An Insider’s Guide Geneva

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restaurants & bars by r coeagues to Geneva An Insider’s Guide

Transcript of An Insider’s Guide Geneva

Page 1: An Insider’s Guide Geneva

r e s ta u r a n t s & b a r s

by our colleagues

t oGenevaA n I n s i d e r ’s G u i d e

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i n s i d e r ’s g u i d e

Get the most out of the city

With these top tips from our colleagues at Mandarin Oriental, Geneva

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Tthis guide isn’t aiming to replace a traditional tourist guide, instead it’s a collection of ideas and suggestions to enhance your stay. Whatever your tastes or mood, in these pages

we reveal our top tips, from the city’s best hot chocolate, to the most scenic restaurant terraces and the trendiest night out. Should you crave a burger, dream of an authentic Swiss fondue or seek some fantastic vegetarian food, either for lunch on the go or a gourmet dinner, these ideas will help you make the most out of the city.

Who better than locals, people who love Geneva and the area, to share their favourite places and hidden gems with newcomers? With this guide you’ll get right to the heart of things. Welcome to our Geneva, our refreshing, exciting, cosmopolitan city.

The team at Mandarin Oriental, Geneva

A word from the teami n s i d e r ’s g u i d e

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i n s i d e r ’s g u i d e

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Contentsi n s i d e r ’s g u i d e

Restaurants 6

Bars & Nightclubs 28

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Restaurants

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Best lake view terraces 8

Best for a special treat 10

Best French food 11

Best for a trendy night out 12

Best Asian cuisine 13

Best Italian food 16

Best traditional Swiss 18

Best for meat-lovers 19

Best burgers and falafels 20

Best hidden gem 22

Best for vegetarians 22

Best ice cream and crêpes 23

Best for lunch on the go 24

Best hot chocolate 25

Best sweet treats 26

And MOre... 27

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Summary

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Auberge du Lion d’OrSamuel Léveillé, Chief Concierge In Geneva since 2008

“It’s well worth making the trip to this place in Cologny, not only for the superb food in both the one-

Michelin-starred fine dining restaurant and the bistro, but for one of the best outdoor terraces overlooking Lake Geneva. The two chefs, Gilles Dupont and Thomas Byrne, are so

talented at creating flavour. Their dishes are beautiful to look at and wonderful to eat. The fine dining restaurant mainly serves fish – I still remember the incredible seabass and lobster dishes. In summer it’s really special to eat outside on the terrace with the lights of Geneva spread out in front of you.”

5,3 km · T + 41 22 736 44 32 dupont-byrne.ch

Auberge du Vigneron

Markus Lindner, Hotel ManagerIn Geneva since 2017

“In my opinion the terrace of this unpretentious restaurant has the most amazing views

in the whole region. Go on a sunny day and sit outside to appreciate the spectacular landscape of this area – not only the vast expanse of LakeGeneva and the mountains beyond,but also the steep terraced vineyardsof the Lavaux, a UNESCO WorldHeritage site and one of the oldestwine producing areas in Switzerland.Sit back and enjoy a typical localdish such as perch filets from thelake, washed down with a glassof the local Chasselas wine – Irecommend a good Dézaley AOC.”

85 km · T + 41 21 799 14 19 aubergeduvigneron.ch

Best lake view terraces

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Le Deck – Baron TavernierRaphaëlle Grandgirard, Concierge In Geneva since 2014

“Tucked within the Lavaux vineyards high above Lake Geneva, Le Deck has one of the most beautifully situated outdoor bars in the area. It doesn’t take reservations and can get busy, but the incredible views are definitely worth waiting for. Get there before sunset and you can watch the sun go down over the lake, with beautiful colours reflecting on the water. The bar serves local wines, beers and cocktails plus food

to snack on such as charcuterie and cheese platters. It’s only open from April to October so put this on your to-do list if you’re visiting during the warmer months.”

82 km · T + 41 21 926 60 00 barontavernier.ch

La BelotteAmélie Aubert, Human Resources AssistantIn Geneva since 2016

“If you want to get away from the busy city centre, this is a wonderful place to visit. It’s right by the water next to a small harbour in Cologny on Lake Geneva, with views towards the Jura mountains on the other side of the lake. Its elegant but laid-back terrace is a lovely spot to have lunch or a glass of wine whilst watching the passenger ferries and sailboats take off around the lake. I’ve had some amazing times here – it’s such a relaxing place it feels like being on holiday even though you’re right next to the city! And it’s even open in winter.”

