The Cottage Cafe in Geneva, Switzerland is a hidden gem. Make sure you don’t miss it when you travel to this brilliant city.
I can now admit that when Kristelle from the Geneva Tourism Foundation was telling me about Cottage Café, all I could think about was that the restaurant had an English name and that it might be frequented by more tourists than locals, so my hopes weren’t high for dinner that evening. (Continued from Part 1.)
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Disclosure: I was graciously hosted by the Geneva Tourism and Conventions Foundation during my stay. All opinions are my own.
The Cottage Café
Nothing could have been further from the truth. In fact, the meal I had at Cottage Café that evening was one of the best that I had during my month long trip throughout Europe. There was nothing “touristy” about it.
If you’ve been following along, at the end of my last post I had just crossed Lake Geneva in a mouette (“seagull” water taxi in Geneva). This was after a cooking lesson and long walk, exploring Geneva by foot. Back at Hotel Royal, I decided to lounge in the luxurious lobby for a while before I returned to my room to get ready for dinner at Cottage Café.
It was a short walk to Cottage Café which is situated in the middle of a lovely park, facing The Brunswick Monument (more below). Lake Geneva is a stone’s throw beyond. It has to be one of the optimal and most picturesque settings for any restaurant I’ve ever seen.
-Which, in turn, offers some of the most incredible views to its guests.
I wondered how a restaurant obtained this prime location and learned the history of the building (and the monument) on Cottage Café’s website. It was most likely originally built as temporary housing for the builders of the Brunswick Monument. Then I wondered about the story behind this ornate and unusual monument? I read about it on the menu whilst sitting at the cafe.
In a nutshell, The Duke of Brunswick was a rather colorful fellow (to say the least) who bequeathed his massive fortune to the city of Geneva. The money didn’t come without strings attached: he added condition of having a monument erected in his honor.
As you can imagine, at this point, I’d forgotten all about my misgivings about Kristelle’s recommendation of the cafe. They were completely put to rest when my food and wine arrived.
It had been difficult to narrow down my choices to two items because there were a plethora of options on the tapas and mezzes menu. Many of the dishes were very appealing to me! Ultimately, I decided on the Iberico trio: Jamon Serrano, Chorizo Pata Negra & Manchego cheese.
The other half of my order was the Burratina di vacca ” Casa Madio” arugula, with tomatoes & bell peppers. I chose a locally produced Swiss Pinor Noir that evening, trying to experience everything “Geneva” as I possibly could. I was not disappointed.
Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to meet the owner, Nicole Boder, but I could tell from everything in front of me, that she is a woman after my own heart. The flavor from each cheese, the meats and vegetables told me that quality is as important to her, as it is to me.
I was served generous portions as these plates would normally serve two people. However, I am unashamed to tell you that I cleaned both plates and savored every single bite!
I was so incredibly fortunate that there happened to be a full moon that evening. As I left Cottage Café, I couldn’t resist taking countless pictures of the beauty that nighttime in Geneva held. I hope that, if anything, I may inspire you to travel, hopefully to Geneva. If not, that you just to decide to pack a suitcase and go somewhere you have never been before.
Many of you who travel often will understand what I felt that night. I hope others may one day be able to experience the atmosphere from a foreign land, the feeling of being away from home in a place that is so incredibly beautiful and discover the joy of travel.
I hope you can enjoy even just one dish, or morsel of food that is such a delight to your palate that you will never forget the moment you tasted it. These experiences combine to create the magic that comes from traveling.
I hope that these photos which I took the evening of my dinner, and during my stay, will help you to see Geneva, and the joy of traveling, through my eyes.
A Photographic Tour of Geneva
“The world is a book and whose who do not travel read only one page.”
-Saint Augustine
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Disclosure: I was hosted by The Geneva Tourism and Conventions Foundation. As always, all thoughts and opinions are mine alone. I am disclosing this in compliance with the FTC’s regulations.
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Beautiful photos!
Thank you, Nyssa!
What a motivating post to jump on a plane and head to Geneva! Everything looks so inviting.
I hope you do!
Looks so beautiful!!! I have only been to Zurich…now I’m adding Geneva to my bucket list!
I too, have been to Zurich, but I think you’ll be surprised at how different both cities are from each other. Glad it’s on your list!
Geneva is such a walkable city, I used to walk through it all the time and not just in old town. I never tired of the fountain, it is “just a fountain” but it is so beautiful and when you live there, reassuring. I had not heard of Cottage Cafe – I am wondering if it opened after I left, although the building at least looks like it has been there awhile. Your posts have allowed me to revisit my time in Geneva which has been such a delightful experience.
I heard about the Genevans’ preoccupation with the fountain going on and off at the correct times! I thought that was funny, but given the Swiss reputation with their timepieces, it makes sense. You are so fortunate to have been able to experience Geneva as a local for some time.
Yes, the Cottage Cafe building has been there from 1876, but it was turned into a cafe in 2008. Glad you enjoyed my post, Andi!
I really like Swiss wine, particularly Pinot Noir. It’s a shame that only 1% of it is exported because it’s nearly impossible to find outside of Switzerland. Glad to see that you tried and enjoyed it!
Yes, it’s very hard to find Swiss wines outside of Switzerland because the keep it for themselves! Yet another reason to visit! :)
[…] On my second full day in Geneva, I met with a lovely lady named, Gaetane, who must have been the friendliest and most informative tour guide in Geneva! Together we’ll show you how much you can see in just one day in Geneva. (Continued from here.) […]
Ah, Geneva! This brings back some great memories – great photos, Christina! The Cottage Cafe sounds wonderful and your selection is just what I would have chosen, it sounds perfect!
