Giovannas Bistro

Located in the vibrant Glattpark quarter of Opfikon, Zürich, Giovannas Bistro brings a taste of American-inspired handcrafted donuts and bistro fare to Switzerland. Founded by Robert and Giovanna Schefer-Jara, whose years in San Francisco inspired a passion for locally made donuts, this family-run establishment has been serving the community since February 2020. Every morning, the team produces fresh, handmade donuts in up to 40 variations, with around 20 types always available at the counter. Beyond donuts, the bistro offers specialty coffees, empanadas, sandwiches, and seasonal snacks, making it a popular daily stop for residents and professionals working in the surrounding international offices.

Giovannas Bistro holds a 4.8-star rating on Google Maps based on 139 reviews, reflecting consistent praise for the quality and freshness of its offerings. The business operates as a hybrid donut shop, café, and catering service, with orders accepted online, for takeaway, and for delivery. Whether you're craving a dark donut, a frappé, or an Argentinian empanada, the menu is designed to surprise with daily rotations and seasonal specialties.

Menu Highlights at Giovannas Bistro

The core of Giovannas Bistro’s identity rests on its daily fresh donuts. The bistro prides itself on avoiding food waste by selling same-day products and producing only what is needed. Their donuts come in both filled and unfilled varieties, with flavors changing regularly to keep the selection exciting. Alongside the signature donuts, the menu features a carefully curated range of bistro items and beverages.

Signature Donuts

• Handmade daily donuts: up to 40 total variations, with approximately 20 displayed at the counter each day.
• Dark Donut: a highlighted specialty frequently mentioned in menus and customer photos.
• Filled and unfilled options: both classic and creative fillings appear in the rotating selection.

Hot & Cold Beverages

• Coffee specialities: espresso-based drinks prepared with excellent coffee variants, as noted by customers.
• Iced coffees and frappuccinos: popular cold choices praised in customer reviews.
• Smoothies and frappés (milk shakes): refreshing alternatives to hot drinks.

Savory Selections

• Empanadas Argentinas: authentic Argentine-style turnovers, frequently mentioned in reviews and the website’s focus points.
• Sandwiches: chicken sandwiches “peruvian-style” noted by one customer, alongside other seasonally rotated varieties.
• Seasonal warm snacks: rotating savory items that complement the donut offerings.

Sweet Specials & Ice Cream

• Cakes and pastries: additional sweet treats visible in customer photos.
• Ice cream specialities: various ice cream options available to round out the dessert menu.

Customer Reviews & Ratings

With a 4.8-star rating from 139 Google Maps reviews, Giovannas Bistro has built a strong reputation among Glattpark locals and visitors. Reviewers consistently emphasize the freshness and lightness of the donuts, the friendly service, and the welcoming atmosphere.

What Customers Love

Google Maps reviewers frequently mention the airy, delicious texture of the donuts, noting that you can taste they are homemade. One customer described them as “Luftig, lecker und einfach hervorragend” (airy, delicious, and simply outstanding), highlighting the high quality and the friendly staff. Another reviewer praised the “Súper Ambient, nette Personal, leckere Kaffee” (super ambience, nice staff, delicious coffee) and specifically recommended the chicken sandwich and donuts. Reviews in English also underline the “excelente comida excelente atención recomendado 100%” (excellent food, excellent service, 100% recommended).

Service & Atmosphere

The team’s friendliness and the bistro’s role as a local meeting point are recurring themes. Customers appreciate the high-quality ingredients and the effort to keep the menu fresh and varied. The ability to order online, pick up in-store, or use delivery services adds to the positive feedback, making it a convenient choice for different needs.

Giovannas Bistro in Glattpark

The bistro is situated inside the Wright building at Boulevard Lilienthal 54, in the heart of the Glattpark development in Opfikon. This young and dynamic quarter is home to a mix of residential complexes and international companies, making Giovannas a convenient stop for both neighbors and office workers. The area is well-served by public transport, and the location is easy to reach by car, bike, or on foot.

The business serves as a local meeting point, fulfilling the owners’ goal of creating a space where residents and professionals can treat themselves to something special. The atmosphere blends American bistro influences with Swiss café culture, resulting in a bright, modern space that encourages quick visits or relaxed breaks.

Catering Services & Delivery

Giovannas Bistro extends its offerings beyond the counter with a dedicated catering service for private and corporate events. The team designs individual catering packages for office meetings, client events, birthdays, and other celebrations, building menus around their fresh donuts, sandwiches, empanadas, and sweet specialities. Clients appreciate the focus on freshness, regional ingredients, and food-waste reduction.

For everyday convenience, orders can be placed online through Just Eat for delivery, or directly at the bistro for takeaway. The in-store experience includes dine-in seating, allowing guests to enjoy products on site.

Hours, Reservations & Contact

Giovannas Bistro is open Monday through Friday from 08:00 to 17:30 and on Saturday and Sunday from 09:30 to 17:30. Table reservations can be made through external booking platforms. For catering inquiries, direct contact via phone at +41 44 401 41 00 or email to info@giovannas-bistro.ch is recommended.

Common Questions

Does Giovannas Bistro make its donuts fresh daily?

Yes, all donuts are handmade fresh every day on site. The team produces them in the morning and sells them the same day to guarantee quality and minimize food waste.

What types of donuts does Giovannas Bistro offer?

The selection changes daily with up to 40 total variations, including filled and unfilled donuts. Around 20 varieties are typically available at the counter, with the Dark Donut highlighted as a frequent specialty.

Does Giovannas Bistro offer catering?

Yes, Giovannas Bistro provides individual catering for corporate events, meetings, birthdays, and private celebrations. Catering menus can include donuts, sandwiches, empanadas, and other seasonal items. Contact the bistro directly for a customized proposal.

What are the opening hours of Giovannas Bistro?

The bistro is open Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 17:30, and Saturday and Sunday from 09:30 to 17:30.

Does Giovannas Bistro offer delivery?

Yes, orders can be placed for delivery through Just Eat, as well as for takeaway or dine-in at the bistro.

Is seating available at Giovannas Bistro?

Dine-in seating is available, allowing guests to enjoy their food and drinks on site. The atmosphere is designed to be a comfortable local meeting point.

Does Giovannas Bistro have vegetarian or other dietary options?

While the focus is on donuts and bistro fare like empanadas and sandwiches, contact the bistro directly to ask about specific dietary options or current menu items that may suit your needs.