Buvette des Bains

Such a lovely place to have lunch by the lake! I actually left a similar review thinking it was Bains des Pâquis, but it turns out I was at this restaurant instead 😅. The queue was long at lunchtime but definitely worth it. The food was delicious, I had a fresh salmon salad, and the lake view was absolutely beautiful, with swans and ducks gliding by as I ate. Sitting on the deck made it feel so peaceful and close to nature. The staff were also very kind and thoughtful, even pointing out which dishes contained pork in case I didn’t eat it. A small gesture that really stayed with me. 😊

It was packed full of people! I have no French communication skill and ordered 'Dish of the Day' = big portion. Food was delicious and divine to match the season and local ingredients! Highly recommended 👌

We were originally planning to go to the cheese fondue place in the Christmas market, but after seeing some really bad reviews we changed our minds. Someone mentioned this place in one of those reviews, just round the corner, so we decided to try it instead. So glad we did. It was busy and had a great atmosphere, but still felt traditional rather than chaotic. We hadn’t booked and assumed there’d be no chance, especially at that time of year, but they managed to squeeze us in and gave us a table for an hour. That turned out to be plenty of time. The fondue was spot on. Proper, comforting, and exactly what you’re hoping for when you go somewhere like this. Everything felt well run despite how busy it was, which says a lot. Would definitely recommend it, especially if the Christmas market options put you off but you still want a proper fondue experience nearby.

Was there on a rainy November day; packed with people waiting in line. Whenever I am in Genève I have a lunch there. It’s just perfect, supreme tasty food at a very reasonable price; as a Swiss I know to value such an amazing effort. Thanks!

Lunch menu changes each day. The lamb ribs and mushroom risotto with stewed pumpkin was one of the best meals of my life - bravo chef. Usually the meals re very good but sometimes they are absolutely exceptional. Bathrooms are a bit of a worry - it’s very easily accessible for insects to enter, and so there are often spider webs full of small flies and spiders. I really wish they would do more as I avoid the bathroom facilities at all costs and offer depart sooner than I would like for that reason alone. Overall I do love this place, especially the courteous and attentive staff and general atmosphere of the location.

We chose this restaurant for a special night out given the positive reviews we had seen online. It was nice to be on the water, and the dining area had a homely feel about it, but it was very busy with customers packed in like sardines. I ordered the fondue dish for my date and I and was told by the cashier that one portion would not be enough for two people, so I paid up for two portions (which ended up being way too much). We waited over an hour and did not receive our order, so I went back to the kitchen to ask where our order was. I tried to politely ask one of the waiters walking out of the kitchen, but he barked out something under his breath and walked past without looking at me. I then waited in the long line for another 15 minutes to get to the front and speak to the cashier, who apologised for the delay and said she would go check what happened to our order. At this point I was fed up, so I asked if I could have a refund and just forget the fondue. The manager then got involved and rudely told me that there was no way I could get a refund. She offered a plate of cold meats in compensation, but later came back to my table to say it was not their fault that we hadn't heard them calling our order out, which was completely unnecessary, rude, and untrue as we had attentitively listened whenever they had called out orders. Overall, the customer treatment was very poor, especially considering the high prices.

“Cozy spot by the lake with amazing fondue! The atmosphere at Buvette des Bains is relaxed and authentic, perfect for enjoying a classic Swiss experience. The fondue was rich and flavorful, served with fresh bread and a beautiful view of the water. Highly recommend for anyone visiting Geneva!”

Something went wrong with this place. We have been going there for 15 years, always was the best place for us for the fondue. But today - they could not even place us to our reserved place, they just put us somewhere and said we have to leave by 20 hrs. Fondue was not the same, not as before, not tasty as before, we really don’t understand what happened ! Hope they will go back to the old quality soon!

Amazing fondue, recommend a reservation since I saw a line forming in the cold outside. You need to order and pay at the counter and bring the food to the table. By far the most legit and fun fondue experience--need to try the hammam next door next time!

