The Lausanners' best places for a scrumptious meal

The Café du Simplon, located near the Lausanne train station, celebrates Mediterranean produce with colourful cuisine. They also serve coffee, loose teas, freshly squeezed orange juice and breakfast formulas for early risers or travellers waiting for their train. During evenings, explore the brand-new bar next to the restaurant that serves a variety of cocktails and a large selection of beers for aperitif.

A little gourmet spot in a historic kiosk in the heart of Place Saint-François, perfect for a sweet break. Here, you can savour homemade delicacies in a relaxed atmosphere, in tune with the rhythm of the city.
That little extra from the food insider "The Lausanne Guide": LE P’TIT KIOSQUE, a takeaway spot in the arcade, perfect for enjoying their lemon cake whilst out for a stroll.
Favourite snack: homemade lemon cake

Located both in the neighbourhood under the station and the Flon district, this gelateria offers a wide choice of artisanal ice creams and sorbets in original and seasonal flavours, such as raisinée, cinnamon or the must-try black sesame.
That little extra from the food insider "Sonia": for those with a sweet tooth who are in a hurry, you can enjoy your ice cream right in front of the entrance, seated on the large steps.
Favourite treat: the black sesame ice cream and dark chocolate sorbet

This artisan bakery and chocolate shop runs a café boutique in the city centre. With its beautiful pastries and savoury delights, it’s the ideal place for a gourmet break in the afternoon.

That little extra from the food insider “Cuisine Helvetica“: laurent Buet was selected as the Official Chocolatier of the City of Lausanne from 2018 to 2020.

Favourite treat: the moka éclair

In the heart of Lausanne, this legendary address offers local, seasonal dishes, local artistic events and an eco-responsible approach. A friendly place where eating, drinking and chatting go hand in hand.
That little extra from the food insider "Cannelle Rebelle": Marta, the former manager of the café, created a hot chocolate that became famous: an unctuous delight to be discovered!
Favourite drink: the Marta hot chocolate

Trigo Boulangerie offers fresh pastries, cinnamon rolls, pizzettas and quiches, all served with good coffee for a simple, tasty and comforting break at any time of the day.
That little extra from the food insider "The Lausanne Guide": you’ll also find seasonal treats, such as artisanal panettone at Christmas, or special creations for occasions like Mother’s Day.
Favourite product: the cinnamon roll

Are you tempted by a matcha prepared in the authentic way, a light pastry or hiyoko manju shortbread? Then head to this Japanese patisserie, set up in a former safe factory and with a tearoom!
That little extra from the food insider "¿Quand est-ce qu’on mange?: the so cute hiyoko manju treats shaped like animal heads, to be savoured on the mezzanine tatamis.
Favourite snack: the black sesame shortbreads

The flavours of the day are displayed at the entrance to this charming artisan ice-cream kiosk, which brightens up the Chailly neighbourhood. Each one promises an explosion of flavours and coolness. The hardest part is choosing!
That little extra from the food insider "Tania": don’t hesitate to try something other than the classic flavours and discover some more original creations. You won’t be disappointed!
Favourite snack: the chocolate sorbet

Furniture gleaned from antique markets, books, tables adorned with flowers and doilies… and above all, a fresh and delicate cuisine that delights the eyes as much as the taste buds. A charming spot we’d love to keep to ourselves.

That little extra from the food insider “Tania“: in the evening, chef Fatima Ribeiro regularly organises gourmet meals that blend literature and gastronomy (advance booking only).

Favourite dish: every daily special!

A five-minute walk from the train station, you’ll find here delicious Indian dishes such as butter chicken and palak paneer. This bright and colourful restaurant also has a large, very pleasant terrace.
That little extra from the food insider "Cuisine Helvetica": when you arrive at your table, poppadum shards and a fragrant chutney await you.
Favourite dish: the lamb biryani

Known for its soft sourdough breads and generous cinnamon rolls, the Lausanne-based bakery Zymi also offers tasty sandwiches, expertly seasoned, served hot or cold. Eating a sandwich is no longer the lesser option!
That little extra from the food insider "Tania": the vegetarian sandwiches are just as tempting as the non-vegetarian ones.
Favourite product: The Hot Pressed Green

