoying the view from one of the city’s centuries-old landmarks; and the Café du Centre, offering all the French classics (as well as some of the best seafood in Geneva) in an old-school atmosphere only mirrored art-deco dining rooms can provide. A favourite among locals and visitors alike, who are likely to recommend the lobster!
LA FINESTRA
Finally, deeper into the nearby Geneva Old Town is La Finestra, a cosy restaurant which offers a fresh take on traditional Italian fare, within a small, private environment, with multiple dining rooms offering discretion, and some of the best service in town.
