Cafe du Soleil, Geneva

This is a real find. One of the oldest bistros in Geneva. The hard part is finding it if you're a tourist -- it's well off the beaten path, but worth the short cab ride or cheaper bus trip. The outdoor courtyard is a charming, three season affair, while indoors, the basic furniture and large, talkative crowd suggests a work-a-day spot for the locals. While I'm not the guy to talk to about fondue (not a big fan)friends who live in Geneva (and are melted cheeseheads) say this is one of the best venues for it in the city -- raving about the flavor and consistency. My steak and frites were excellent, and the beer and wine servings are worth the trip. The courtyard fills early with workers from nearby Red Cross/Red Crescent and UN offices, and reservations are helpful for dinner, though when I've been there before 6p, seating hasn't really been a problem. It's a charming little place with good food and a fair price. You'll eat well, enjoy yourselves and manage to save some money for all those watches, chocolates and army knives your friends are waiting to get from you.