Ottolenghi’s Swiss Restaurant: A Culinary Adventure Awaits

If you’re a fan of Ottolenghi, you’ll want to hear about his new restaurant in Geneva! It’s a delicious blend of Mediterranean and Swiss flavors.

The Exciting Debut of Ottolenghi in Switzerland

When I first heard that Yotam Ottolenghi was opening his first restaurant outside the UK, I couldn’t help but feel a rush of excitement. The new venue in Geneva is set to bring the vibrant Mediterranean flavors we adore, fused with local Swiss ingredients. Launching on January 30, 2025, this venture is more than just another eatery; it’s an experience that promises to tantalize the senses.

What stands out here is not only the location—nestled within the luxurious Mandarin Oriental—but also the concept. With a menu crafted by chef Maxime Martin, who honed his skills in some of the finest kitchens along the French Riviera, you can expect dishes that beautifully highlight seasonal produce and local traditions. Imagine enjoying smoky celeriac shawarma or lamb shoulder seasoned with rose and cardamom. I mean, does it get any better?

A Feast for the Senses: The Menu Unveiled

Stepping into Ottolenghi’s new Geneva restaurant feels like being transported into a culinary wonderland. Designed by architect Alex Meitlis, the interiors reflect Switzerland’s breathtaking landscape—think natural colors and contemporary design that harmonize perfectly with Ottolenghi’s culinary ethos. At its heart lies an open grill, ready to serve dishes bursting with flavor.

The menu is truly something special:

• Celeriac shawarma served with homemade pita.
• Lamb shoulder with labneh and fennel.
• Delightful desserts like chocolate fondant with tahini.
  Every dish is an ode to local ingredients sourced from passionate producers like Terraviva, ensuring sustainability while showcasing the best of what Switzerland has to offer.

Sustainability Meets Flavor: A Thoughtful Approach

One thing that excites me about Ottolenghi’s philosophy is his commitment to sustainability. In Geneva, he plans to transform vegetable scraps into homemade pickles and ferments—imagine mustard topinambur or spiced kumquat! This approach doesn’t just reduce waste; it creates unique flavor profiles that guests won’t find anywhere else. And speaking of uniqueness, the cocktail menu reflects this same dedication, combining elements of preservation and fire.

Guests will have two tasting menus to choose from:

• The Ottolenghi Menu featuring starters, mains, desserts, and petit fours.
• The Celebration Menu, which adds an aperitif for those looking to elevate their dining experience even further.
  Prices range from around 10 Swiss Francs for smaller plates up to 120 for shared portions—a true indulgence!

An Eager Anticipation: What Lies Ahead?

As we count down to opening day, both Yotam Ottolenghi and Paul Jones, general manager at Mandarin Oriental Geneva, express palpable enthusiasm for this culinary adventure. "We can’t wait to offer this dining experience reflecting our shared passions for exceptional food and hospitality," Jones remarks.

This isn’t just another restaurant; it’s a celebration of culture through food. I’ve always believed that every bite tells a story—and at this new venue in Geneva, those stories are sure to be rich and rewarding.

So mark your calendars for January 30! Whether you’re an ardent Ottolenghi fan or simply curious about fine dining in Geneva, this restaurant promises to be an unforgettable destination.

Photo by Daniela Turcanu on Unsplash