The 10 Best Brunch Spots In Geneva's Old Town

Start a day of cultural tourism with a delicious breakfast in the heart of the city. Celebrate Geneva’s culinary scene in its historic Old Town, with its many fascinating features such as the stunning neo-classical St Pierre Cathedral, which dates back to the 4th century.

Le Demi-Lune Café

Bar, Restaurant, French, American, Beer

With both a cafe and a salle à manger, Le Demi-Lune Café offers an interesting range of salads, which can be eaten as starters or mains, and a good variety of traditional dishes, burgers, and even tapas. This eclectic variety complements its original and strikingly exotic decor. La Place du Bourg-de-Four | © Zimmerman76/Flickr

Café du Bourg-de-Four

Market, Restaurant

The Place du Bourg-de-Four is full of historical depth. Some sources suggest it was occupied by an east Germanic tribe in the 5th century and was once the place of a cattle market. Café du Bourg-de-Four offers a wide range of authentic Swiss food and coffee, which patron’s can sample either within the quaintly decorated restaurant or outside in the fascinating square. Café Papon | © Antoine/Flickr

Café Papon

Cafe

A great location for a weekend brunch, Café Papon is a stone’s throw from the magnificent St Pierre Cathedral. Inside the cafe there’s a classic and charming ambiance, while outside there’s a lovely open terrace. In typical Swiss style, it offers a range of Swiss delicacies as well as some Italian and French dishes, including a sumptuous foie gras and perfectly cooked roast beef. Courtesy of La Clémence

La Clémence

Restaurant

For a charming way to spend your morning, La Clémence has lovely outdoor seating in the historic setting of the Place du Bourg-de-Four and offers a delicious range of pastries, quiches, and sandwiches to complement your coffee. You may even find yourself so entranced by the atmosphere of this area that you return later in the day for one of their many beers or cocktails. Geneva’s old town | © Ash Chuan/Flickr

Grand'rue

Bar, Cafe

Situated at the very heart of the Old Town, 22 Grand’rue is a chic and modern venue. Stepping in from the historic quarter, you find yourself in a tastefully decorated, fashionable bar that exudes modern Swiss style. For a reasonable price, you can enjoy a delicious coffee, pastries, and freshly squeezed fruit juice. As a cafe-bar, it is also a great place for an evening drink, with six different types of mojito alone. Courtesy of Chez ma Cousine

Chez ma Cousine

Restaurant

Just a few paces away from the cathedral St Pierre, Chez ma Cousine specialises in delicious, perfectly cooked, inventive chicken dishes, which are great for a comforting and hearty Sunday brunch. With fun, vintage decorations, it provides a lovely ambiance that goes well with its mouth-watering menu. A great location for a leisurely morning, and brilliant value too. Breakfast | © Kathryn Yengel/Flickr

Restaurant le M

Cafe, Restaurant

Ideally located on the pretty Rue de la Madeleine, Restaurant le M is both a cafe and a restaurant. It serves good coffees and breakfast options as well as some inventive burgers, to which you can add whichever toppings of your choice.

Café du Centre

Bistro, Restaurant, French, Seafood

Founded in 1933 and nestled in the historic Place du Molard that dates back to the 14th century, the Café du Centre captures Geneva’s vast cultural history with its grand yet homely feel. Priding themselves on being seafood specialists, their Sunday brunch menu comes with a unique twist, adding oysters and shrimp to the classic brunch options of eggs, pancakes and French toast. Coffee | © OiMax/Flickr

Mokafe

Cafe, Coffee, Snacks

Priding itself on good-quality coffee, Mokafe is the perfect place to start the day with its range of brews, delicious Swiss chocolates, tasty sandwiches, ciabattas and bagels. If you find yourself in Geneva with not much time on your hands this cafe offers food to-go and deliveries, making this a great alternative to packing a picnic.

L'Oranger Tea Room

Tea Room, French, Contemporary

So small that it is easy to miss, L’Oranger Tea Room uses a combination of light and mirrors to give the space an open feel. As you step inside you are greeted by an array of sumptuous pastries, fresh bread and a good range of hot and cold dishes. This tea room is perfect for both a light breakfast or a long brunch.

About the author

Colette Lewis

A student of Philosophy and French at Oxford University, Colette has always been curious about the world around her and has written a range of different blogs and articles over the years. She adores the European Enlightenment, when people lived and breathed philosophy, and is an avid fan of Voltaire and Sartre. Having spend the last year studying in Lyon, she has fallen in love with the city and all things french. She can usually be found either soaking up the sunshine while immersing herself in eighteenth-century literature, or drinking beer and head banging enthusiastically at a metal gig.