Le Creux-de-Genthod, a new era for this Geneva institution

Le Creux-de-Genthod, a new era for this Geneva institution

Deborah Ambrosio

Deborah Ambrosio

09 septembre 2025

With the takeover of this iconic restaurant, Xavier and Christian Rey are cultivating a vision of catering where authenticity and innovation meet.

After three generations in the hands of the Albers family, the restaurant at Le Creux-de-Genthod begins a new chapter. Since March 2025, Christian Rey and his son Xavier have been at the helm. Both grew up in Genthod and now live in the region, determined to perpetuate the family spirit of this emblematic place.

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Xavier and Christian Rey ©Edouard Amoiel

President hotelier

Christian and Xavier have always been immersed in this world, and have run a group active in real estate, hotels and gastronomy since the 1960s. Christian, a former president of the Swiss Hotel Association and Geneva Tourism, has passed on his sense of service to his son. Taking over Le Creux-de-Genthod was an obvious choice: “We’re very happy to have been able to take over this institution, and very honored to be working here at home,” they confide.

The father-son duo works in perfect harmony. They have been working together for sixteen years, and have found a balance based on trust and complementarity. In action, a simple glance is all it takes for them to understand each other: a symbiosis that is their strength.

Four pillars

Their vision of catering is based on four pillars: product, expertise, presentation and atmosphere. It’s up to the kitchens and service to ensure the first three, but it’s up to them to give a soul to the whole. Likening themselves to orchestral conductors, they ensure that every detail is in harmony to offer customers a memorable experience. Their objective is clear: to preserve this jewel and offer wonderful memories to those who dine here.

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Christian and Xavier Rey ©Edouard Amoiel

Faithful to the spirit of Le Creux-de-Genthod, they have chosen to preserve the soul of the place. There’s no question of altering it: regulars will find the emblematic dishes, such as the famous perch fillets, while discovering new proposals. Their concept of “tradinovation” sums up their philosophy: retain authenticity while infusing modernity. Every week, new suggestions are added to the menu, giving regulars the chance to be surprised.

All year round

Xavier and Christian work with local, award-winning producers, as well as with their own products marketed under the Qavjar brand, enabling them to offer exceptional dishes at reasonable prices. Their signature dessert, the coupe des deux colonels revisited with a caviar quenelle, perfectly illustrates this marriage of tradition and audacity.

Beyond the plate, father and son want to make Le Creux-de-Genthod a lively place all year round. Themed meals will punctuate the seasons, bringing a breath of fresh air outside the summer period and offering customers new, exceptional products. The restaurant will be open seven days a week, with a full menu available from midday to 9.30pm. The restaurant remains true to its vocation as a place where everyone feels at home.