Right after security in T1, Caffè Ritazza is usually the first coffee bar you see
Placed in Terminal T1 airside, Caffè Ritazza works well for a fast espresso before short-haul flights on SWISS, easyJet, or any Schengen departure. It’s a standard European airport setup: counter service, limited stools, and most people carrying items back toward gates in the 20s and 30s.
Expect typical Swiss-airport pricing: a basic espresso or macchiato generally lands in the CHF 3–4 range, while cappuccinos and lattes run a bit higher. Pastries, croissants, and small sandwiches usually sit around the CHF 4–8 band, making it a mid-priced option compared with full-service restaurants deeper in T1.
Caffè Ritazza leans hard on quick-service classics: double espresso, cappuccino, and pre-made baguette sandwiches are the safest calls if you’ve got under 20 minutes to boarding. If you’re catching a 06:00–08:00 departure, expect a queue of at least 5–10 people, since it’s one of the first open counters right past security.
Hours at GVA can shift with flight schedules, but in T1 you typically see Caffè Ritazza open from early morning bank (around 05:00) through the last evening waves after 20:00. If you land in T2 for charter or seasonal flights, note that Caffè Ritazza is in T1 only, so you won’t use it on a pure T2 turn without re-entering the main terminal.
Card payments are standard, and contactless works reliably for tap-and-go under CHF 80, which speeds things up when your boarding pass shows “gate closes in 15 minutes.” There’s no table service here; you stand at the counter, grab your drink, and walk.
Tip: if your gate is below 10 minutes’ walk in T1, order takeaway and drink it closer to the gate so you can hear boarding calls and watch the queue form.