Few chefs have transformed the way we eat quite like Yotam Ottolenghi. From his London-based empire of delis and restaurants to his best-selling cookbooks stacked high in every food lover’s kitchen, the Ottolenghi name is synonymous with vibrant plates that champion vegetable-forward cooking and bold, Mediterranean influences. Now, Switzerland has its own slice of this culinary phenomenon. Ottolenghi has officially opened its doors inside the illustrious Mandarin Oriental, Geneva, marking the celebrated chef’s first foray into Switzerland—and it’s every bit as colorful, creative, and crave-worthy as its London counterparts.
Inspired by ROVI, Ottolenghi’s much-loved Fitzrovia restaurant in London, Ottolenghi Geneva will be a symphony of flavors that blend the Mediterranean’s sun-drenched produce with Swiss precision and locally sourced ingredients. The kitchen is helmed by Maxime Martin, a chef who has honed his craft within Michelin-starred kitchens across the Côte d’Azur before bringing his expertise to the Mandarin Oriental, Geneva in 2018. Trained under Neil Campbell, the executive chef of Ottolenghi’s London empire, Martin has worked closely with the team to develop a menu that honors the signature Ottolenghi ethos, while also paying homage to the terroir of Switzerland.
Expect vegetables to be the stars of the show, with a “root to tip” philosophy that champions fermentation, fire cooking, and bold textures. Some of the signature plates to watch out for? The celeriac shawarma, charred over an open flame before being sliced and served in a pillowy pita with Tunisian bkeila, creamy yoghurt sauce, and crispy onions, finished with a fermented tomato sauce that packs a punch. Then there’s the Swiss-inspired langos, topped with black garlic butter, sour cream, and a nutty, Alpine-aged Chällerhocker cheese—a comforting, indulgent bite that beautifully balances the restaurant’s Mediterranean inspiration with local flavors.
Beyond the vegetable-forward offerings, Ottolenghi Geneva is also embracing fire-kissed proteins, with dishes like lamb shoulder crusted in rose and cardamom, finished with fennel labneh, or grilled chicken paired with coconut milk, tomatillo, and peanut salad. And for those with a sweet tooth? Ottolenghi’s signature desserts always bring a touch of nostalgia with unexpected twists—the chocolate and tahini fondant with star anise ice cream is a elevated take on comfort food that you won’t regret tasting.
It wouldn’t be an Ottolenghi restaurant without a space that reflects the same effortless balance of refinement and warmth that defines the brand’s food. Designed by Alex Meitlis, the restaurant is bathed in natural light, with expansive windows offering views over the Rhône River. The aesthetic is a mix of soft, earthy tones, with red and bronze accents providing a bold contrast to the natural woods and fabrics that bring warmth to the space. At the heart of the restaurant sits the live-fire grill, not only a focal point of the design but also the beating heart of the kitchen—both aesthetically and functionally. The space is further enriched by artistic murals by Giles & Cecilie Studio, adding playful layers of visual storytelling that complement the energy of the kitchen. A glass wall connects the restaurant to the heart of the Mandarin Oriental, adorned with contemporary sculptural accents in gold and bronze, a nod to the late Ivo Bisignano, the creative mind behind many of Ottolenghi’s most striking restaurant interiors.
As Mandarin Oriental, Geneva continues to raise the bar with dynamic culinary destinations, Ottolenghi Geneva represents an exciting new chapter for the city’s food scene. For the first time, Geneva’s diners will get a taste of Ottolenghi’s signature culinary alchemy, where humble ingredients are transformed into dishes that surprise, delight, and inspire. And for those who want to take a piece of the experience home? Ottolenghi’s best-selling cookbooks will be available for purchase.
Speaking of the launch, Paul Jones, General Manager of Mandarin Oriental, Geneva, expressed his excitement:
“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Ottolenghi to Mandarin Oriental, Geneva, and look forward to creating memorable dining experiences that reflect our shared passion for exceptional cuisine and hospitality in this stunning riverside setting.”