Mixed bag for us. We had a late lunch here on December 30, our last day in Switzerland, on the recommendation of some locals. We had assumed we would be coming to an indoor restaurant; the place was coooold, even though there were roaring wood furnaces in every section of the eating area. You place your order at an outdoor counter, and carry a tray with everything except the fondue to a table on the eating hall. The fondue is carried out by a staff member, and placed over a burner on your table. The fondue was a hit with every member of our party (from age 3 to age 75). The mulled wine was also a hit. The plate of dried meats (with a handful of gherkins and pickled pearl onions) was disappointing, and the soup, although tasty, was barely lukewarm, thus not what was needed on a cold day We did not need a reservation, but I noticed a staffer placing post-it notes on tables for evening reservations

The best!! We love their food, their service, and most especially, their location! The staff are all very pleasant.

Amazed by the HUGE portions for an affordable price! You can never go wrong by getting the plate of the day. Service was fast, and I also recommend trying the freshly pressed juice (today was carrot, ginger, and apple - and I combined all three)! 2 francs to enter Bains des Pâquis. Best post-swim lunch!

Don't go under any circumstances! This was the worst experience I have ever had. It started with a very unfriendly bus boy who told us that it didn't matter. That was a rude start but we recovered and found other seats. We ordered our food and we're charged 27€ per person for fondue with only bread. They claimed to be too busy to give us anything else. It was astonishing to me that it came with nothing but stale bread! Not even napkins or water!! Please, don't go a patronize an establishment that really doesn't care or respect IT's customers Tried to rate it -1, but yelp doesn't allow that.

Local place for fondue and dinner - VERY busy on a weekday evening, remember to resesrve if you want a quiet table inside the restaurant. Ordering is very chaotic, there is no service so you have to queue extremely long and fight your way to the front. Prices quite reasonable. Very authentic fondue experience, but could do with better bread and meats. The "pad thai" felt like a salad, but it was good to balance with the fondue meal. The cheese was not too heavy and we were able to finish it all!

It's definitely a hole in the wall / street food type of place. I came with a couple of friends, one of whom said the view is great. [facepalm] You will know what he meant when you get here. The fondue takes quite a while (30 minutes ish), and most of the staff do not speak English. Parlez-vous anglais? ... No. So, makes sure you have Google translate ready or can at least handling ordering in French. Oh, and also, cash only.

Buvette Bains des Pâquis must be the best spot for lunch outside in Geneva. Daily fresh, local meals right on the water. Fresh and delicious oysters. Fondue in the winter. The most affordable and reasonable prices in Geneva. Be sure to bring a swim suit in the summer if you want to swim at the rocky "beach."

When in Switzerland, trying fondue is a must. This establishment sits right on Lake Geneva, and it has has a very cozy (albeit often crowded) indoor seating area. We ate there on a relatively chilly winter night, and the restaurant was very loud and toasty. It's definitely a place I'd recommend for casual eating, and the large tables are very conducive to big parties. The fondue itself comes in a nice, heavy pot, and their is ample bread to go with it. Fondue is pretty difficult to mess up, and I'd say this place certainly meets the mark when it comes to melted cheese. Just be prepared for a loud atmosphere when you get here!

Very casual and fun spot to have a drink (beer in a plastic cup, yes, it's very casual!) and a cheap fondue. The kind of place you go to for the atmosphere, very unique. You seat outside, right on Lake Geneva and share big tables with other clients. Worth a visit just for the experience!

I am surprised at so many good reviews maybe we hit an off day. The workers were very friendly, and one of the ladies spoke. English which was super helpful. The food was not palatable at all. The special of the day was lukewarm, and the fondue was just okay. We spent $100 for four people and honestly it was not worth it. The view was great & it is right on the water which was fun.

This was one of the only spots open for breakfast on a Sunday in Geneva. It was a bit of a walk from our AirBnB to this establishment which is off on a pier. It initially looks like a bathhouse to the naked eye. However, the aromatic smells from the kitchen led us further into the facilities. Nestled amongst the row of bathhouses, there is a kitchen that was open for breakfast. The menu was in French, however, the pleasant host greeted us in English was explained to us the breakfast menu; there was also a more extensive menu, however, saved for lunch and later hours. We chose a simple breakfast menu that consisted of coffee, orange juice, toasted baguette with jam, and a fruit salad (you can select different options with this combo). It was a simple and nice meal, bringing back memories of an early childhood where satisfying meals were just simply margarine and toast. It was cold so we sat inside a roofed and walled pavilion that gave view to the swimming area and rest of the lake. There was a bit funky and brackish smell inside, however; needless to say, if the weather was fairer, we would have chosen to dine outside. Overall, great experience.

