2 Best Restaurants in Vaud, Switzerland

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.

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.