6,5 km · T + 41 22 300 68 88 labelotte-geneve.ch

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Best for a special treat

La BottegaNasser Jeffane, Chef In Geneva since 2013

“Right in the centre of Geneva, La Bottega is a one Michelin-starred Italian restaurant that

is inspired by the 1950s but firmly contemporary at the same time. Chef Francesco Gasbarro takes classic Italian recipes and gives them a modern twist, resulting in some truly incredible dishes. It’s not a big menu, but everything they do is of extremely high quality, as is the service. Either pick from the à la carte menu or choose one of the tasting menus for the whole table (from three to nine dishes depending on your choice), which come with expertly chosen wine pairings.”

700 m · T + 41 22 736 10 00 labottegatrattoria.com

Domaine de ChâteauvieuxYoann Le Bihan, Executive Chef In Geneva since 2012

“Philippe Chevrier is one of the best known chefs in the region and this, his flagship restaurant, is the only two Michelin-starred address in

Geneva. Guests will find a rural idyll – the restaurant is located in an old stone house in the middle of vineyards in Satigny, just outside town. Sitting on the terrace in summer, it’s easy to forget how close you are to the city. Chevrier’s dishes are devised around seasonal ingredients, such as truffles and morels. It’s a particularly good place to try game in autumn and winter.”

10 km · T + 41 22 753 15 11 chateauvieux.ch

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Best French food

Le Dix VinsRaphaëlle Grandgirard, Concierge In Geneva since 2014

“If you like classic French cooking, this bistro in Carouge is the place to go. The cosy room has an old-fashioned charm in keeping with the traditional dishes on the menu. I like to start with snails, followed with beef cheeks or skate wing with capers. Finish your meal with that classic French layered cream pastry, the millefeuille – here they call it the ‘Ikea’ dessert because you have to build it yourself at your table! As you’d expect from the name, Le Dix Vins has a very good wine list. It’s a small place, so make sure you book ahead for a table.”

4,5 km · T + 41 22 342 40 10

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Best for a trendy night out

Rooftop 42Pierre Valladares, Assistant ConciergeIn Geneva since 2015

“With a unique view of Lake Geneva’s harbour and the Jet d’eau fountain, Rooftop 42 is a must-visit. It’s on the eighth floor of a building on Rue du Rhône, so you have to take the elevator up from street level to get to it. Inside, the restaurant serves the food of young chef Riccardo Zappalà, who started out at the Michelin-starred Chat Botté. Here at Rooftop 42 he offers

a high quality bistro-style menu, inspired by his native Sicily, that’s just wonderful. Each Thursday night after 22h30 the restaurant turns into a lounge bar with music from guest DJs.”

700 m · T + 41 22 346 77 00 rooftop42.com

Le BaroqueMathieu Breton, Assistant Chief ConciergeIn Geneva since 2012

“This trendy restaurant in central Geneva is a real surprise, both for its style and its menu concept, which includes Japanese-Peruvian Nikkei, sushi and Mediterranean dishes, plus a creative cocktail list. The decor is a similar hybrid of east and west, with Asian, European and Latin American influences evident in the forged iron, leather, wood and mirrors. Below the main space is Cosette, an intimate boudoir where you can go to drink a glass or two after dinner. Later, continue into the small hours at the Baroque club, a legendary nightspot in Geneva that’s owned by the same team, just a two-minute walk away.”

500 m · T + 41 22 310 39 90 lebaroquerestaurant.com

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Best Asian cuisine

Tse FungEdouard Lapasset, Director of Rooms DivisionIn Geneva since 2014

“Located a good ten-minute drive from Geneva city centre, this Chinese restaurant has earned one Michelin star for its extraordinary food. In an intimate atmosphere you can try the dishes it’s renowned for, such as the tasty steamed dim sum and the excellent Peking duck two ways. But my personal favourite is one of their signature dishes, braised black cod with spring onions, garlic and ginger, which is truly special. And don’t forget to order a portion of chef Frank Xu’s crispy fried rice – it’s delicious!”

