Dubai, United Arab Emirates – This winter, Geneva unveils an extraordinary season, seamlessly intertwining its world-class gastronomy with a dazzling lineup of cultural festivities. At the heart of this vibrant offering is the highly anticipated Geneva Food Guide, a tribute to the city’s culinary diversity, curated by the celebrated gastronomic expert Sébastien Ripari. Complementing this culinary journey are Geneva’s winter festivals, which promise to transform the city into a radiant hub of light, film, and artistic innovation.
The Geneva Food Guide is a masterpiece of curation, featuring 60 handpicked establishments that represent over 160 global cuisines. From the refined elegance of Michelin-starred dining to the intimate charm of neighbourhood bistros and the energetic vibrancy of street-food havens, the guide encapsulates Geneva’s unique culinary identity. It is a celebration of the city’s role as a gastronomic melting pot, offering visitors from every corner of the world a taste of home while showcasing Geneva’s ability to blend tradition with international flair.
“This guide is from a friend—one who will accompany you in discovering Geneva’s finest gastronomic destinations,” said Sébastien Ripari, affectionately known as “The Chef Whisperer.” Reflecting on his journey of creating the guide, he shared, “For me, cooking has always been about love—welcoming, feeding, and sharing. Creating this guide allowed me to reconnect with the city of my childhood and uncover its culinary treasures. I hope it inspires you to explore Geneva’s vibrant food scene and create unforgettable gourmet memories.”
Born and raised in Geneva, Ripari has built a remarkable career, working with culinary legends across France and beyond. His commitment to sustainable and responsible cuisine is evident in his co-founding of Chefs4ThePlanet and his acclaimed works such as L’ami des chefs. His collaboration with the Geneva Tourism & Conventions Foundation has resulted in a guide that not only highlights Geneva’s culinary excellence but also its ability to welcome the world.
“Geneva boasts an extraordinary culinary landscape, from Michelin-starred restaurants to world cuisines and local bistros,” said Adrien Genier, CEO of the Geneva Tourism & Conventions Foundation. “Sébastien Ripari’s selection showcases 60 exceptional establishments that reflect the city’s diversity and passion for food. This guide is an invitation to explore, savour, and celebrate Geneva’s culinary soul.”
Among the featured venues are the timeless Les Armures, celebrated for its classic Swiss raclette and fondue, and L’Atelier Robuchon, a two-star Michelin destination preserving the culinary legacy of Joël Robuchon. Other notable entries include Balila, offering perfectly balanced Lebanese dishes; Le Bánh Mì, a Vietnamese street-food haven; and La Buvette des Bains des Pâquis, a beloved lakeside institution known for its communal fondue experience.
For dessert enthusiasts, Du Rhône Chocolatier and La Bonbonnière tempt with their artisanal chocolates and creative confections, while Windows Restaurant provides an opulent setting for a quintessential British afternoon tea experience overlooking Lake Geneva.
As the city delights food lovers, its winter festivals amplify the enchantment. The Black Movie Festival, returning from 17–26 January 2025 for its 26th edition, invites audiences on a cinematic journey through Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Europe. Featuring over 100 independent films, this festival is a celebration of bold storytelling, hosted across iconic venues such as Maison des Arts du Grütli and Cinélux. Alongside the screenings, exhibitions, workshops, and all-night events create an immersive cultural experience.
Meanwhile, the Geneva Lux Festival bathes the city in poetic light from 17 January to 2 February 2025. Illuminating streets and squares with breathtaking installations, the festival explores universal themes like ecology, diversity, and the human connection to nature. Each work invites visitors to pause, reflect, and dream, offering a radiant vision of hope and creativity.
The season concludes with the Antigel Festival, running from 6 February to 1 March 2025. Since its debut in 2011, Antigel has redefined winter festivals by transforming unconventional spaces into stages for artistic expression. Featuring renowned and emerging artists, it celebrates the diversity of Geneva’s culture while forging new pathways in music, art, and sport. “Antigel is much more than a festival,” the organizers declare. “It is a creator of cultural, sporting, and community experiences, uniting audiences of all ages and backgrounds through its bold and innovative spirit.”
Geneva’s winter offerings are a testament to its vibrancy, creativity, and global appeal. From its exquisite culinary delights to its mesmerizing festivals, the city invites the world to immerse itself in a season of unforgettable experiences. Each dish, each light display, and each artistic performance embodies Geneva’s ability to inspire, connect, and enchant.
