Auberge du Lion d'Or

I think I've made it pretty clear on this blog that overall, I've been a little less than impressed with the food culture in Geneva of late. However, I think I've also said before that every now and then a restaurant in Geneva will surprise you with quality food and great service at a decent price. In my book, Auberge du Lion d'Or, located in Versoix - not to be confused with Cologny's prohibitively expensive Lion d'Or - is just such a place. Unless you happen to live in the area, it's probably slightly out of your way, but it's well worth the trip and I definitely look forward to going back!

I apologize for the poor photo quality, it definitely doesn't do the meal justice - the lighting wasn't being very cooperative - but it should give you an idea of what kind of food to expect. I should also mention that I'm not sure I've ever eaten anything quite so garlicky as the squid salad starter, but that is no complaint on my part: I love garlic! However if you don't, I would definitely recommend you ask just how much of it you're committing to. As for desserts, the chef's special is an amazing assortment of the restaurant's most scrumptious desserts and at CHF 14 it is a really good deal. However there is so much on the plate, you may want to share it with one of your dinner companions especially if you had a starter.

Pictured below: a delicious squid salad starter, followed by a perfectly cooked medium rare ribeye steak with the customary side of fries and finally the chef's special dessert platter.

Café Universal

Café Universal is one of Geneva's better known restaurants. Located in Plainpalais, it's been around for a while, but I only recently had my first meal there, and though I had heard mixed reviews, I quite enjoyed it! My only complaint is that I asked for a medium rare ribeye steak and it came a little rare to my liking, but this is Geneva, and I think I've said this before, they hardly ever get the doneness right here. Oh well.

Pictured below: a ribeye steak with sides of vegetables and fries followed by a nutella crème brulée I would definitely recommend and if you like nutella!

Relais de l'Entrecôte

Le Relais de l'Entrecôte is probably one of Geneva's most famous restaurants, but believe it or not I had never been there until a few weeks ago. It is important to note the establishment will be relocating as of 2013 so if you want to get a taste of their famous rib-eye steak in their current location, now is your chance to do so!

Kudeta

Kudeta gets rave reviews on the Internet. It is easy to see why, it is located in a trendy part of Carouge, the staff is very pleasant and the restaurant itself is well decorated. However, while I enjoyed the dishes for the most part, I asked for a medium steak and it came dry on the outside and a little rare to my liking. The goat cheese starter was very good though.