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Hours
Sun
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM6:00 PM - 11:30 PM
Wed
6:00 PM - 11:30 PM
Thu
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM6:00 PM - 11:30 PM
Fri
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM6:00 PM - 11:30 PM
Sat
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM6:00 PM - 11:30 PM
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Ratings and reviews
4.5
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Details
Someone from this business manages this listing.
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PRICE RANGE
$40.00 – $53.00
CUISINES
Mexican
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
meals, features
Menu
Frijoles Refritos V/GF/⚘V
\nRefried Black Beans, Queso\nFresco
CHF 7.00
Mexican rice
Rice, Tomatoes, Green Peas,\nCarrots
CHF 7.00
Gobernador
Grilled Shrimps & Cheese, Bell\nPeppers, Celery, Taquero Salsa,\nSalsa Macha (w/peanuts & sesame)
CHF 8.00
Baja Camaron
Shrimp Fritters, Aïoli Chintexle w/\nshrimp, Pico de gallo, Cabbage/Carrots
CHF 8.00
Quesadilla
Corn Tortilla, Grilled Cheese,\nPico de Gallo, Guacamole
CHF 6.00
Quesabirria
Corn Tortilla, Grilled Cheese, Beef\nBirria & Broth, Onions, Cilantro
CHF 9.00
Does this restaurant offer free wifi?
Details
About
Botanas, Cocteles Y Cocina Mexicana Tacos Margaritas Enchiladas Micheladas
PRICE RANGE
$40.00 – $53.00
CUISINES
Mexican
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Drinks
FEATURES
Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Digital Payments, Accepts Discover, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service
Contribute
4.5
292 reviews
Excellent
186
Very good
59
Average
21
Poor
20
Terrible
6
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Chipie
Geneva19 contributions
Jun 2020 • none
I went to El Catrin last Friday. I must say I was hesitating because I saw some recent reviews claiming that after reopening the quality of food and service went down. I was happy to discover that it was not true, at least in our case.
The waiter was very nice and attentive, no complaints. The waiting time was not longer than usual. The food was amazing, we really enjoyed it. We ordered guacamole (awesome), different types of tacos (as great as I remembered them from my last visit) and quesadillas. The margaritas are a bit pricey, but worth every penny. Over all very positive experience, I am happy that we came back and we will definitely visit again soon.
Written June 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Luc
4 contributions
Feb 2020 • solo
After trying for over an hour to find a restaurant with veggie options in Geneva that wasn’t extortionately priced, a google search led me to try el Catrín. Although the menu online was French and being English I couldn’t understand it, I could see they had a vegetarian menu and decided to give it a go. I went in solo on a Saturday night and they managed to squeeze me in (but I’d definitely recommend booking). The menu options were so much better than I expected and the food itself was incredible, all for a reasonable price in comparison to the rest of Geneva. Staff were friendly and food came very quick even though it was busy.
Written February 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laura H
Doha254 contributions
Dec 2019 • none
My husband and I came here for dinner a few days before Christmas based on good reviews and a hunger for Mexican. The restaurant is festively decorated though casual. We made a reservation by phone ahead of time and were sat promptly. Not many staff speak English so they sent over the owner, I believe. We had two of the traditional margaritas, which we were surprised were frozen from a machine but tasted homemade and fresh, not syrupy. We shared an order of guacamole which was excellent, but the portion of chips was a little small. My husband had enchiladas which he said were excellent. I tried the four tacos, each had unique and bold flavors. You can tell the meat was slow cooked. The pork was maybe not as tender and juicy as it could have been, but that's a little picky. The owner made conversation with us, he is Libyan but born and raised in Geneva, and his wife is Mexican. He also brought us a tasting of Anejo to end our meal. It was a great experience.
Written January 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laura T
London6 contributions
Jun 2020 • none
I used to love El catrin and supported them during their crowdfund. However, I echo the reviewer below - it's gone downhill. The chicken tacos & chicken mole were dry and flavourless. No sauce at all, and we got sauce after 30 minutes of ordering them (by the time we had finished tacos). The saddest part was the poor service. We were there to celebrate a birthday and they forgot the birthday girl's drinks. When we ordered dessert, they came back after 15 minutes to telll us there were no desserts left. Service is essentially non-existent. Covid19 makes us want to support local businesses but toilets were filthy and not cleaned during our stay. Waitress was wearing a mask incorrectly, waiters were not maintaining any social distancing. On top, the bill was wrong with lots of extra items and we were really fed up with them. Super disappointing especially as we were huge fans of El Catrin, Tareq and his wife and it was a promising success. No longer.
Written June 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
elcatringeneva
Dear Laura,
We are disappointed by your review. Maybe we had a bad night. With several absences these past weeks, some of us were still rusty and not in the rhythm after two months absence.
At El Catrin we will gladly replace any food or drink that does not meet your satisfaction.
Because of the nature of our work we wear masks as it is difficult to maintain social distancing, we wouldn’t want to frisbee your plates to you from 2 meters!
