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Afternoon teas
So chic.
When winter’s weariness strikes, as Lake Geneva dons its silver coat and all good reasons to leave the house seem to vanish, let’s take inspiration from the English — the masters of gloomy weather — and their secret to braving the cold: chic afternoon tea.
Windows Restaurant (Hôtel d’Angleterre)
Hôtel d’Angleterre is Geneva’s pioneering reference when it comes to high tea. Expect succulent finger sandwiches and pastries, fine teas and coffees, and why not a coupe of Ruinart champagne to top it off! Do not skip the warm, moist scones accompanied by jam and double cream from Gruyère — a match made in heaven that even the Brits rave about! High tea here feels more like a spa treatment than ordering off a menu. The magnificent view of the lake through the cozy salon’s large windows is fit for royalty, creating an ideal ambiance for intimate moments with friends and loved ones. Bonus: the caring and attentive staff here won’t judge or fuss, even if you and your friends make a sudden entrance or burst into song in homage to the Spice Girls.
Le Loti (La Réserve Genève Hotel and Spa)
In a similar vein, every afternoon starting at 15:00, Le Loti proposes a gourmet English high tea service, complete with delightful sweet and savoury pastries from Chef Pierre-Alain Rouchon. The hotel’s large salon is dotted with lush greenery and 19th century Orientalism art pieces, complete with wide, cozy armchairs and couches that encourage settling in and getting comfortable with friends and family. The welcoming ambiance is also complimented by a few semi-private islands towards the back, which are perfect for more informal business meetings. If you find your negotiations are needing a boost, a coupe of Michel Reybier champagne might just seal the deal!
37 (The Woodward)
The Woodward’s new cocktail bar 37 — which was quickly noticed by Gault&Millau, despite its discretion — offers a distinctly New-York, Sex-and-the-City vibe, with layers of tartan and red velvet. But a Cosmo is far too banal for this joint. Turn instead to mixologist Maxwell Britten, direct from Manhattan, who offers a host of unique signature cocktails. And when it comes to food, 37’s gourmet menu beautifully marries savoury delights from Chef Olivier Jean (2 Michelin stars) and sweet pastries from Chef Titouan Claudet, who was named 2025 Pastry Chef of the Year by Gault&Millau. Accompanied by a mocktail or cocktail, this is one high tea experience that’s a pure sensory delight. On Thursday evenings, enjoy jazzy concerts that will soothe your soul.
Chez Philippe
Chez Philippe is truly a unique exception to the more traditional high teas that are on offer in Geneva. Tucked into the first floor of the Passage des Lions, this very artsy Genevan steakhouse proposes a distinctly American afternoon break, complete with passionfruit cheesecake, caramel truffle popcorn madeleines and other delightfully surprising creations by Pastry Chef Manuel Pereira. Reminiscent of a big city roof deck, the tops of the buildings along the Rue du Rhône dazzle from behind the windows, giving the entire establishment the aura of a restaurant in the heart of New York City’s Columbus Circle. Teatime here is sure to brighten even the dreariest of your winter days!
