16 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.

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.

This Italian eatery, just steps from Nyon's château, serves straightforward fare, well-priced plats du jour, and specialty items like shrimp and vegetables on a pillow of saffron cream. An expansive terrace lets diners study the château; in winter, broad windows reveal the comings and goings on the municipal plaza. In fall, the menu expands to include an assortment of game and locally picked mushrooms.

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. 

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 it's an oven-fired pizza or plate of pasta you crave, there's no place more convivial or convenient than this trattoria on the main drag. The atmosphere is warmed by terra-cotta walls with bold blue accents and endless pitchers of wine. Fresh seafood is a specialty of the house, whether atop a piecrust or a mound of linguine. With a dozen chic guest rooms to boot, the hotel also has a satellite location serving light fare and desserts across the street on the lakefront promenade.

This elegant, intimate restaurant in a restored home in the wine village of Chardonne offers a view of the lake (from part of the dining room) that is worthy of a champagne toast. Traditional French and Swiss cuisines are combined in two fixed multicourse menus that change weekly. A well-composed wine list of Swiss and international selections offers breadth to match. Those who like a stroll before or after dinner can take the mostly flat five-minute walk to the funicular, an easy way to access these upper reaches.

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.

Known by locals as "Natio," this thriving bar's extended service hours and proximity to the cinema attract late diners of all ages. The trendy vibe overflows onto the patio, with seating under twinkling lights—a respite from the serious smoking crowd. A frequently changing menu combines fresh ingredients with a twist on the classics.

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.