Where to eat in Lausanne

Lausanne is a beautiful city, famous for its historic Old Town and its spectacular views of Lake Geneva and the Alps. However, I wouldn't qualify it as being a 'culinary destination'. Don't get me wrong, you can find greatly satisfying cheese fondue and Swiss chocolate, however, I don't consider it to be as interesting (from a foodie's perspective) as the other cities that I have written about. I am writing a special post about Lausanne because I spent 3 entire years of my life there and feel that I owe it to the city. If you ever stop by Switzerland and are looking for the best that Lausanne has to offer, here it is:

(The ones marked * are my favorite).

Local restaurants

* Chalet suisse - This cliché wooden Swiss chalet serves hearty cheese dishes such as fondue and raclette. It is just outside of the city center and the area attracts heavy snow in the winter.

Cafe du Grütli - A more central option for cheese fondue, in the heart of Lausanne.

Cafe de Grancy - A bustling old-school cafe serving excellent tartare and meat dishes.

* Brasserie de Montbenon - This newly renovated brasserie is a great place to discover regional cuisine on a sunny terrace in the Montbenon park.

Berceau des sens - Gastronomic restaurant at EHL. It is the world's first 1-Michelin starred restaurant where food is made and served by students instead of professionals.

Italian restaurants

* Cipollino - A simple menu featuring some pizza and pasta options that hit the spot. The restaurant is run by a team of young Italians who recently graduated from college.

* Luigia - My go to Italian restaurant when craving pizza. The pasta is good too, but don't forget the Nutella focaccia for dessert. The downside? No reservations, loud and full of kids.

Amici - A smaller, cozier, and more intimate option with excellent Italian dishes that do not consist only of pasta and pizza. Did I mention that the pasta is delicious though?

Asian restaurants

Myo - The restaurant receives wild-caught fish every day and turns it into fresh sushi and grilled Japanese fish dishes. It also has a terrace for the warmer summer months.

Miyako - Upscale sushi restaurant, ideal for special occasions.

* Bamee bistro - Vietnamese sandwiches and bowls, best ordered to go and eaten in the park nearby, with views on the lake and mountains.

Hoi ann - In this restaurant, you grill your own meat and vegetables "Vietnamese bbq style", while taking in the view of the port.

Saveurs d'Ailleurs - You don't come here for the atmosphere, these delicious thai dishes are best ordered to go and eaten in the summer while sitting on a rock with your feet in the lake.

Brunch and other cuisines

* Eat me - This restaurant has a unique concept: a menu with one page per continent. Here you can enjoy sharing plates from India, Italy, Israel, Argentina... or anywhere you'd like!

Le Pointu - Brunch and juices in the morning, tartines, tapas and cocktails in the evening.

Other than Lausanne

* Cantinetta - Italian restaurant in Lutry, with view on the lake.

* Auberge de Rivaz - Family owned restaurant in St Saphorin-Lavaux, an easy drive from Lausanne. The restaurant has a view on the lake and Alps and serves delicious Swiss summer dishes such as"filets de perche", the type of fish they catch in lake Geneva.

* Domaine Bovy - Winery in the Lavaux, UNESCO World Heritage site. Sit back, enjoy local wine and cheese, and take in the spectacular view.

Le the - In case you're craving dim sum in Switzerland.

* Taqueria los Cunados - Authentic tacos, handmade tortillas and tasty cocktails in Geneva.

Elsalad - "Make your own" healthy wraps and salads in Geneva.

The hamburger foundation - Geneva's best burger joint.

Rooftop 42 - Rooftop bar with a 360-degree view of the mountains, and city and lake of Geneva.