It's next door to our hotel so location is fabulous!! Cappuccinos are yummy and so are the salads and sandwiches perfect!

Perfect spot to cap off my first week as a newly minted genevoise. We took the requisite pot of fondue (they serve straight Swiss cheese only) and heapfuls of bread but mistakenly took a different pot from the server so we bade our extra 23 francs goodbye. One pot is a decent amount to share amongst 2 people anyway so I'd say start with one and order another if you'd like more. The plat du jour also seems like a great deal for 12 francs. It's super pleasant to sit at a table with beer and fondue and chat all night. We went on a Friday and finding a nice spot was never an issue. What is a bit more challenging is buying beers at the bar, which seems to take forever no matter what. I've gotten used to 10 years of hussling fast service in NY so this is a change of pace I'll have to get used to ... Some folks come here with their own little picnic, which seems to be the move. I definitely did enjoy it and had a stellar first taste of fondue so I'll definitely come back when friends come to visit!

This is THE place for cheese fondue, in season. Cash only, do be warned! Order your food and drink at the outside counter, then go in to sit at the farmhouse style benches in the toasty indoors. When you've polished off the cheese (ask for more bread if you need it), the waiter will come by to scrape your pot so you can get at the crackly crust on the bottom. Portions are generous and the food is rich, so go hungry. This place is the "classic"!

A lovely reprieve from the hustle and bustle of Geneva proper, the Bains des Paquis are the embodiment of rest and relaxation. Whether you're just in Geneva for a short while or you've lived here all your life, this is the place for sun and steam and food and wine - in short, everything for a perfect day to forget your worries. Spend 2 CHF to enter and gain access to all that Bains des Paquis has to offer. On a sunny day the wooden palettes and flat rocks will be covered with sunbathers both local and foreign alike. Some may engage in swimming (in the cordoned off lake water), playing with their children (there's a sandbox), or just catching some rays. Daredevils will want to jump off the high platform. There are a few lounge chairs inside as well. Take your time to explore the whole inside. It isn't that big: you can walk from the entrance to the lighthouse and even explore all the nooks and crannies in 15 minutes or so. Besides the long concrete access way to the lake (they call this a "beach" but that's a stretch of the term), they also have two steam rooms (hammams), two saunas, and a relaxation room. I was only able to use the steam rooms, but they were very relaxing, with a fragrant scent and cold water inside to cool yourself with. Nudity is not required but swimsuits are optional (you're in Europe after all). There are women's separate facilities and also mixed ones. 10 CHF gets you a key to a change room and a towel, and you'll have to leave something as collateral as well. But what's a day of R&R without food? The on-site restaurant serves a variety of drinks and food, but the best thing to get is the plat du jour, a daily special (literally) that usually has some mix of meat in sauce, cooked vegetables, and bread. A steal at 14 CHF, you'll see many people add a glass of wine and slowly eat their meal while sunbathing, lounging, chatting, or reading a newspaper. On some nights they'll also have live music for you to enjoy inside one of the enclosures. Really, there's something for everyone here. You can do any of the activities I've mentioned above, or just admire the views of the Jet D'eau and the local water fowl. The Bains des Paquis is yours to do with what you wish. Embrace the local vibe and cast off the Calvinistic mentality of Geneva - enjoy yourself.

For me, Bains de Paquis is the marker against which I can set all my other lunch experience in Geneva. At 14 CHF the plat du jour is approximately 5 CHF cheaper than the plat in many other cafés. You don't get a particularly large plate of food for your money. But then again, I shared mine with my toddler and we both ate enough. I had a seafood plate with various fish and a delicious serving of wild rice and vegetables. I washed it down with a great glass of hot fresh mint tea for a couple of francs. In November the bravest might sit outside but I prefer the well-heated dining room. Seating is basic but we all coped. The 2 CHF charge for entry was not in place for our visit (winter rules?). If you need step-free access this place has significant challenges. First up is a bridge over the water, about 10 steps up, then a little straight, then 10 steps down. To get to the buvette there's another set of around 5 steps down.