8 km · T + 41 22 959 58 88 tsefung.ch

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NagomiPierre Valladares, Assistant Concierge In Geneva since 2015

“This authentic sushi restaurant will transport you to a Tokyo backstreet as skilled host Masa-san prepares orders under your eyes. The menu comprises many different types of sushi and sashimi. I particularly love the succulent tuna maki. You can also try specialities including natto sushi, a Japanese delicacy made from fermented soybeans, and agedashi dofu (fried tofu). All the

food is fresh, of high quality and beautifully presented. Book ahead because it’s a small, intimate place – if you’re lucky you’ll get one of the four seats at the bar so you can watch the chef at work.”

1 km · T + 41 22 732 38 28

YukiguniKayo Belloir-Nakada, Credit ManagerIn Geneva since 2015

“It’s not easy to find a good address

for ramen in Geneva, but this one certainly gets my recommendation – and it’s close to the hotel. Unlikesome other places, the food hereis authentically Japanese. Youcompose the contents of yourramen bowl yourself, so you canchoose a simple broth or add meat,vegetables and extras such as oils,seaweed and egg to create exactlywhat you want. It’s a good placefor vegetarians because they havea meat-free option. There are alsosides like gyoza dumplings andonigi (rice balls in seaweed), plusJapanese Kirin beer on tap.”

200 m · T + 41 22 738 90 66 yukiguni.ch

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Pakù Pakù Santiago Oliva, Restaurant ManagerIn Geneva since 2014

“If you love Japanese cuisine with a twist then Pakù Pakù is definitely for you. I love to go there with friends and order everything to share. Start with some homemade gyoza, dim sum and sashimi. Make sure you try their black cod guindara (miso marinated), it won’t disappoint you. They also do great specials each week which are always worth a try, and their mochi mochi (a classic Japanese dessert with bean curd) is the best in town. Pakù Pakù is in the centre of Carouge and gets pretty busy every evening. The relaxed, casual ambiance is great for couples.”

4,5 km · T + 41 22 301 00 03 misuji.ch/pakupaku

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Best Italian food

L’Auberge d’OnexMathieu Breton, Assistant Chief ConciergeIn Geneva since 2012

“It’s well worth making the trip to the suburb of Onex to visit this very traditional Italian restaurant, which has been here for years. Its classic Italian dishes are served in generous portions – the veal escalope is called ‘elephant ears’ because it’s so big – and the dessert trolley is an eye-popping sight, laden with tiramisu, panna cotta, Italian mascarpone cream and other delights. Regulars call this place Chez Valentino after its larger-than-life owner, Valentino Rusconi, who lends a theatrical presence to the dining room.”

5 km · T + 41 22 792 32 59

LuigiaEdouard Lapasset, Director of Rooms DivisionIn Geneva since 2014

“For me, Luigia serves the best pizza in Geneva. It’s located in an old garage and has a casual, relaxed atmosphere – there’s even a table football, which kids always love. Luigia has become well known for its truffle pizza, but personally I love the Italica – fresh tomatoes, mozzarella and basil. It’s simple, but very tasty. End your meal with a delicious tiramisu if you want a typical Italian dish, however I usually go for the Nutella dessert pizza, which is as good as I think it sounds!” No bookings.

1,7 km · T + 41 22 840 15 15 luigia.ch

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Best Italian food

Da PaoloEdouard Lapasset, Director of Rooms Division In Geneva since 2014

“Tucked away in the Eaux-Vives district, this traditional trattoria is a bit of an institution in Geneva and definitely worth a visit if you’re looking for classic Italian food in a simple, casual atmosphere. The wood-fired pizzas and pasta dishes are really delicious. If you have a big appetite I’d thoroughly recommend the

marvellous pasta alla vongole, and I usually round off the meal with the homemade panna cotta. In summer it’s especially nice because you

can sit outside. Unlike some other places, Da Paolo is open every day, so it’s a good choice for a meal out on a Sunday. It doesn’t take reservations in the evenings.”

