L' Aparté — Restaurant in Geneva

I have travelled the world extensively over 40 years. I ate at all restaurants ranging from pop & mom’s to Michelin three stars. This is my honest review of the restaurant L’Aparté, inside Hotel Royal in Geneva, Switzerland.

An exceptional dining experience! We opted for the six-course surprise menu, which, along with two bottles of champagne, turned out to be very reasonably priced given the outstanding quality of the food.

The meal started with a variety of amuse-bouches, each offering distinct and vibrant flavors that awakened the palate. This was followed by two different starters, with the standout dish being a perfectly cooked scallop that left a lasting impression.

The main courses were equally remarkable. The cod fillet was beautifully prepared, enhanced by a variety of well-balanced flavors, while the pork from Jussy (Geneva canton) was exquisitely cooked and paired with a delightful sauce. In fact, every dish featured unique and carefully crafted sauces with spices that brought a refreshing twist to the flavors, creating a perfect harmony across the courses.

We opted for the cheese selection, which included four pre-selected cheeses. While we didn’t get to choose them individually, the selection was interesting—though the order of tasting could be debated. Dessert preceded by a pre-dessert were both delicious, but the savory courses impressed me the most.

The service was impeccable, with the chef personally presenting each dish at the table. While he didn’t speak English, a waiter seamlessly translated his explanations for the English speakers in our group. The staff was extremely attentive and welcoming, adding to the overall experience.

The restaurant’s ambiance was elegant, with a beautifully crafted wooden table for six, offering both style and comfort. Tables were well spaced, allowing for relaxed conversations, and the decor was tastefully done.

As for parking, they offer a valet service, which can initially be a bit tricky to locate. However, by following the reception’s directions, the valet service turned out to be efficient and convenient, providing quick access to the hotel.

Overall, a truly memorable evening—I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone seeking a refined and creative...

Truly exceptional!

First, the food demonstrated thoughtfulness and skill. They perfectly accommodated our dietary restrictions — me being vegan and my husband allergic to shellfish — despite their usual menu that evening being heavy in shellfish. We did the seven course option and the food was better than some two and three star Michelin restaurants we’ve enjoyed. Perhaps the best meal we’ve had. The only course that fell flat for me was the 6th, the vegan pre-dessert, which was a dish of strawberries and strawberry gel. I like strawberries as much as the next person, but would have liked a little more variety in this dish. The best courses were the carrot carpaccio second course and the celeriac fourth course, both of which were downright phenomenal.

Second, the drinks! Their sommelier is personable and suggested great wines. The cocktails I enjoyed — a cucumber cocktail with gin and an espresso martini — were delicious pairings.

Third, the service — despite us having limited French skills, the chef visited our table to introduce every course, translated by the manager. The manager was also wonderful...

Excellent food, possibly even better wine. Had a lovely five course lunch here. The service was great, the atmosphere of the (very) small dining area was great, and the food and wine matched. For a set menu I was a little confused by a couple of too-similar courses (a mushroom confit starter and then a main which featured... Mushroom confit. And two very fresh, ice-cream and fruit desserts)... But they were all delicious, so I can definitely forgive a bit of what I percieved as redundancy. The food was gorgeously presented, creative, and fresh. The chef came out to explain each course - a nice touch, though perhaps a tad unnecessary as I don't speak French so he spoke and then the waiter had to translate. I always appreciate seeing the chef, but a greeting and then letting the waiter explain the subsequent courses in English would have been completely fine.

Probably my biggest regret is how incredible the Swiss wines were, but only because I know they'll be impossible to find at home.

Highly...