La Sixième Heure
by Chené Koscielny
Tucked away in a little street in Plainpalais, this cosy tearoom-stroke-restaurant is a firm favourite of the ladies-who-lunch circuit. And, according to Serbian owner Sofa Delahaye, it’s not only limited to lunch as women also like to women also like to share apéros and dinner together, thanks to the unique “safe and protective” atmosphere, away from unwanted attention of men in scruffy bars.
Hour of the pause
On the day of our visit, the café is buzzing with smartly dressed, well-groomed – mainly Swiss ladies, two of whom feed crumbs from the table to their equally well-groomed pooches. One brave man in a suit is dining alone in a corner. Sixième Heure means ‘Siesta’ in Spanish and is known as the hour of the pause. Our host, Sofa, also likes the idea of the ‘English High Tea’ and proudly shows us an array of home-made cakes and mouth-watering cakes and sweet treats, including tarte au citron, moelleux au chocolat, tarte tatin and tarte aux framboises …… no scones, jam and cream on the menu, but I think we’ll survive!
Coffee, tea and apéros
The coffee selection includes Café Frappé Bailey’s and Café 
Noisette over Chantilly and she has an impressive tea selection for even the most discerning taste. If it’s a ladies night you’re after, treat yourself to a Cosmoplitan, Mojito, Martini or Kir Violette.
Sofa prides herself in offering a little something special, as she calls it. Some of the unusual items on the menu include a Crab salad, with mango, avocado and mesclun lettuce; Scallop with orange crumble and carrot and fennel cream. Delicious!
The atmosphere spells retro tearoom, with vintage furniture, chandeliers and big mirrors. Just like the menu, the look changes all the time, as every piece of furniture, lighting and decoration is for sale and carried out with you.
A wink to Sofa and she’ll come over and give you the price for the chair you’re sitting on!
6 place des Philosophes, 1205 Genève. Telephone: 022 320 73 69.
Monday-Friday 11:30am–11.30pm, Saturday 10am-6pm, closed on Sunday.