Most popular spot on the lake. Be prepared to wait in line for the best, most affordable meal with a nice view. They offer discounts for seniors and unemployed people.

This was my first time eating out for fondue, and to be honest, I wasn't that impressed. Personally I didn't think it tasted that good, but since it is a cliche tourist thing to do, I wouldn't say I regret going. We were a party of five, and each person paid 23 francs (which is the price no matter how many people you're with). The bread to dip into the cheese was a bit too hard for my liking. We also split a plate of meat, pickles, and onions(?) which was about 13-15 francs. These foods were tasty with the fondue. Two of my friends bought beer as well (which I think was about 5 francs), and they said it was pretty bad, but it may be because they tend to be picky with their beers. The atmosphere was nice and casual with the fireplace, and has a friendly vibe. You order the food at the bar outside, pay upfront, and they bring the food to you.

Big fan of this place! We were in Geneva for only half a day and decided to go here for lunch on Sunday. It was decently crowded but they have quick service and you can take your food and eat pretty much anywhere in the surrounding area. The food tasted so fresh. When I return to Geneva, I will definitely be back. Make sure you bring cash because they don't take card. Meals are reasonably priced to and the portions are perfect.

I've never been to a place like this before... As an American, I've been to many chain restaurants and hole in the wall places. And this place is probably the best local eatery I can remember. For one it was recommends by my Airbnb host. And so it was filled with locals (meaning mostly they only speak French). It also had local prices... Affordable, according to Swiss Standards. 30 Swiss francs for a big pot of fondue and basket of bread... The food was ok. But the ambience was amazing... You order outside give them a name, they shove a big basket of bread into your hands. Then you find a place to sit in the sun room- a packed small shack with shared table sitting. It's loud, it's hot with 3 or 4 wood burning furnaces. When you finally sit down, you've bumped elbows with a few people, worked up a sweat, and in your head you know you are not a local but in that warm joyous crowd you've just been absorbed.

A must when in Geneva. You can go to all these other sit down fondue spots in Geneva and they may serve some interesting cheese variations that you might like better, i.e. with Blue de Gex or Morels, but if you're going for a nice basic fondue experience with the dry cured beef, cornichons, and bread w/ mulled wine on a nice evening, then there's no better than Bains des paquis where you can enjoy your fondue pretty much in the middle of the lake. Great convivial environment that's super casual and affordable. Highly recommend.

This place is the cutest place to grab lunch and sit outside to gaze at the water. The food was delicious and they don't skimp you on the bread. Their service was friendly and they certainly are popular! It's a casual place for some damn good typical Swiss food

Who wouldn't want to pay $130 for a bucket of cheese? But srsly. It's a fun spot with a casual vibe. The location is cool. Just be aware that you get twice as much cheese fondue than you need and half as much alcohol than you pay for. So order half as much fondue as you think. I.e. if you have a party of four, then order fondue for two. And you'll go through the tiny drinks quickly. All that said it's a fun spot.

Great concept, good execution, and good food. This restaurant/dive bar/whatever you want to call it is combined with a swimming area right at lake Geneva and capitalizes completely on its location. Ambience leaves something to be desired, as I am personally not a big fan of al fresco dining right next to a swimming pool with semi-nude sunbathers, however each to his own. I hear they have a good fondue in the wintertime, when they close off the area, however I have not had the opportunity to go at this time of the year.

This restaurant was a perfect spot to get fondue on Lake Geneva. It is a casual spot and the food is simple and delicious. We walked right in and found a table although it definitely got increasingly crowded after 7 pm. Would highly recommend!

Fun place to get affordable fondue with friends in Geneva. The fondue is only 23 per person, probably the cheapest you'll find in Geneva. It is also in a nice location on the lake which is great during the warmer months. There is also indoor seating for colder times of the year.

Perfect place for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Best value for money in the entire city.

My favorite place in Geneva. Calm environment, wonderful food, very nice people and beautiful views. It's affordable too.

