3 Best Restaurants in Vaud, Switzerland

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.

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. 

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.