8 Best Restaurants in Lausanne, Vaud

As if turning its back on star sibling Anne-Sophie Pic and the aristocratic Beau-Rivage Palace, which shelters both, this young, lively brasserie-café faces the lake and the Ouchy waterfront scene. Its flashy brass-and-Biedermeier dining area and bar fill with smart Lausannois and internationals enjoying trendy cuisine du marché. In summer the pillared terrazzo terrace (protected from embarcadero traffic by rose gardens) is the place to go.

Chef Franck Giovannini is winning hearts—and stomachs—with his fresh twist on haute cuisine. The three-Michelin-star restaurant has seen a string of legendary chefs at its helm, but Giovannini is propelling it to even higher accolades and upholding the restaurant's well-earned reputation as one of the best in Switzerland. It's a quick drive west from Lausanne to this understated manse. The service is spectacular, the staff is friendly, and the food is absolutely stellar. Giovannini creates imaginative combinations of flavors plus stunningly refined presentations. For these finely orchestrated prix-fixe menus the ingredients are key—lamb raised in the Pyrenees, cardoons (an artichokelike vegetable) grown in the village. Pace yourself, making sure to leave time and room for selections from the immense cheese cart or celestial desserts. Reserve as far ahead as possible—lunch may be your only option.

All the customers seem to know each other at this traditional dining institution, where shared wooden tables and clattering china create the perfect ambience for fondue, mussels, sausage, or choucroûte (sauerkraut). Prominent members of Lausanne's arts community swarm here after rehearsals and concerts, as service continues until 11 pm—late by Swiss standards.

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 for its eclectic appetizers and main courses—their humble prices make this popular eatery a rare bargain. The simple decor features vintage advertisements and polished-wood seating, and several tables are available outside during the summer months. Brunch is served on Sunday, and the bar has seven beers on tap, a dizzying number by Swiss standards.

At this small chain founded by two brothers passionate about American cuisine, Lausannois feast on freshly grilled, juicy burgers while avoiding the town's McDonald's and Burger King. Local expats swear it’s the best—or only real American-style—burger in town. Plenty of specialty burgers await, with beef, bison, fried chicken, or vegetarian patties and toppings like aged goat cheese, jalapeños, or avocado. Each meal is served with both crispy french fries and salad, dressed with a tangy balsamic sauce that diners rave about. 

A cozy sense of home prevails at this unusual restaurant that bills itself as a relaxed adventure into gastronomy, which can be experienced through the menu du jour at lunchtime, or the six-course fixed menu (CHF130) in the evening. All ingredients are locally sourced and Chef Luis Zuzarte prides himself on having personal relationships with each of his suppliers. A series of small dining rooms each give off its own vibe, all centered around an open kitchen. 

Locals come to this upscale spot for oven-fired pizzas—without a doubt the best in town. The elegant dining room is a year-round hit with locals; in summer there is nothing more delightful than sitting under the garden's sprawling trees and umbrellas. Inventive Italian dishes using local ingredients are robust and flavorful. Entrances connect to the opera house, making it a natural for pre- and post-performance dining.