5 Best Restaurants in Vaud, Switzerland

The Auberge de Luins is beloved by locals and tourists alike—there is often a cluster of villagers gathered at the community table debating the quality of the latest vintage or regional politics.

Locals have been squeezing into this cozy, eccentric café for more than a decade. More than a dozen coffee drinks are served alongside buttery pastries and heartier breakfast options. This little "ladybug" is cute as can be: the decor is decidedly funky, with gravity-defying stacks of books glued to its colorful walls and oversize Warhol-esque portraits in the restrooms. An outdoor seating area on a main pedestrian street means it is prime people-watching territory.

This hip café, bar, and restaurant is beloved by students, business executives, and artists. The simple yet eclectic decor features vintage advertisements and polished-wood seating, and several tables are available outside during the summer months. Appetizers such as tempura zucchini flowers and main courses like chicken tagine with apricots are deliciously refined—their humble prices make this popular eatery a rare bargain. Brunch is served on Sunday, and the bar has seven beers on tap, a dizzying number by Swiss standards.

While driving the Route du Vignoble, you can sample the local wine and munch a few rich Malakoffs at L'Union.

The lunch-and-tearoom set (ladies with poodles, Brits in tweeds, fashionistas in Gucci) regularly descends on Zurcher, the irresistible confiserie on Montreux's main drag. A green salad, the potage du jour (soup of the day), and a chocolate torte make a great quick meal. The café is closed on Monday.