Da Paolo — Restaurant in Geneva

I have visited many times in my seven years living in Geneva and have never been disappointed. Tonight, that was not the case.

The service was impeccable. Very prompt and professional. However, the pizza was a total let down.

3 pizzas ordered. Pikante for me, veg for my wife and Hawaii for my son.

The Hawaii was so burnt that the chef thought we might complain so he cut off half the crust. The 23chf pizza was mutilated and the toppings had no care in placement. The centre of the pizza was so thin that it was completely wet in the middle. The middle was essentially undercooked wet bread and the outer crust was so burnt you would have thought it briefly visited the surface of the sun.

The pikante had the same soggy problems but was not as burnt (the chief didn’t have to leave part of my pizza back in the kitchen but it still should never have made it past quality control..

My wife’s veggie was structurally sound and not burnt at all, but it had to be. From the pile of olives on it, you would think a jar was dropped on the pizza. Again, no care or sense of pride in these pizzas.

For 23chf a pizza I was pretty angry that part of the pizza was thrown away, trying and hide a mistake, instead of being an honorable chef and just making a new pizza.

Also a group of ten came in after us, ordered after us and somehow received all of their...

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Da Paolo isn’t just the best pizzeria in Geneva — it might actually be my favorite anywhere. The pizza? Out of this world. The vibe? Warm, welcoming, perfect. And the staff? Absolute gems. 💎 But what truly sets Da Paolo apart is the heart behind the place.

Here’s what really blew me away: A few weeks ago, I forgot a jacket there. By the time I called back, I was told (very kindly!) that it had most likely been donated, as they regularly give lost items to charity if unclaimed.

Most places would’ve just left it at that. Not here. I was put in touch with Bertrand, the big boss, who apologized — even though it absolutely wasn’t his fault — and insisted I ask for Barbara, the Maître d’ / Restaurant Manager next time I came in.

When I returned, Barbara was absolutely wonderful — warm, gracious, and genuinely kind. Along with Jordan, our friendly and attentive waiter, she made sure we were treated to a complimentary meal as a gesture of goodwill, and heartfelt generosity.

Incredible food and incredible people? That’s a rare combination. Da Paolo is a true Geneva institution — and it keeps earning its reputation, again and again.

Thank you, Bertrand, Barbara & Jordan. 💛 Here’s to many more meals at Da Paolo. #DaPaoloGeneva #BestEver #ForeverFavorite...

Beware of rude and lying waiters.

We went back for the second time as our first experience was quite pleasant, but we’re utterly disappointed and very much upset by this visit.

The food was fine, but the bill presented and what was charged to our card was different. When we asked to clarify, the waiter said there was a 10% service charge tax. We managed to retrieve a copy of our previous receipt and showed that there was no such thing– we paid the amount stated on the menu the previous visit (also for dinner). Exposed, the waiter rudely went to the cashier and grabbed some coins and shoved it into our hands while muttering in French (we assume he was cussing).

We would’ve been fine with tipping him a few if he was forthcoming, but to be lied to and charged without our knowledge is simply unacceptable.

We also noticed that his service for us was different than the European customers–we weren’t served cheese or bread despite ordering the same things as the table next to ours. What a shame to experience such discriminatory treatment in a place like Geneva known for being an international hub for peace and equity.

Highly do NOT recommend, especially for...