Lausannes 10 Best Local Restaurants

Perched on the shores of Lake Geneva, Lausanne is a district marinated in culture, benefiting from the influences of both France and Switzerland. The views are unparalleled and the cuisine a sumptuous blend of French fine cooking, Swiss classics and international flavors. Following on from our initial look at the Top 10 Restaurants in Lausanne, we revisit the region to catch up with some old favorites and introduce some newcomers.
Views of Lausanne | © Rama/Wikicommons

La Table D’Edgard

The Michelin guide-listed La Table D’Edgard brings an air of sophistication to the dining experience, with breath-taking views across Lake Geneva and the Alps. Having been entirely renovated, the chic, stylish and sleekly monochrome space exudes luxury with an abundance of smooth leather, wooded fittings and well-chosen fabrics. Enjoy sumptuous lobster salad with crushed garden peas, or sample the delicacy of beef marrow in fleur de sel. The Mediterranean-inspired cuisine is crafted using only the very finest ingredients, including small market garden vegetables, craft cheeses, wild fish and free-range, succulent farm meats.
La Table D’Edgard, rue du Grand-Chêne 07. Sep, Lausanne, Switzerland +41 21 331 32 15

1. Café Romand

Brewery

One of the most popular and respected institutions in French-speaking Switzerland, Café Romand offers traditional Swiss cuisine, fine wines and expertly brewed beers to be enjoyed within its oak furnished, intimate restaurant space. Sample pan-fried Fera fillet from Lac Leman with saffron sauce, or a braised section of veal shank in a vegetable and tomato sauce with fresh tagliatelle pasta. Finish off the evening with a bespoke dessert; from fluffy meringue piled high with decadent whipped cream; marinated golden raisins in brandy; gooey, layered tiramisu; or the soft crackle of a crème brulee. The cozy interior, jaunty tablecloths and cozy ambiance combined with high-quality gastronomy promise an evening to remember.

3. Pinte Besson

Bistro, French, Swiss, European

‘If these walls could talk’ is an adage never better evoked than from within the historic, traditional pub structure of Pinte Besson. As the oldest pub in the capital, Pinte Besson has seen its fair share of tall tales unfold. The low ceilings and cavern-like, intimate atmosphere surround bench tables and artisan light fixtures to create a relaxed and truly convivial ambiance. Soak it all up whilst enjoying a sumptuous entrecote steak or try risotto with flakes of wild-caught fish. For more traditional Swiss fare, try one of Pinte Besson’s famous creamy fondues – piping hot and intensely smooth.

4. Eat Me

Restaurant, Mediterranean, European, Asian, Contemporary

Eat Me Restaurant & Cocktail Lounge Lausanne, Lausanne

The concept behind Eat Me derives from a love of international cuisine born out of the insatiable desire to travel held by founders Serena Shamash and Mark Brownwell. Just as one retains memories and photographs of one’s travels, Shamash and Brownwell wished to introduce the idea of ‘food souvenirs,’ creating a venue that would allow diners to experience a range of different cuisines from across the globe. The dinner menu promises ‘the world on small plates’. Begin with the Europe menu and enjoy ‘Aaegir’s Voyage To Paris’ consisting of a savory éclair sandwich of gravlax salmon, citrus whipped cream and fresh mango, or perhaps try a swirl of hummus from the ‘Middle East And Africa’ menu. Progress from here to the Americas to taste barbecoa marquitos, three soft-shell corn tacos of braised beef topped with queso fresco, sour cream and hot chipotle salsa, or move straight to Asia for shrimp lollipops with squid-ink infused yogurt dip.

5. Le Berceau des Sens

Bar, Restaurant, French, European, Vegetarian

At Le Berceau des Sens, the contemporary feel of the restaurant’s carefully assembled interior décor, with chic round tables, statement sculpture and wine cellar walls, befits the quality of the cuisine. Their à la carte dining menu offers avocado laced with yuzu served with tartar of tomatoes or bresaola with comté cheese and confit peppers, followed by hearty, fresh mains. For example skate wing sautéed in seaweed butter, or rosemary roasted sirloin of Swiss beef with baby carrots, spicy mushrooms and almond potatoes. Move into the stylish, monochrome bar and lounge area after the meal to enjoy a rich coffee, decadent cocktail or glass of carefully chilled and expertly selected wine.

Oniwa

Oniwa prides itself on two things above all else; an inclusive, family atmosphere and, of course, the presentation and preparation of first class Japanese cuisine. The sushi plates appear in front of you as geometrically arranged, exquisite, modern art works. Each piece of eel, bream, salmon, mackerel and nori is expertly rolled and neatly aligned in selections of nigri sushi, maki, uramaki , gunkan maki and fresh, sharply sliced sashimi. Begin the Japanese feast with an entrée of fresh edamame peas, miso soup or a taste of the continent with a crevette cocktail. Finish it off with a dainty dessert presented to à la carte with swirls of piped chocolate in the shape of a cherry blossom tree.
Oniwa, Switzerland, Lausanne, Avenue de Tivoli, +41 21 312 69 69

6. Midi 20

Bar, Wine Bar, Wine, Beer, Fast Food

At Midi 20, an average tipple simply will not do. With well over 200 wines handpicked and carefully considered by in-house sommeliers and rigorously trained staff, there is something to suit even the most discerning of palates. Indulge in some delicious antipasti with your preferred glass of wine, or perhaps try some bruschetta with carpaccio or soft, melt-in-your-mouth cheese. The apple chips with pâté, served on platters among the walls of regimented wine bottles standing to attention, bring the sweet and savory fusion of the alcohol into direct contrast. The interior of the wine bar itself is a sleek, WiFi-supplied modern haven, with a contemporary ambiance that becomes a low-lit, relaxing space come twilight. The chalkboard wine walls and statement red back wall warm the atmosphere for a perfect, convivial evening.

7. Vieux Lausanne

Restaurant, Swiss, French, European

Historic Switzerland permeates Vieux Lausanne. With a menu that acts like a map of Scandinavian specialties and delicious French cuisine, the talented chefs and waiting staff continually change and evolve their choices to include special events such as evenings dedicated to the hunting and preparing of boar in the winter, and a barbecue on the terrace in the warmer months. Evocative Scandinavian elements such as rustic wood tables and splashes of color collide with the delicious, dark mysteriousness of the French chateau, built in 1795. Begin a delicious repast with warm figs and melting Roquefort cheese, or perhaps salmon with salt and dill served with a mustard sauce and salmon tartar. Then progress to chicken in a fragrant ginger sauce served with rice or tournedos with black mushrooms – all with specialty ratatouille flecked with pomegranate kernels.

8. Auberge Du Chalet-des-Enfants

Restaurant, Swiss, French, European

Auberge Du Chalet-des Enfants is dedicated to eco-friendly, high-quality cuisine, all locally produced and seasonally chosen. This ethos works in tandem with their respect and reverence for children. Not only will your offspring enjoy only the finest culinary treats, but they will be delighted with the child-orientated nature of the restaurant supplying indoor and outdoor games, including books, toys and a huge blackboard. Through a wood thicket stands the ancient building erected in 1690, residing in its original plot. In this nostalgic, historic atmosphere, enjoy a locally renowned cheese fondue or ham on the bone, cooked in hay, followed by duck breast with tart red fruits or caramelized chicken strips with honey and lemon thyme.

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