2 km · T + 41 22 736 30 49 dapaolo.ch

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Best for traditional Swiss

Les ArmuresSamuel Léveillé, Chief ConciergeIn Geneva since 2008

“One of the oldest restaurants in the city, this place serves typical Swiss cuisine in an historical setting, just next to the military cannons in the Old Town. It’s particularly known for

two very Swiss dishes: raclette, where cheese is melted on a ‘wheel’ at the table and served with potatoes; and fondue. Of the several different types of fondue on offer, my

favourite one is the fondue “moitié-moitié” (half Gruyère, half Vacherin Fribourgois cheese). To go alongside, order a platter of air-dried meat from the Valais, a green salad and a glass of Fendant, a white wine typically served with fondue. It’s a popular place and gets busy, so book ahead.”

900 m · T + 41 22 310 91 72 hotel-les-armures.ch/restaurant-geneva

Café de l’Hôtel de VilleFabrice Lahousse, Director of Revenue StrategyIn Geneva since 2016

“I always recommend this casual, brasserie-style place to my friends when the Mandarin Oriental Chalet is not yet opened. It’s right in the heart of the Old Town in front of the town hall, so it’s a good choice when I’m showing people around, although it’s a steep walk up from the lakeside to get there! You must try the fondue with bolet mushrooms – it’s really delicious. They also offer

a good menu of the day at a reasonable price. The restaurant is open every day and you can sit outside on the terrace in summer.” No bookings.

950 m · T + 41 22 311 70 30 hdvglozu.ch

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Best for meat-lovers

Chez PhilippeFabrice Lahousse, Director of Revenue StrategyIn Geneva since 2016

“Located in a contemporary loft space in the city centre, this is a modern steak house by top Geneva chef Philippe Chevrier. It’s a vibrant, busy place with friendly service and delicious food. I recommend the sea bream ceviche with coriander to start, followed by a juicy, tender Swiss beef from the Alps with BBQ sauce. For dessert don’t miss the Lemon pie meringue. There’s a substantial wine list and the waiters are experts at advising which bottle will work with the food you’ve ordered. The pleasant atmosphere, exquisite meat and the excellent wine all add up to a thoroughly successful evening!”

550 m · T + 41 22 316 16 16 chezphilippe.ch

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Holy CowBruno Delvaille, Restaurant Manager Rasoi by VineetIn Geneva since 2015

“This burger chain has quickly become an institution in Switzerland and this branch opposite the Cornavin rail station serves, in my opinion, the best burgers in Geneva. Everything is handmade to order on site using all-Swiss ingredients and the menu includes beef, chicken and vegetarian burgers, so it’s a great choice for meat-lovers and vegetarians to enjoy a tasty fast-food experience together. Sides and extras include crispy fries, homemade sauces, avocado mash and salsa, plus there are beers from Swiss microbrewery Dr Gab’s. For a simple but good quality meal in a laid-back atmosphere, it’s hard to beat!”

700 m · T + 41 21 312 24 04 holycow.ch/holy-cow-geneva

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Chez RayaKristina Mees, Director of Sales & Marketing In Geneva since 2011

“This simple food truck serves the best takeaway falafel sandwich in town, and it’s cheap too! The

lovely owner, a Palestinian woman called Raya, will generously fill a pita bread with homemade falafel and toppings according to your tastes and tolerance for spice. They are so delicious and popular that you must be prepared to queue, but that’s all part of the experience and you won’t be disappointed. You can find the truck each Thursday from 2pm to 9.30pm and Saturday from 8am to 2pm at Galette de la Paix in Carouge market, otherwise each Friday from 8am to 2pm and Sunday 8am to 6pm at Croc'Orient in Plainpalais.”

3,3 km · Galette de la Paix 1,3 km · Croc'orient

The Hamburger FoundationRaphaëlle Grandgirard, ConciergeIn Geneva since 2014

“Don’t expect a wide range of burgers here, as this place keeps things simple by only offering two – a hamburger and a cheeseburger. But you can load them with extra ingredients if you want. Everything is of extremely good quality. The meat is 100 percent prime beef and prepared fresh each day by the team’s in-house butchers. The burger buns are made by a local baker, the fries are homemade out of Swiss potatoes and even the cheese is locally sourced! As well as their two restaurants, the owners also run two food trucks serving their burgers on the street.”

