NEW EATERIES IN GENEVA– 2019
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by Camilla Camponovo and Chené Koscielny
If like us, you love eating out, you’ll find the Geneva food scene abuzz with new cafés and restaurants offering a wide variety of cuisines to suit every taste and budget (still Geneva prices, of course).
We have worked our way through the list below during 2018 to give you an idea of what’s worth trying and what to give a miss. There is something for everyone – from penny-pinching students to deep-pocketed food experts and the choices are definitely becoming more international with Moroccan, Lebanese, Taiwanese and Japanese menus, to name a few. Let us know which ones you’ve tried and what you think. Have we missed something? Why not send us your review.
Please note that some of our meals have been paid for, but that we only write about establishments we are happy to recommend to our readers.
MAPO
A seasonal menu with varied dishes from the land and sea. The name of the restaurant was inspired by a combination of the names of the couple who opened it: Manue (barmaid and waitress) and Paul (the chef).
The atmosphere is chilled and you’re welcome to share any plates you like. We love some of the unusual food combinations such as raw tuna open tacos – with fried rice, a splash of soya honey sauce and a touch of wasabi cream. Look out for modern twists on traditional French fare.
Prices range from CHF20- CHF39 for a main course and a dessert will set you back CHF12.
WHEN
Monday 12:00 – 14:30, Tuesday to Friday 12:00 – 23:00, Saturday 18:30 – 23:00
WHERE
Rue de Genève 40, 1215 Chêne-Bourg
MORE INFO
On this site.
FIVE GUYS
What? Burgers, milkshakes and fries – time to ditch that New Year’s diet?
This burger joint needs no introduction. Their opening has been anxiously awaited by burger lovers in Geneva.
It was voted as the UK’s most food chain last year and has locations in over 1500 countries around the world.
Try their burgers – juicy burgers made from fresh ground beef with all the toppings – no microwaves or freezers and the hand-cut fries are cooked in pure peanut oil.
Prices on the steep side – with around CHF17 for the ‘All the way’, but 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.
WHEN
Everyday from 11:00 till 23:00 (Friday and Saturday till 00:00)
WHERE
Rue du Mont-Blanc 24, 1201 Geneva
MORE INFO
On this site.
KASBAR
What? Moroccan cuisine with a modern twist.
Probably the best Moroccan restaurant in Geneva – with an European twist.
No boring tajines here! In stead, there are tasty sharing plates (with the option of having main plates as well) to really whet your appetite and welcome you to the flavours of Morocco, right here in Switzerland.
We can definitely recommend the chicken and vegetable brioautes (similar to samosas) and the stewed lentils with harissa. We also try the smoked eggplant zaalouk, the beetroot salad with argan oil and the assortment of Moroccan breads – all of which was delicious, although the breads were a little dry.
Prices are average with starters (lovely to share) from around CHF10 and main courses between CHF29 and CHF38.
WHEN
Tuesday – Saturday from 18:30 until 00:00
WHERE
Rue Henri-Blanvalet 23, 1207 Geneva
MORE INFO
On this site.
OH MARTINE!
What? Coffee shop and restaurant
Oh Martine offers a variety of tartines (a big slice of toasted bread with delicious toppings), salades and exquisite coffees.
We loved the Viva Canada – which comes laden with crispy bacon, avocado and two runny eggs on top. Yum!
The salads are great too! Atmosphere is super cool and trendy, a bit of Parisian chic, and it is a really big space with a mixture of bar stool seating and comfy chairs. Buzzing and a good spot for a coffee morning with little ones, for a ladies’ or working lunch.
And if you’re a Chaí tea lover, we think theirs is the best in town. Silky, smooth, sweet, sooo comforting.
A big plus: They have lactose free milk and gluten free bread!
They are planning to start offering Sunday brunches in 2019. We’ll be there.
Prices for a tartine – around CHF23.
WHEN
Monday to Friday: 6:45 – 19:00, Saturday: 9:00-18:00, Sunday 9:00-16:00
WHERE
Route de Chêne 6, 1207 Geneva
MORE INFO
On their site
EAT ME
What? World cuisine. “The world on small plates”
Different internationally-inspired dishes served on cute, little plates intended for sharing. The food and cocktails are divine!