Great minds and taste buds… :)
Wow, amazing! I loved getting a little virtual tour of Geneva (that rainbow!)…and yes, now I feel the need to go there myself. I would have unashamedly cleaned my plates, too. ;)
Oh thank you for saying that, Heather! I’m so glad I’m in good company! ;)
So beautiful, Christina! The market shot with the cèpes/porcini made my heart jump! Looks like you had perfect weather, too!
I love that you had that reaction to the mushroom shot, David! A true foodie, whether we like the term or not- it communicates what we want to say. Yes, the weather was hot during the day, but gorgeous in the evening-I really was so fortunate during my entire trip!
I have never been to Switzerland. After seeing all these amazing photos I am convinced I need to go. It looks like the views just get better as the day goes on! And I am definitely making the Cottage Cafe a stop on my trip! I bookmarked this post to help me with my planning. Thanks!
Oh no! You simply must get to Switzerland ASAP, Katie! Good luck and hope it happens sooner than later!
Thanks for the amazing photo tour of Geneva. I felt like I got to virtually leave my desk for a few minutes. I love a cafe that not only serves great food and wine, but has amazing views. I can see why you stayed from daylight hours into the evening. They’re both beautiful views!
You have made Geneva look extremely appealing! My husband will be headed back there on another business trip soon, and I’m going to have to consider tagging along. We’ll most definitely check out The Cottage Cafe! I love the picture of people sunbathing in a seemingly random place, lol :)
Oh that would be so fabulous if you could join your husband, Lori! Seems like you’d probably have some time on your hands while he’s working. I could thing of nothing I’d like better! Coming from Los Angeles, it did seem quite funny that everyone was along a strand to sunbathe, but apparently, that’s where it’s done. Truthfully, it was so hot, I would have loved to join them! :)
Ahahah, dear Christina, I am very glad you’ve enjoyed my special recommendation. As I’ve told you, Cottage Cafe is really one of my favourite restaurant in the city! Don’t hesitate to let me know if you are coming back in town. Cheers.
I know you said you loved it, Kristelle, but I pictured something COMPLETELY different! You obviously have very good taste and thank you for the wonderful recommendation! Hope to be able to come back sooner than later! CC
That little cafe looks fabulous! And the views are stunning. Geneva is on my must-visit list and every single one of your posts make me want to go ASAP. I always love a place with good food!
Well, don’t hesitate, Ashley, because good food abounds in Geneva! CC
[…] I’ll leave you with this parting shot of Lake Geneva on a perfect summer evening and will continue with my wonderful dinner at Cottage Café and a photo tour of Geneva (part 2). […]
HI Christina,
What a fabulous post on your travels. You take the most beautiful photos and these are spectacular! The food and the Cottage Cafe looks so inviting. I have never been to Switzerland but my brother has for his business. He brought back some chocolates and they were so creamy, delicious, and so decadent. Love the photo of the swans and the photo of the market stand, what mushrooms, they are huge…Thanks for sharing….. Love when you show us places that are off the beaten path. Have a good rest of the week!
Dottie :)
Thank you so much, Dottie! I am so appreciative of your lovely comments and it makes me happy that you enjoy seeing my posts and photos! I’m also very happy that you were able to sample real Swiss chocolates! Aren’t they incredible? I wish I could have brought some home, unfortunately it was so hot when I was there, they would have melted before I even got to the airport. Glad you like the swan photo! I’m thinking of framing that one! I love it, too!
I hope you have a wonderful rest of the week also, Dottie! Thanks again! CC
Your photos are awesome!!! And that is coming from a freelance travel photographer!!! You actually told your story thru your images. Just what we aspire to do!
I did a 6 week backpacking trip across Italy a few yrs ago by myself…35th anniversary gift!
It was trip of a lifetime because I went outside of every box I’ve ever put myself into.
Loved your stories!
Oh, you just made my day! Thank you so much for your kind comments and compliments, I truly appreciate them more than you know. What a wonderful trip those 6 weeks must have been! I’m sure you have some wonderful photographs, too! Thank you again and hope you come back for more! CC
How lovely! I especially like the white swans.
I’m so happy you mentioned the swans Liz, as I am contemplating framing that picture! I love the composition of the three swans; it’s almost as though they are posing! Thank you!
Christina,
Your gorgeous pictures alone make me want to jump on a train or take the drive from Paris to Geneva and give it the justice it deserves. What a wonderful post! Wish I could’ve tasted that Swiss Pinot Noir with you at the Cottage Café. What a trip!
If we had met up just one day earlier, you could have, Jill! So close and yet so far. :(
And speaking of near and far, you could even hop on a plane for the weekend! Oh, you are so lucky!!
I can’t get over the beautiful scenery and landscape!! I Would love to visit Geneva again one day!
It was a dream, Liz! I hope you can make it back soon. CC
This looks just like the little lakeside place we had lunch at nearly 8 years ago! I wonder if it was the same place? That was pre-digital then, so I have some old fashioned paper photographs of it stashed away somewhere. I remember taking a drive around Lake Geneva and the scenery there is just breathtaking. Looks like you enjoyed your trip! I definitely have to get back to visit Geneva again.
I bet it is, Rachelle, because Cottage Cafe has been open that long! Although the cottage was opened as a restaurant in 2008, the building itself has been there for over 100 years. Agreed, breathtaking is a good word for Geneva’s scenery. I can’t wait to go back myself!
Wow! It sounds like you had a fantastic time! I love looking at all your pictures! I haven’t been to Switzerland for years and your post reminded me what a beautiful country it is. My daughter is studying abroad next year and we’re going to visit her in Prague. I think we’ll have to make a stop in Geneva!
Thanks, Cynthia! I agree that a stop in Geneva would be a great idea! Truly hope you’ll be able to get back there! CC
[…] GENEVA, SWITZERLAND (part 2)- Cottage Café and a Photographic Tour of Geneva […]