As you probably noticed all the tables are 2 meters apart or separated with a wall. We do our best to wear the masks properly, maybe the waitress had a moment of discomfort and placed it under her nose. I am sure that you can appreciate the discomfort of wearing a mask for several hours whilst working.
The bathrooms are cleaned every day and checked once every hour of service, we will be more thorough with this.
When get things wrong we correct them. I am sure that we eliminated the items that were added to your bill by mistake.
What night did you come?
Please send us more information on your experience at contact@elcatringeneva.com, so I can do my best to improve the shortcomings you listed What night did you come?
I am super disappointing especially because you know me, my wife and El Catrin. The Covid-19 crisis has put restaurants at the front line of vulnerable businesses, especially small, local, family businesses, many of which are struggling for survival.
I wish that as a fan, as a supporter of El Catrin, as a person who wants to support local/family businesses, you’d brought up these issues with me (I am there every night) and not hang us out to dry.
Kind regards,
Tareq
El Catrin
Written June 22, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
emmanuelle231
Canton of Geneva27 contributions
Jun 2020 • couples
I’ve been living in Geneva for 31 years and can honestly say I’ve never been so disappointed by a restaurant. I came a few years ago and the food was delicious. Tonight, out of the 3 tacos we ordered, the fish one was nice, but the beef and chicken ones were completely dry with absolutely no sauce on it. There was nothing but dry meat and onions. No beans either in the chicken one. There was a very long hair in it though. Still hungry after (not) eating the tacos, we ordered a dessert that was disappointing as well (the tres leches). It was sort of frozen and liquid at the same time. The service was absent. The bill was wrong (one added coke and one added tacos). We went to eat a focaccia at Coop right after.
Written June 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
elcatringeneva
Hello,
Thank you for your feedback. We are saddened and shocked by your review. We are glad that you enjoyed the fish tacos.
The Chicken taco should come with some beans as should the beef taco come with guacamole taquero. We serve the tacos with lime and salsas can be ordered off the menu at any time. Our policy at El Catrin is to replace any dish that the customer is not satisfied with and would have been delighted to replace any of your tacos or send you some salsas.
We are surprised that you found a long hair in your food, only one person with long hair works in the kitchen, wears a cap and is the head chef who is very meticulous when it comes to hygiene and presentation.
The way you describe the tres leches is kind of the way it is supposed to be, a blend of liquid, cream and sponge cake , except it shouldn’t be frozen. They are made everyday and kept in a fridge at about 6 centigrades and are never frozen. They are a best seller at El Catrin and very popular amongst our customers.
We gather you came on a Thursday as it is impossible to find a Coop open after 7pm except on a Thursday. After surveying the staff, none have any recollection of the experience you described. Did you manifest any of our shortcomings to the staff? If you had, we would have had the chance to swiftly address and correct our shortcomings immediately. Your reviews suggest that you usually do constructively bring attention to the restaurants errors and are at a loss as to why you didn’t at El Catrin.
Please send us more information on your experience to give us a better chance at improving future customers’ visits at El Catrin, we do not want to let them down. Contact us at: contact@elcatringeneva.com.
Kind regards,
Tareq
El Catrin
Written June 22, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
HHesse
Geneva66 contributions
Jan 2022 • couples
Having lived in Mexico City for years, I can confirm that this food is the real deal. It would be nothing exceptional in Mexico, but it’s noteworthy in Geneva (particularly when most of the food here is average at best).
The only problem is the price. Yes, it’s Geneva, but prices are still excessive given the small portions and jaw-dropping charges per taco (without beginning to compare the prices with Mexico, where you would eat the same tacos and much better for 20 percent of the price).
But hey, the place continues to pack in the hipsters and overpaid expats in Geneva, so the owners must have assessed their market well…
Written January 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
elcatringeneva
Dear Hesse,
Thank you for your visit and feedback. We are glad you enjoyed the food. Whether it is access to ingredients or finding kitchen labour specialising in Mexican cuisine, offering authentic Mexican food each and everyday we are open, is a tall order that we undertook. Following your excellent feedback on the food, we are satisfied to know that we accomplished this mission.
We'd argue that, with direct access to Mexican ingredients and access Mexico's labour market, we'd make for a pretty competitive restaurant.
But that's just an opinion, everyone's got one, so who knows?
One can could make the case that we are competitive in our market that we are in.
According to 2021 World Bank and IMF data, Switzerland ranks 7th in the world in GDP per capita and Mexico ranks 89th. Any type of comparison of pricing between the two countries is a completely redundant exercise. It would just be useful to note that Switzerland, Geneva more specifically, has some of the worlds highest rents and wages in the world. This would explain what you perceive to be excessive pricing but in reality is quite reasonable for Geneva.
We are pleased that you profiled our guests on the one night of the year that you happened to come to El Catrin. They will all be glad to know they are either hipsters and/or overpaid expats. Were you an expat when you were living in Mexico City or were you living on the average Mexican gross monthly income (1,300 USD, OECD data 2020)? We'd rather ask first and not judge on appearances.