We celebrated a birthday party here and it’s a great option for a group of people as every round of sharing platters sparks conversation as diners try to work out the interesting blend of tastes, eating their way through dishes from around the world.
From the US you could try for instance 12 Mini cheddar cheeseburgers with spicy ‘nduja salumi, crispy bacon and caramelised onions at CHF12.
From the Asian dishes we opted for 16 Crispy shrimp lollipops served with a squid-ink infused yogurt dip for CHF16.
From Europe the “Ris de veau” (sweetbreads) served with an artichoke purée and Swiss chards, drizzled with a blueberry jus were delicious.
Definitely an eating experience worth sharing. We love it. They have various set menu options for groups – check out their site.
Read our full review here.
WHEN
Tuesday to Saturday from 12.00 till 00.00
WHERE
6, Rue Zurlinden, 1207 Geneva
MORE INFO
On their site
FOUAD SNACK
After running a successful upmarket Lebanese restaurant Chez Fouad in Geneva for years, as well as a catering service, Fouad Klayani opened Fouad le Snack this year. It is a street food outlet just around the corner from the main restaurant, aimed at bringing Lebanese specialities within reach of lower budgets. Hurray!
You can eat in or enjoy take-aways. What’s on the Menu? Lebanese stalwarts such as Shwarmas, chicken or beef in a sandwich or served on a plate for around CHF10 Also manouché, the famous flatbreads flavoured with thyme and olive oil and filled with cheese, meat or spinach for CHF7. Hot and cold Mezzés are also available.
WHEN
Monday to Saturday from 11.00 till 00h00 and Sunday from 11.00 till 17.00
WHERE
Rue de la Mairie 6, 1207 Geneva
MORE INFO
On this site.
BELGA FRIES & BEER
This new restaurant offers typical Belgian fare including authentic Belgian fries, Belgian beers, yummy cheese croquettes and a Belgian type meatball called fricadelle in a crispy crust – either made with beef or chicken.
Monday to Saturday from 11.30 till 00h00.
WHERE
Rue Dancet 5, 1205 Genève
MORE INFO
BAO CANTEEN
It’s been the year of Bao in Geneva with sightings of this traditional Asian soft steamed buns all over the city.
Bao Canteen in Plainpalais is the fast food option for Taiwanese bao lovers. With its street food vibe, it is relaxed and filled with younger people and students. You order at the counter, take a number and grab a seat in the Asian inspired cafeteria – the wait staff will bring you your order and if it’s busy you may have to wait a while.
The boa made from scratch in the restaurant is a soft and hot white flour steamed bun and you can choose from a with range of tasty fillings, including tofu, vegetables, meat and chicken, served with trimmings and a spicy sauce (on every table.) We like!
They are very tasty, but a bit sparse on the fillings for the price: Around CHF8 or CHF9 for one and you need at least 2, if not 3 if you’re hungry to fill you up.
The colourful, decadent bubble waffle dessert, on the other hand, can’t be more filling and is yummy! It consists of a cream and ice-cream filled bubbles waffle cone served hot with all sorts of calorific trimmings including Oreo biscuits and peanuts.
WHEN
Monday to Saturday 11:30 – 21:30
WHERE
Rue du Conseil-Général 11, 1205 Geneva
MORE INFO
On their site
BAO STEAM KITCHEN
Xiaolongbao is a steamed bun filled with hot soup. At Bao Steam Kitchen, the dim sum is tasty and fresh. The prices are reasonable for the quality of the food and service, which is warm, attentive and friendly – and the wine selection is outstanding!
As with all restaurants “of the moment”, making a reservation in advance is recommended, as Bao Steam Kitchen has become very popular. Book a table by the bar and watch the chef work his magic…
WHEN
Tuesday to Saturday 11:30 – 14:00; 18:30 – 22:00
WHERE
Chemin du 23-Août 8, 1205 Geneva
MORE INFO
On this site.