Unlike the silly flower clock (rated one of the top things to see in Geneva!), this local hangout is actually worth your time. With its awesome location in the middle of Lac Leman, and with its stunning views of the city and surrounding mountains, I don't think there is a better place to spend a morning, afternoon or evening in all of Geneva. In the summer, Bains de Paquis offers early morning (6am) concerts with breakfast- just in time to catch the sunrise. Sunbathers and swimmers can enjoy their time on the 'beaches' of the dock and picnic baskets are welcome- you just have to pay a small entry fee (a couple francs) to enter the area. In the evenings, the restaurant offers one of the cheapest dinners in Geneva, and the meals of the day are actually quite good- my last trip I had roast beef with potatoes and salad for ~18franc. There is plenty of outdoor seating, and given the million-dollar city view, where better to enjoy a meal and a drink in all of Geneva? In the winter is really when the place comes alive, though- when the rest of the city seems to shut down, Bains de Paquis offers a great place to hangout and unwind. In the winter the Turkish bath, sauna, steam room and hammam opens on the other side of the restaurant/bar (tip: they only accept cash, and bring your own large towel to save some francs), so you can rent a changing room and enjoy all the amenities with city-views from the sauna and relaxation rooms. Although bathing suits are optional, Tuesdays are ladies-only days- so if you want to avoid the leering men it's a great day to check out the baths! Also, this is one of the best places to get fondue in all of Geneva- the portions are generous and well-priced- just remember to make a reservation if you want to come on a busy night (Thurs-Sun). I have already spent my fair share of time here at the baths, and they're still on the top of my list for a great place to take friends and family, as well as spend some time alone, unwinding after a long day at work. I highly recommend checking them out!

This doesn't look like a place where you'd find what we think is the best fondue we have ever had. After a whole week traveling in Switzerland we could not leave without this special delight. We thoroughly enjoyed every bite! Cheese choices in the dish were perfect, it was light, tasty and plentiful. All dishes that came out of the kitchen, or better said .. out of the open counter, looked yummy. Salads, pasta. Pizzas.. all Young local people, mingling with 'older' tourists. A wonderful experience on lake Geneva! A MUST on everyone's visit!

Good, relaxing and holiday atmosphere. Food can be eaten in restaurant or on seaside. It's very sunny and hot, so the fresh lake water is a very welcome cool off. Geneva summer's temperatures are high. It's to mention that Bains des Paquis is crowded at the weekend and the restaurant is quite full during the week at lunch time. I enjoyed delicious Greek salad and fruit juice. The prices are cheap and the service is friendly.

Yummy fondue. However the menu said you get fruit and a salad with it. We asked the server when and he said after...we never got it. We asked again where to get it and he pointed near the bathrooms. Walked over there and there was no fruit or salad. Confused! But yummy

Good quality standard food for a correct price in a wonderful location. Great fondue in particular in the winter setup.

Great place to hang out, have some wine and drinks, and get a bite to eat. Lovely setting. We were there in the afternoon so we didn't have fondue, burly I hear they do a great job. Lovely inside wood stoves keep one warm and toasty. Also have massages and swimming here. Plenty for everyone to enjoy.

If there must be one restaurant to bring a tourist to in Geneva, i would recommend the " Buvette des Bains des Paquis ". First of all, you'll never eat that close to the Geneva lake than at the "BBP". It's so close, you may have to pay attention on how much you drink ;) ! Then, the food is really good. In summer, you can have the "Plat du jour" , starting at around 14.- ( much less than others restaurant ) , or have breakfast after a long night of partying ! The terrase is really big, with a nice view, and often pretty crowded. I remember having had a Tandoori chicken, that would be no shame to a true indian restaurant, out there, and it was a really great experience. In the winter, you HAVE TO go there to eat a typical swiss meal : The " Fondue au fromage " ( the cheese fondue ) ! It is prepared and served under a big tent, so the cold is no worry. It is tasty, copious, and of course, must be accompanied with a good white wine ! ( I would recommend some wine from the " Vaud " canton, or one from the " Valais ". ( A "fendant" is best ! ). As a conclusion, it is a very unique place a Geneva. Great for tourists, but eh. It's so good, you could almost go there without any of them ;) !