Should your budget allow you to come back to El Catrin, please ask for me, I will gladly walk you through the costing of running the restaurant.
Regards,
Tareq
Owner
Written February 5, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ZT
2 contributions
Jul 2021 • none
I grew up eating real Mexican food and have never once been disappointed by any aspect of the dining experience here. Food is always good, the drinks are awesome, the staff is courteous, the bathrooms are clean.
You have to be searching hard for a fault to find one here. The reviewers who found fault with the quality? They will bring you a new meal if you tell them there is something wrong - though I doubt there ever is. There is a reason why the Mexican diplomatic corps will not eat at other Mexican restaurants here. There is a reason that it is in the top 30 restaurants in Geneva, it is not for nothing. Expensive? Geneva is expensive, it is not their fault.
SO, for all those unable to say anything nice about EL Catrin, who somehow did not enjoy themselves, etc., just one question: why you bullsh*ttin'?
Written August 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Martin
Geneva1 contribution
Apr 2024 • business
It's a sensible place to contribute to a change of scenery, with Mexican-style decor and food. So far everything is ok. However, I came to take three small dishes to taste and it seems that the person who received us did not seem very happy with our choice. Before finishing eating, a young man, looking in a hurry, came and took away the plates. I told him that I hadn't finished eating but he insisted and took my colleague's plates. It was unpleasant and rude to me. This is a bad sales strategy. They didn't know that I came to check the quality of services to place an order for 40 people that obviously they made me change my mind. Martin
Written April 21, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matidine243
Lausanne3 contributions
May 2024 • couples
We discovered this restaurant by chance. During a short stay in Geneva, we wanted to eat Mexican food and came across this establishment.
The place is beautifully decorated which immerses us in the atmosphere of Guadalajara. The staff is very welcoming, taking care to explain the specificities of each dish to us, even making certain suggestions.
The dishes were generous and really very good, taking us on a journey through the flavors of Mexico. Which offers a very good quality ratio.
No negative points are to be deplored. We highly recommend this restaurant.
VÀMONOS AMIGOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!🇲🇽🇲🇽🇲🇽
Written May 21, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maarten L
Canton of Geneva3 contributions
Jul 2021 • none
Great selection of authentic dishes at decent prices! Various imported products can also be bought for home use. Friendly and competent staff! Nice atmosphere thanks to authentic decoration of walls and ceilings. Occasional live music for birthday parties that other guests can also enjoy. Easily reachable by tram and 10 minutes walk from the central station where 2 big car parks are conveniently located as well.
Written January 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
elcatringeneva
Thank you Maarten for your scintillating feedback, it makes us all the efforts worth it, especially during these uncertain times. Although the restaurant is a bit hidden, it is indeed easily accessible!
We look forward to welcoming you soon, with mariachis serenading your dinner, why not!
Regards,
Tareq
El Catrin
Written January 29, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
tiftif39
Morez207 contributions
May 2024 • friends
A fan of Mexican dishes, I was very disappointed with this one, the restaurant is huge with a pretty nice Dia del Muertos decoration, but that's it.
Already there are no fajitas or buritos...only tacos, quite tasteless, and served alone without any side dish (which you have to pay extra) strange for a Mexican, but oh well, I thought that They wanted to stand out.
The nachos are served without cream with barely any salsa and a white cheese which has nothing to do with the cheddar and Montreey Jack that we usually find, the appearance was not very appetizing, and the icing on the cake they put cucumber in guacamole...sacrilege!
Added to that a margharita at 17frs, that's how to be very disappointed with the evening
Written May 16, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gloria V
Geneva97 contributions
Aug 2023 • friends
Real Mexican restaurant with authentic decorations, typical dishes and attentive service.
I really recommend to try their Margaritas, especially the Passion Fruit one is delicious! Many options of Tacos and Quesadillas at great price and value.
It is also a great option for group dinners.
Written September 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tchabels
Vionnaz188 contributions
Mar 2024 • family
We discovered this restaurant during my daughter-in-law's birthday. Not knowing, we let ourselves be guided by the darling of my daughter-in-law. We tasted a few dishes and especially a few cocktails. The food is very good - not strong - small portions which is the charm of ordering several dishes to diversify and taste. The cocktails are excellent - varied and some surprising. A mixture of fruits - vegetables - spices which gives it its charm. The service is great and the staff are smiling and helpful. The only downside is the price.
Written March 9, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SR_2501
London35 contributions
Aug 2024 • couples
This is an amazing restaurant, the food is excellent, background music just at the right level and the decorations are something to be marvelled at. Word of warning “make sure you make a reservation”, although inside is like a catacomb with tables in every room, we wanted a table for 2 on a Wednesday night at 7pm, luckily they found us a table. Also has an eating area outside but this lacks the ambiance of the “Día de los Muertos”. Well worth a visit.
Written August 28, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
marqymarq
15 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
Food was great - vegetarian and vegan options too. The drinks menu is liking taking a trip to another planet. New beers, mezcal etc etc Every time I am here the food is great and the atmosphere is like a party
Written February 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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