9 Best Restaurants in Vaud, Switzerland

Nyon's trendiest coffee shop channels the original Seattle java joints of the '90s--in a good way. A slight industrial vibe prevails here, and polished cement floors, tufted leather couches and wooden chairs are the perfect spot to relax with a cup of house-roasted coffee and slice of carrot cake. Excellent quiches, salads, and other light fare are also also available. 

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.

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.

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. 

While driving the Route du Vignoble, you can sample the local wine and munch a few rich malakoffs (fried cheese balls) at L'Union.

If sweets are on your mind, pick up a handcrafted chocolate in the shape of Charlie Chaplin's shoes from Läderach, on a pedestrian walkway near the tourist office. The chocolate showroom features live demonstrations and course offerings for budding chocolatiers.

After years of overseeing bubbling pots of fondue—the popular draw at this tiny eatery—the hand-painted murals and mirrors set in dark frames have a smoky patina. It's a casual neighborhood place where local wines are poured from pewter pitchers, and the people at the next table eavesdrop. Regulars favor the tender steak—entrecôte of beef or cheval (horse)—accompanied by an overflowing plate of fries or a half-moon of crispy Rösti.

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.