NAGOMI RAMEN
What? Ramen restaurant
The latest Japanese Ramen noodle restaurant to open in Geneva – offering bowls of Hokkaido (from northern Japan) ramen at around CHF19. The ramen is fresh and delicious and there are other options for non-ramen eaters too. Nagomi already has two other restaurants in town – a sushi restaurant and tempura restaurant.
WHEN
Tuesday – Friday from 12:00 – 14:00 and 19:00 – 22:00 and Saturday from 19:00 – 22:00.
On Mondays the restaurant is closed
WHERE
Rue d Zurich 47, 1201 Geneva
MORE INFO
On their website.
LA ESQUINA
Delicious Hawaiian cuisine: sweet and salty poké bowls with your own choice of toppings, coffees and homemade pastries. Great, generous rice bowl topped with your choice of tuna or salmon and toppings. Healthy, delicious and filling – what’s not to like?
A Zen Bowl of perfumed rice with marinated salmon, edamame beans, cucumber will cost you CHF16.
We like the fried onion topping.
WHEN
Monday to Friday 7:00 – 14:30
WHERE
6, Rue de la Mairie, 1207
MORE INFO
On this site.
ELUA
Hawaiian cuisine: a fresh, healthy and colourful raw fish dish served in a bowl.
We tried the LANIKAI poké bowl – with salmon, white rice, avocado, fennel, pickled daikon, radishes, spring onions, sesame seeds with a yuzu ponzu sauce. One of the best we’ve ever had!
Prices between CHF19 and CHF23.
WHEN
Monday-Friday 11:30- 14:30
WHERE
Rue des Eaux-Vives 8, 1207
MORE INFO
On this site.
SUSURU
What? Ramen – Susuru is the Japanese word for ‘slurping’. A slurp-worthy place for lunch.
Incredible location, amazing interior design and atmosphere, with very positive vibes. In the summer, their side terrace is great, as it makes you feel like you have travelled somewhere far away from Geneva.
Delicious ramen at reasonable prices.
WHEN
Monday to Saturday 12:00 – 14:00; 19:00– 22:30; closed on Sunday
WHERE
Rue du Stand 35, 1204 Geneva
MORE INFO
On this site.
UKIYO
What? Japanese Udon and Ramen noodle
Ukiyo opened in 2018 in Eaux-Vives, the second one to open in Geneva after a first restaurant in Pâquis.
We loved this restaurant – the quality of food, prices, service and décor. Good vibes, fresh, tasty food – you can’t go wrong.
We tried the Niku Udon (CHF24.50), which takes 3 whole days to prepare and is the bestseller on the menu.
The Udon noodles are served in a delicious broth and topped with beef strips – almost minced – and onion, which had been marinated in a soya, saké and sugary sauce. The taste is out of this world.
Read our full review here.
WHEN
Tuesday to Saturday from 12:00 till 14:30 and from 18:303 till 22:00
WHERE
6 route de Frontenex, 1207 Genève
MORE INFO
On this site.
UMAMIDO
Definitely in the “Top 3” of the best ramen restaurants in Geneva and rumoured to be the best boa buns in town by those in the know – with more generous fillings. Let us know what you think.
WHEN
Monday to Friday 11:30 – 14:00; 18:30 – 22:00, Saturday 12:00 – 14:30; 18:30 – 22:00, closed on Sunday
WHERE
Boulevard Carl-Vogt 63, 1205 Geneva
MORE INFO
On their site.
BE KIND CAFE
The perfect place for a delicious breakfast or a healthy lunch:
The food is homemade, organic and vegan, and dishes on offer are tasty, well balanced and filling. The concept is to adapt French and world cuisine to vegan standards. Their food is composed of fresh and seasonal fruits and vegetables, along with nuts, seeds, herbs, spices, cereals, tofu and others.
They work almost exclusively with local products from the Geneva region. Sandrine and Charlotte, the owners, wanted to show that it is possible to make tasty food that is also healthy, ethical and environmentally sound. They only use recycled wrapping and packaging for all their food.
WHEN
Monday – Friday from 7:00 until 17:00
WHERE
8 Rue David-Dufour, 1205 Geneva
MORE INFO
On this site.
For more vegan and vegetarian options, read our round-up here .
nice information shared.