My favorite fondue in Geneva. It's made with sparkling wine so it's a bit lighter than others and delicious. Always a daily lunch special and you can add a cheese plate with that. Soup is on the menu as well and at about 6AM on summer mornings there is a concert given while you breakfast there. Not a fancy place by any means but good food.

Fondue is a must if you're visiting Geneva, and La Buvette des Bains is a great local joint to try out. I was able to get reservations (with the help of our hotel, because I speak zero French) for a friend and I for dinner. They only have fondue in the winter so please keep this in mind. You walk out to the docks on Lac Leman to a very casual restaurant, almost a well-built shack. The servers assign you a table (which is usually shared with others) and you go back outside to put in your order. My friend and I had the fondue and an order of the dried horse meat. I know, what a strange order, but when in Geneva...*hand wave*. The dried horse meat turned out to be delicious, as was the fondue. They only give you bread with the fondue, so keep that in mind when you're ordering. Our light dinner was decently affordable (for Geneva) at 37 euros for the both of us, and the fondue was definitely worth it. Friendly tip: The waiters taking orders were friendly enough to tell us what they had in English because they only had French menus, so please don't let this deter you from trying it out!

Magical lakeside atmosphere but let's not get carried away by that. The food and beverages are average and the 2 franc entrance fee in summer is a bit of a rip. Sunday mornings (year-round) there are free Tai Chi classes but the levels are mixed so it's a nice community stretch-out at best (but the view is breathtaking).

HAD THE BEST sunset dinner in EUROPE EVER!! (FISH/Polenta/WINE, 2nd plate was free. thanks french chef who winked at me) After a long day of trekking through Geneva, around the lake, finally found a place to eat. totally random! dinner with my wife by the Lake, need I say more!!!

Favorite place for Spring and Summer to eat outside. Winter not much to do there exept to have cheese fondue.

This place in Geneva is easy to find. It is across from the famous jet d'eau. We went there on a beautiful day. They don't have a lot of options so if you want variety this is not the place for you. They have a plate of the day, some salads, and fondue. They also have wine, I'm not sure about beer. The particular day we went it was beautiful and sunny. We had ourselves the plate of the day, which was pork tenderloins with a sweet sauce, with cole slaw, potatoes and salad with arugula. I'm not sure what kind of witchery they did to that cole slaw but it was the best cole slaw I've had in my life. It was not your average cole slaw it was a slaw of carrots and something else. Mmm. Seriously. It's a beautiful place to have a glass of wine and enjoy the lake and sun bathe. I wouldn't come here for the variety like I said, but otherwise it's nice to catch so sun and a beautiful view of the genevan lake :)

In summer this could be nice, it's a swimming pool, self service cafeteria. Very simple. I couldn't find the toilets. Im not sure what rating to give it. In winter I'd give it 3 stars.

Staff was extremely rude. Told us that they could get us a table in an hour. We waited at the bar and when we came back to be seated the girl said she'd never seen us before. She made no attempt to fix the situation and was very rude to us. Go somewhere else!!

This is honestly one of the best experiences in Geneva. It is not at all touristy like one might think. You might even sit next to a local couple having fondue. There are many pop up concerts/performances/etc that one might enjoy. Even seeing the sunset, having hot white (vin chaud), looking at swans and le jet d'eau in the winter was good enough. Fondue was superb! Highly recommend! Just simply cross the bridge :)

A bridge that leads you to the middle of Lake Geneva with the great fountain in the background while eating Swiss fondue...umm, yes please over and over again! You can bring your own picnic basket of food or just order from the restaurant there...it's truly just the experience and the views of Geneva you soak in and can't experience anywhere else!

Cheap with good quantity. Love the fondue at evenings. Not to forget the delicious Plat du jour. Saturdays are the best: Breakfast is pretty simple, yet very good. Start your day with a breakfast and then spa, end it with a delicious plat du jour.

Typical Geneva ! A must try when visiting the city.

The best fondue ever. Seriously. The location is fantastic, and the seating area itself is such a nice change from the often stuffy eateries of Geneva and the surrounding towns. You'll have such a wonderful time.