Lausanne, in Switzerland, is the host of the International Olympic Committee, and since 1994 is recognized as the “Olympic Capital”. In a city known for sports, you can bet there there’s a heavy emphasis on food too. Lucky for you, there are many interesting options when choosing the best places to eat.
Located on the French-speaking side of Switzerland, Lausanne has a lot to offer when it comes to French and Swiss cuisine. Great cheese, amazing wine and mouth- watering chocolate - everything is high quality! From the many options, this article selects some of the best places to eat for you to consider during your visit.
Word of advice! Sunday is the mandatory free day for all workers in Switzerland, so many restaurants and coffee shops are closed.
1. Modern menu at the oldest pub - Pinte Besson
Posted by Pinte Besson on Tuesday, 18 October 2016
Opened in 1780, Pinte Besson is not only the oldest pub in Lausanne, but is also ranked as one of the ten oldest in all Europe. With a menu that expresses the best of traditional French cuisine, you may enjoy a one of a kind fondue and wash it down with the amazing selection of red wines.
The owners have struggled over time to preserve the structure of the building and offer their clients a picturesque swiss alpine atmosphere. In spite of the fact that the menu is not big, the selection stands out for being unique. You can share one of the cheese fondues with family or friends or have a meal for yourself of fish or meat. The prices are at the level of the food quality.
As warned before, this restaurant is closed during Sundays and public holidays, but from Monday to Saturday it stays open until midnight. For late eaters, this is a great advantage!
Bon appétit!
Pinte Besson
Address: Rue de l'Ale 4, 1003 Lausanne, Switzerland
Price: from 24 USD
Opening Hours: 9:30am - 12am. Closed on Sundays and public holidays.
Contact: +41-213125969
Website: Pinte Besson
2. Local food from local specialists - Le Café Romand
This bistro is another trademark of Lausanne. Le Café Romand has been in the city since 1951. If you are looking for a good menu with a variety of meat cuts, this is the place for you! Take your pick from the selection of beef, salmon or pork dishes. The atmosphere is impressive, with the oak furnishings and traditional decorations still preserved to give you a taste of old times.
Le Café Romand
Address: Place Saint-François 2, 1003 Lausanne, Switzerland
Price: from 19 USD
Opening Hours: 8am - 12am. Closed on Sundays.
Access: Bus 1, 2, 7, 8, 12, 13, 66
Contact: +41-213126375
Website: Le Café Romand (in French)
3. Treat yourself to a meal by a top chef - Anne-Sophie Pic
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Placed in one of the most luxurious hotels in Lausanne, the Anne-Sophie Pic restaurant honors the quality of its location. Pic is France’s first female chef to be awarded three Michelin stars. The restaurant itself has been awarded two stars in the Michelin guide and ranks 18/20 in the Gault Millau.
A business lunch is served from Tuesday to Friday for the price of 95 CHF (94 USD). Or you may choose the signature “Emotions” menu for 260 CHF (257 USD) or the Winter Pic Collection for 350 CHF (346 USD). The price equals its quality.
Anne-Sophie Pic at the Beau-Rivage Palace
Address: Place du Port 17-19, 1000 Lausanne 6, Switzerland
Price: from 94 USD
Opening Hours: Lunch 12pm - 2pm and dinner 7pm - 9.30pm from Tuesday to Saturday. Closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Contact: +41 216133339
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. A little taste of the world - Eat Me
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
If you wish to take a break from French-Swiss food, this is the restaurant for you. At Eat Me, you can enjoy small plates from all around the world. The slogan is “the world on small plates” and it truly meets its purpose. The chefs at Eat Me have traveled the world and gathered the required knowledge to build a menu reflecting all styles, from street food to modern gastronomy. Their goal is to take customers on a culinary journey.
Eat Me
Address: Rue Pépinet 3, 1003 Lausanne, Switzerland
Opening Hours: 12pm - 2pm / 5pm - 12am Tuesday to Friday. 12:30pm - 3pm / 5pm - 12am Saturdays. Closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Website: Eat Me
5. The sweet spot of Lausanne - Blondel
Get hit by the wonderful chocolate aroma the minute you walk by Blondel, one of the finest Swiss chocolate makers in the world. The chocolatiers at this shop are constantly working in the kitchens to bring customers new innovations when it comes to chocolate and fruit combinations. It might be an expensive shop, but it’s totally worth paying a visit to get a taste of true French and Swiss chocolate. Treat yourself or someone you love with a sweet gift.
