Cheap & Tasty: 7 Best Budget Cafes In Geneva
If you are preparing for your trip to Geneva for the first time, you might have noticed this city is not cheap. The average price for dinner in Geneva is about 50 francs. This is slightly higher than in neighboring countries, but in many ways such a price policy is justified – Geneva is a home for nine restaurants with Michelin stars. So, where to find tasty and cheap food in Geneva? Check out the list of the most affordable restaurants and cafes of the city serving delicious food…
La Buvette des Bains
La Buvette des Bains serves not only the best cheap food in Geneva, but also is famous for its originality. It’s situated on a public beach in the city center. The pier leading to the restaurant is incredibly beautiful, and you can also swim in Geneva Lake or sit in the local snack bar, where simple salads and hot dishes like ham with potatoes are offered. The wine is served in plastic cups – of course, this is a disadvantage, but nothing compares to the amazing atmosphere of this restaurant, the eccentric mix of a Parisian cafe and the American summer camp. Dinner for two will cost you about 40 francs.
Address: Quai du Mont-Blanc 30
Working Hours: Monday-Sunday 7am-10.30pm
Sam-Lor Thai
This is a modest Thai restaurant, which is located within a few blocks from the lake, in Geneva old town. The prices in Sam-Lor Thai are much cheaper than in the neighboring restaurants. The service is excellent, and the food is served very quickly. Try to order a chicken with sauce, egg rolls, beef with basil, soup with lemongrass and more. Sam-Lor Thai is a pretty good establishment, even though it’s a bit tight.
Address: Rue de Monthoux 17
Working Hours: Monday-Friday 12pm-2pm, 7pm-10.30pm; Saturday and Sunday 7pm-10.30pm
Flore Restaurant
Flore Restaurant is situated in the old town, near the Lutheran church and serves dishes of European, Mediterranean and French cuisine. It’s a fabulous place, which is perfect for dining and having coffee, especially in summer when the terrace is opened. The food is excellent, and the service is outstanding and fast. However, if you want to go there for lunch, you might have to wait a little until the table is free. Speaking of specialties, taste a wonderful chocolate cake there.
Address: Rue de la Fontaine 9
Working Hours: Sunday-Thursday 7am-11pm, Friday and Saturday 7am-12am
La Clemence
La Clemence is a lovely and cozy spot situated in the heart of Geneva old town. This French café is a great place to relax and drink a glass of wine, beer, or a cup of bracing coffee or chocolate. Also, it’s excellent for a quick and informal dinner. A sandwich with cheese and custard pie is what you should taste there. Outdoor terrace with tables is available in summer. The main dishes will cost you about 8-10 francs.
Address: Place du Bourg-de-Four 20
Working Hours: Sunday-Thursday 7am-1am, Friday and Saturday 7am-2am
Manora Food
Manora Food is a small restaurant serving dishes of Swiss cuisine. The establishment is excellent, cheap, and suitable both for a quick snack, and for a full dinner. The service is very fast, and all the dishes are pretty tasty. You can also choose a raw fish in a showcase with ice, and in half an hour the restaurant’s chef will cook it the way you want. There’s a terrace where you can smoke, as well as free Wi-Fi access. Sometimes, Manora Food can be quite crowded, but nevertheless it’s definitely worth visiting.
Address: Rue de Cornavin 6
Working Hours: Monday-Friday 8.30am-7pm, Saturday 8am-6pm, Sunday closed
Chez ma Cousine
Chez ma Cousine is another interesting place with reasonable prices in Geneva. For 14 francs you can order a half of a fried chicken, potatoes and a salad. For Geneva, it’s very cheap. The food is delicious, and the portions are huge!
Address: Place du Bourg-de-Four 6
Working Hours: Monday-Saturday 11am-11.30pm, Sunday 11am-10.30pm
La Perle Du Lac
The refined atmosphere of La Perle Du Lac restaurant is not worse than the food served there. The restaurant is situated next to the lake in a closed pavilion, in the shade of the Mon-Repo park trees. The interior is absolutely romantic: burning candles, tablecloths, and a terrace where visitors can enjoy Geneva’s night skyline during evening meal. The food there is exceptional. The first dishes include such delicacies as Dorado fish with rhubarb and orange sauce and fillet mignon with mushroom mousse.
Address: Rue de Lausanne 126
Working Hours: Monday-Sunday 12pm-2pm, 7pm-9.30pm
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As you see, along with prestigious restaurants, Geneva also offers a plenty of cheap culinary establishments. However, the quality of food served there is not worse than in more pricey spots.
The above-mentioned restaurants are an ideal solution in case you have a limited budget. By the way, you can save up additionally by using a rental car in Geneva instead of public transport.