1,2 km · T + 41 22 310 00 44 thehamburgerfoundation.ch

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Chez HenriKristina Mees, Director of Sales & MarketingIn Geneva since 2011

“This is probably the best hidden place in Geneva – you’d never know

it was there unless you’re looking for it because it’s inside another restaurant, The Hamburger Foundation (page 21). At the

back of the burger bar near the toilets is a door... open it and you’re in a

secret oyster bar! A cross between a hidden New York speakeasy and a French

oyster restaurant on the Brittany

coast, Chez Henri has a great atmosphere, delicious food, and quality wines.”

1,2 km · T + 41 22 310 31 31 chezhenri.ch

Slup

Audrey Jung, Marketing & Communications Manager In Geneva since 2016

“Slup’s concept is simple: eat better to feel better. The restaurant serves healthy food without gluten, lactose or refined sugars, delivered in generously-sized dishes packed with flavour. It aims to cater to vegetarians and vegans without frustrating meat-eaters, so it does serve some meat dishes. And since the menu also caters to people with allergies and intolerances to gluten and milk, there’s something for everyone. Ingredients are fresh, organic and locally-sourced. I particularly like the traditional buckwheat pancakes and the vegan burger that’s made from lentils, quinoa and curry.”

1,8 km · T + 41 22 734 84 80 slup-e.ch

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Muller’s Factory

Laurine Muller, Shift LeaderIn Geneva since 2013

“As a fellow Muller (though I’m no relative!) I can thoroughly recommend this crêperie which is absolutely excellent. Whether you prefer savoury or sweet crêpes, or even waffles, you’ll love this place. It has a casual, cosy atmosphere and is great for a quick bite with friends. I particularly like the goat cheese and aubergine savoury crêpe, which is perfect for a light lunch. The salted caramel crêpe is a delicious sweet option. They also serve tea and coffee, juices and smoothies. You can order your food to take away or eat in.”

900 m · T + 41 22 808 04 44 mullersfactory.ch

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Bellamia Elisa Lukat, Front Office ManagerIn Geneva since 2015

“Craving ice cream? Geneva’s Mediterranean-style district of Carouge is the best place to taste la dolce vita by indulging in some delicious Italian gelato. Bellamia is a charmingly old-fashioned ice cream parlour serving classic and creative Italian flavours such as dulce de leche, tiramisu, panna cotta and mascarpone with figs. I thoroughly recommend trying the pistachio flavour and the ‘crema di nonna Elide’ – you won’t regret it! Get a cone to take away and stroll around the pretty streets of Carouge while you eat it.”

3,7 km · T + 41 22 301 19 71 bellamiagelateria.it

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GlobusMarie-Laure Neveu, Senior Sales ManagerIn Geneva since 2011

“This department store contains probably the best delicatessen and food hall in Geneva. If you’re looking for a takeaway sandwich, a quick lunch or high quality deli products, this is the place for you to find everything for a classy lunch: crêpes, seafood, caviar, foie gras, filled focaccia, burgers. It gets busy during weekday lunchtimes and has a buzzy, vibrant atmosphere.”

700 m · T + 41 58 578 50 50 globus.ch

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AuerFranka Mol, Personal Assistant to General Manager In Geneva since 2010

“This family business opened in 1939 in the town centre on Rue du Rive and has since become a firm fixture of the city. The Auer family have run it for five generations and remain extremely proud of their chocolate. As well as the rich, silky hot chocolate, buy some of their ‘princess’ almonds to take away. These almonds covered with sugar and chocolate are a real speciality of the place.”

2,3 km · T + 41 22 311 42 86 chocolat-auer.ch

Poncioni Chocolatiers at Chocolaterie MicheliFranka Mol, Personal Assistant to General ManagerIn Geneva since 2010

“This family business in Plainpalais is now in its second generation and its range of 50 chocolates are still handmade using traditional methods. It serves its delicious hot chocolate the old fashioned way – a cup of hot milk and a stick of chocolate to melt into it!”

1,7 km · T + 41 22 329 90 06 poncioni-chocolatiers.ch

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Best sweet treats

Mr & Mrs RenouMickael Perrichon, Pastry ChefIn Geneva since 2004

“You’ll find this indulgent bakery in the lovely Carouge district Mr Renou is a ‘Meilleur Ouvrier de France’ (the title given to France’s best craftsmen and women) in

the field of pastry, and his desserts will blow you away. His creations depend on the season and, believe me, it’s pretty difficult to choose just one. Individual cakes, chocolate desserts and pastries are among

the tempting treats on offer, but in my opinion you

just have to try his meringue creations, they are sensational.”

