Note: It is 2 CHF per person to enter the Bain des Paquis and to access the eatery…read more
This locals favorite "refreshment cafe/ bar" on the Bain des Paquis seems to be a constant recommendation and easily the best destination if you are in search of an affordable meal in franc-powered Geneva. Order your food at the cashier and seat yourself in one of the two covered outdoor sections with benches, or take it out onto the grass if you so desire. The affordable item is always their "Plat du Jour"/ dish of the day, 15 CHF (~18 USD). During our visit, it was a wonderfully refreshing "Ceviche de Cabillaud"/ cod ceviche marinated in lemon.
They also serve Fondue here at 27 CHF per person (if requested), though we made the mistake of ordering a portion for 2 people which was not necessary after ordering 1 plat du jour each. This was brought out for to us at a bench we eventually secured. The Gruyère cheese was quite rich and on the saltier end. The bread they supply you with was a bit too crusty.
The expectation is for you to bus your plates near the kitchen window when you finish eating. The environment was quite lively on a Friday night, the younger generation out in full force in bathing suits, cooling off after a 90 Fahrenheit day, with some beats bumping from an on-site DJ. Authentic environment to intermingle with the locals and fumble your way through your non-existent French.