If you have a sweet tooth, Blondel is a must!
Blondel
Address: Rue de Bourg 5, 1003 Lausanne, Switzerland
Opening Hours: 9:30am - 6:30pm from Tuesdays to Saturday. Mondays open at 11am. Closed on Sundays.
Contact: +41-213234474
Website: Blondel
6. The movie experience - Caffé Bellini
Carpacciooooooooooooo! #lausanne #caffebellinilausanne #manzo #carpaccio #formaggio #foodporn #foodstagram
Posted by Caffè Bellini on Friday, 18 January 2019
Have a meal at this modern bistro, with its characteristic Italian menu. Caffé Bellini offers a great atmosphere for movie lovers as the cafe’s decor pays homage to Italian film director and scriptwriter Federico Fellini’s Amarcord. Pasta, pizza and an economic lunch menu. One of the top picks, it’s a great place to have a coffee, for snacks, brunch or dinner. It also has a nice patio where you can enjoy the warm days of summer. It has a lunch menu with delicious dishes that come with either salad or soup, each day of the week, for only 18 USD.
Caffé Bellini
Address: Rue de la Barre 5, 1003 Lausanne, Switzerland
Price: from 15 USD
Opening Hours: 11am - 2:30pm / 6:30pm - 12am from Monday to Wednesday. Thursday open until 1am. Fridays and Saturdays open until 2am. Closed on Sundays.
Contact: +41-213512440
Website: Caffé Bellini (in French)
7. Diets are not for holidays - Holy Cow
You love it so much, we’ve decided to keep it around a bit longer. And if you haven’t tried it yet, what are you waiting...
Posted by Holy Cow! Gourmet Burger Company on Friday, 1 March 2019
Gourmet burgers are popular around the world and Lausanne is not missing out on this trend. Join the fast food revolution in this restaurant that specializes in top quality burgers and salads. And it’s open on Sundays so you can cheat on your diet every day of the week!
Holy Cow
Address: Rue des Terreaux 10, 1003 Lausanne, Switzerland
Price: from 7 USD
Opening Hours: 11am - 11pm.
Contact: +41-213122404
Website: Holy Cow
8. Relax and enjoy - La Table d’Edgard
Editor’s note: establishment is permanently closed
Enjoy a signature meal at the Lausanne Palace Spa, with a selection of dishes made by another Michelin star chef, Edgard Bovier. While you have dinner or lunch, you’ll be privileged to have panoramic views over the city, Lake Geneva and the Swiss Alps.
La Table d’Edgard
Address: Lausanne Palace & Spa, Rue du Grand Chêne 7-9, 1003 Lausanne, Switzerland
Price: from 35 USD
Opening Hours: 12pm - 2pm / 7pm - 10pm from Tuesday to Fridays. Saturdays closed for lunch. Closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Contact: +41-213313215
Website: La Table d’Edgard
9. Refreshing but warm - Café des Artisans
Posted by Café des Artisans on Saturday, 11 February 2017
This coffee shop is a perfect option for young travellers. Located in the center of Lausanne, Café des Artisans attracts attention with its colourful atmosphere. This comfy cafe becomes a lovely shelter from the winter days, filled with tourists from all over the world, looking to meet and connect.
Café des Artisans
Address: Rue Centrale 16, 1003 Lausanne, Switzerland
Opening Hours: 8am - 12am from Monday to Friday. Saturdays opens at 10am. Closed on Sundays.
Contact: +41-213110600
Facebook: Café des Artisans
10. Crème de la crepe - Crêperie la Chandeleur
Posted by Albee Vuong on Thursday, 21 February 2019
Having a crepe in the Swiss-French area of Switzerland is as mandatory as trying some Swiss chocolate, since it’s one of the country’s specialties. Crêperie la Chandeleur is famous for the quality of their delicious crepes. Don’t miss out on the best of Lausanne.
Crêperie la Chandeleur
Address: Rue Mercerie 9, 1003 Lausanne, Switzerland
Price: from 3 USD
Opening Hours: 11:30am - 11:30pm from Tuesdays to Saturdays. Closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Contact: +41-213128419
In Lausanne you'll never be hungry
Lausanne might be a small city, but it’s full of options. No matter if you are looking for a simple burger or a luxury dinner, a wake-up coffee or an elaborate dessert - if you know where to look, you’ll feast like an Olympic champion.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
Create an account to