3,5 km · T + 41 22 347 50 03 patisserie-renou.ch

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And MOre

Café du Centre for a seafood platter

800 m · cafeducentre.ch

Brasserie Lipp for snails and foie gras

600 m · brasserie-lipp.com

Bistrot de Charlotte for homemade burgers

600 m · lebistrotdecharlotte.ch

Beef for ribs and steak

2,7 km · beefgeneve.ch

Edward’s for a bagel or sandwich

600 m · edwards-sandwiches.ch

Pierre et Jean for pastries

2 km · boulangeriedesbains.ch

Elsalad for salads and wraps

300 m · elsalad.com

Mafalda Tavola Caldafor a taste of Sicily

300 m · facebook.com/MafaldaTavolaCalda

Looking for something else? Try one of these...

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Bars & Nightclubs

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Summary

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Atelier Cocktail ClubCharles Constantin, Senior Groups & Events Manager In Geneva since 2008

“You’ll find a really unique atmosphere at Atelier Cocktail Club. With its mismatched chairs, soft lighting, exposed concrete walls and wood floors it’s like being in a loft

apartment in contemporary Cuba. The two owners, Alirio and Christophe, are friendly and extremely professional. They know how to keep their customers happy with great service and fantastic cocktails that are some of the best in Geneva. I recommend the Burn Breakfast, made of aperol, gin, lime, vanilla sugar,

bitter orange marmalade and egg white. It’s a refreshing combination of bitterness and sweet

citrus. The bar food (burgers, salads, open sandwiches) is excellent too. Either

sit out on the lovely terrace or sink into the leather couches inside.”

2,5 km · T + 41 22 735 22 47 ateliercocktail.club

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Little BarrelPierre Valladares, Assistant ConciergeIn Geneva since 2015

“This small, cosy cocktail bar in Eaux-Vives is a great place to finish off your night. Owners Quentin Beurgaud and Nicolas Berger offer a selection

of more than 100 richly-flavoured rums from 30 countries, each evocative of a far-off land. I especially like the Zacapa XO rum from Guatemala. But if you don’t like rum, don’t worry, the cocktail list includes plenty of alternatives. The bar also serves Swiss-style tapas (dried meat platters, cheeses) for late-night snacking.”

2 km · T + 41 22 700 73 40 littlebarrel.ch

Leopard BarMathieu Breton, Assistant Chief ConciergeIn Geneva since 2012

“This intimate lounge bar combines elegant upmarket English style with accents of colonial South Africa: sumptuous leather chairs, leopard-print soft furnishings and dark wood bookcases loaded with leather-bound books. It’s a good place to come with friends for an after-dinner drink, particularly on its regular live music nights, which it’s well-known for. Musicians from the local area and further afield come here to play and it’s always a good night. The brasserie-style food (steak sandwiches, burgers, Caesar salad) is very tasty and the beverage list includes some wines from the hotel’s own vineyard in South Africa.”

1,2 km · T + 41 22 906 55 36 dangleterrehotel.com/food-and-drink/the-leopard-bar

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Le MontiroPierre Valladares, Assistant ConciergeIn Geneva since 2015

“This contemporary Mediterranean restaurant and cocktail bar in Plainpalais has a dedicated smoking room where you can choose from a good selection of Habano cigars to smoke with a drink. There aren’t many places in Geneva where you can smoke inside, so this place is a rare find, especially since it’s open during the day, not just in the evening. The menu features South American and Spanish-style dishes and the drinks list includes a very good mojito, too.”

800 m · T + 41 22 320 36 18 montiro.ch

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Le Baroque Mathieu Breton, Assistant Chief ConciergeIn Geneva since 2012

“This club is a good place to round off a night – particularly after dinner at the restaurant run by the same team (see page 12). It’s a small, cosy place attracting a thirtysomething clientele who come for the good music (they have a resident DJ), the excellent service and the classy, exclusive feel. Given its small size make sure you book a table in advance.”

700 m · T + 41 22 849 86 86 lebaroque.com/club

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Quai Turrettini 1,1201 Geneva, Switzerland

Tel. +41 22 909 00 00mandarinoriental.com/geneva