Creating a place to call Home
Our Mission
Refettorio is all about creating a better, more caring community. We are on a mission to improve the lives of those who need it most by focusing on sustainable food and health systems. Through activities that bring together arts, education, and culinary training, we are building a place that's inclusive and supportive.
In partnership with Fondazione Mater and Food for Soul, we are working to strengthen Geneva's long-standing culture of empathy and compassion, teaming up with community groups, private companies, non-profits, the government, and volunteers to make a positive impact. Our goal is to expand programs and services that not only help the environment but also create opportunities for people to improve their lives socially and economically. Join us in building a stronger, more caring community together!
Refettorio Geneva is not a charity project, it’s a cultural one.
By involving artists, architects and designers we want to create an engaging and inspiring space where people in situations of social vulnerability, as well as the whole community, can feel valued and welcome.
In the months and years ahead, our objective is for them extend invitations to other artists, encouraging them to contribute to the history and vitality of Refettorio Geneva.
“At Refettorio Geneva, we want to continue promoting creativity and innovation and share it with everyone who has the desire and spirit to improve, evolve and innovate, making them participants in past, present and future experience, researching and experimenting to accelerate talent and help everyone involved, everyone seeking their own limits.”
— Walter El Nagar
Our Collaborations
Fondazione MATER is a nonprofit foundation, based in Geneva. The foundation was established in 2020 by chef Walter el Nagar, whose reputation as a chef goes hand in hand with his commitment to social engagement. The aim of the foundation is to promote social inclusion through nutrition, to provide access to a balanced diet for vulnerable people or victims of social exclusion, and to combat food waste. MATER offers high-end contemporary cuisine for all, including those who cannot afford it. It is at the same time, both a “social and culinary experience”, through selecting local, seasonal produce and adhering to a zero-waste policy.
Food for Soul is a non-profit organization founded by chef Massimo Bottura and Lara Gilmore to empower local communities to reduce food waste and support social inclusion. By enabling the transformation of people, places and food, Food for Soul builds a culture of value that strengthens community resilience, opens opportunities for social and economic mobility and builds healthier and more equitable food systems.
“When the call to act is in our heart, we can achieve our biggest dreams - This is the passion and commitment of our partner MATER and the peaceful nature of Geneva, to care for humanity and to make a revolution as a global family."
— Massimo Bottura
The logo of Refettorio Geneva shines light on the city’s legacy and its vibrant union of cultures, science, finance and the arts. Its colourful red and gold reflects the Canton of Geneva’s 18th century coat of arms. Geneva’s world-renowned CERN and its Celestial Sphere, are interwoven together to symbolize dynamism, interconnectivity and circularity, the fundaments of Refettorio Geneva’s sustainable model. This symbolism also represents the project’s commitment to promote social well-being, peace, and humanitarian diplomacy, in a space that manifests innovation and environmental best practice, where everyone feels welcome, as a citizen of the world and of the global community.
Location
Rue de Lyon 120, 1203 Geneva
Refettorio Geneva is located in the Charmilles district, within the Quartet real estate project, a new multi-activity center in the center of Geneva close to the HEAD campus.
Space
The Refettorio has an area of 400 square meters, ideal for operating the community kitchen and a gastronomic restaurant. Thanks to close collaboration with the owners and the commitment of the GM Architectes Associés studio, the Refettorio is a welcoming and innovative space.