Feeling like focaccia or tiramisu? This Italian deli is packed full of charcuterie, cheese, antipasti, fresh pasta and tasty desserts. Hence the queue of famished students from neighbouring schools at lunchtime.
That little extra from the food insider "¿Quand est-ce qu’on mange?": the garnished focaccia with the lovely taste of olive oil.
Favourite dish: the tiramisu

This place offers a refined Italian lunch with pizzas, salads, truffle pasta and homemade desserts, to be enjoyed inside or on the sunny terrace in the heart of Lausanne.
That little extra from the food insider "The Lausanne Guide": people also go there for the creative and perfectly balanced signature cocktails, to be savoured especially in summer on the terrace with its sunny Italian ambience.
Favourite dish: the fresh ragù classico pasta

Renowned for its mouth-watering bánh mì (Vietnamese sandwich) made with crispy baguette, this eatery also serves a variety of authentic soups that will take you on a trip to South-East Asia.
That little extra from the food insider "¿Quand est-ce qu’on mange?": a taste journey across Vietnam with three soups, from the North (phở bò), Centre (bún bò Huế) and South (hủ tiếu).
Favourite dish: the chef’s bánh mì

Perched on the roof of the Conservatory, this art-deco café serves a brasserie-style cuisine, with generous helpings. In the afternoon, the lunch menu gives way to a selection of sharing dishes, salads, burgers and some sweet treats.

That little extra from the food insider “Jennifer“: when the weather is fair, the rooftop terrace is the dream location to make time stand still, as you’re lulled by the scales escaping from the Conservatory.

Favourite dish: the chicken liver salad

On a tree-lined street in Lausanne, this somewhat hidden café-gallery-bar offers a bite to eat at any time of the day, whether it’s a platter, a bowl of soup or a gluten-free cake, served with a frothy cappuccino or a homemade iced tea.
That little extra from the food insider "Tania": the laid-back décor featuring upcycled furniture and the lovely terrace, open all year round.
Favourite snack: lemon, mint and ginger Pun’chaud

Ideally located at the train station, this vegetarian and vegan restaurant offers a large buffet of tasty dishes with flavours from near and far. You can enjoy a nutritious meal to eat in or as a takeaway.
That little extra from the food insider "Cuisine Helvetica": in the former Buffet de la Gare, this restaurant is decorated with mural paintings dating from the beginning of the 20th century that represent Swiss tourist spots.
Favourite dish: the “Power Greens”

Awarded the title of Best Worker in France, baker Thomas Marie offers his all-butter pastries and sourdough bread baked using traditional techniques. Resistance is futile! That little extra from the food insider "Guidegastronomique.ch": two tables if you’d like to eat in. Favourite snack: the all-butter croissant.

Founded by Tomoko and David, a passionate and certified Japanese tea consultant, this tearoom invites you to travel not only through its beverages but also thanks to its homemade treats and mochi.

That little extra from the food insider “¿Quand est-ce qu’on mange?“: a few seats at the counter allow you to watch the meticulous and poetic preparation of the teas.

Favourite treat: homemade mochi filled with black sesame or matcha mousse

Are you in search of a scrumptious brunch? At the weekend, this restaurant serves a sumptuous all-you-can-eat buffet. During the week, you can eat breakfast there, why not before visiting the museum!
That little extra from the food insider "Cuisine Helvetica": when the weather is fair, enjoy the beautiful terrace that offers an outstanding view over Lake Geneva and the Alps.
Favourite dish: the brunch

A relaxed restaurant in the city centre that serves generous breakfasts and brunches 7 days a week. Renowned for its pancakes, it also offers savoury dishes such as the brekky burrito and full English.

That little extra from the food insider “Cuisine Helvetica“: with your breakfast or brunch, you can enjoy a Mimosa cocktail or a Bloody Mary, or choose from many other hot and cold drinks.

Favourite dish: the bacon sandwich

Not far from Lausanne train station, breakfast means coffee, croissants and orange juice. A lively bistro atmosphere from early morning right through the day, perfect for reading the paper and getting the day off to a good start. On Sundays, go for the brunch.
That little extra from the food insider "Siméon": the retro atmosphere of this lively, vibrant café.
Favourite dish: the baker’s basket

Traditional yet contemporary, elegant yet friendly, the “BM” serves a bistro-style cuisine based on local products. The magnificent terrace sheltered by a pergola is a must to make the most of long summer evenings!
That little extra from the food insider "The Lausanne Guide": the continuous food service at the weekend, from noon to 10.30 pm!
Favourite dish: the beef tartare