Taste the flavors of Switzerland’s Vaud region
Food defines the travel experience as much as the landscape and the attraction. For me, it's an immersion into the culture and a moment to stop and soak in everything. A chance to slow down and understand what is important to the people of a certain region. And, it's a chance to talk, admire and enjoy the WOW of a meal.
This is some of the best dining in VAUD, Switzerland - and yes, there's a burger!
📍 Brasserie de Montbenon (Lausanne)
📍 Deci (Lausanne bistro)
📍 Organic chocolate shop and a pop-up éclair (Lausanne)
📍 Le 3C (Hotel Des Trois Couronnes in Vevey)
📍 Le Coucou (a mountain chalet near Montreux)
📍 Le Chalet (Swiss cheese fondue plus a cheesemaker near Rougemont)
📍 Hotel de Rougemont (a sweet honey ending in Rougemont)
Hope this makes you hungry for Switzerland.
Brasserie de Montbenon in Lausanne
Dinner at Brasserie de Montbenon (downtown Lausanne) - a 1908 Belle Epoque property transformed into a modern destination - is a elegant experience which includes a breath-taking view of Lake Geneva. Dine on the terrace and “feast” on the view.
Foods highlight local artisans and transform with the season. Enjoy the filet mignon, lake fish or cordon blue. There’s also vegetarian and vegan selections. Swiss wines pair wonderfully as well as the Swiss gins.
Following dinner, we walked back to the our downtown hotel, Hotel de la Paix. Then, sweet dreams in the land of sky-high mountains and a sparkling lake.
The Brasserie terrace has a stunning view of Lake Geneva. Seating is available all year round, and if it’s a little chilly, the fire pits will warm nicely.
Lunch at Deci in Lausanne
Lunch at the intimate eatery Deci (@decicomptoirgourmand) was filled with food inspired by the owner’s travels. We enjoyed beef and cheese, and turned out to be one of the best meals of our entire experience in the Vaud region. An eatery in central Lausanne, a dining pleasure.
Malakoffs | Caviar de moutarde | Mesclun
Hotel Des Trois Couronnes Destination Spa & Le3C in Vevey
In the heart of the Swiss Riviera, the hotel—Leading Hotels of the World and Michelin-starred hotel—is the epitome of elegance and rest. Situated on Lake Geneva, it’s the perfect location to wake to the view of the Alps and then discover the lake’s wide region. Ask for Room 101.
We dine at Le3C located onsite, an eatery located lake-side, beneath umbrellas with an awe-inspiring view of the water and mountains. The Mediterranean bistro-brasserie was delightful and upscale yet casual. I could not resist the “Perfect Egg” starter, followed by the Sea Bass fillet (with sweet potatoes & fennel with citrus, lkura and white butter sauce). Enjoy the chef-inspired mains or the classics like beef or chicken burgers. A delightful evening.
Let’s talk chocolate in Lausanne
In Lausanne, we discovered a delicious chocolatier. Fine organic and fair-trade chocolates, Durig creates fresh handmade truffles and other specialties. They use only alpine cream and the hot chocolate makes your legs weak.
And, they ship internationally should you return home and crave its richness.
The only thing better than the chocolate is the spirit of the chocolatiers who are delightful.
And right around the corner, a pop-up éclair shop. A sweet Lausanne walk.
A burger at Le Coucou in Montreux
We're going on two days in Switzerland and today we land (via funicular) on top of a mountain. Dining at Le Coucou was a delightful experience, offering a wide range of entrees and pastries. We only wish the weather had been better to have experienced the garden terrace with an alpine view. Since 1959, the mountain-top chalet has become a favorite of locals along the Swiss Riviera.
Featuring fresh cuisine inspired by the Alps and Lake Geneva, it's a brasserie featuring all things Swiss. An intimate lunch that delivered excellent food with mountaintop flair.
And yes, the burger was amazing. Make the effort to take the train to the mountaintop and discover this hidden gem.
Souris d’agneau, jus épicé et confit de légumes (lamb)
Master the cheese at Le Chalet in Château-d'Oex
Watch a master cheesemaker - and then dip into the finished product.
Near Rougemont, at Le Chalet, we watched the cheesemaker stir milk over a wood fire, transforming over 160 liters of organic milk into hard cheese. The finished product - at this stage - matures in a cellar for 5-6 months before its ready for consumption. Demonstrations are Wednesdays, Saturday, and Sundays, from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Cheese fondue is a must in Switzerland. It was all fondue for lunch - the most popular, beer-cheese, plus peppers adding a little heat, plus two others - dipping bread, onions, meat into the hot pots.
A new experience, the Raclette - a traditional Swiss dish where this cheese is heated (at the table) and layer by layer is scraped off onto bread, boiled potatoes, meats or onions.
After a very satisfying meal, it was off to the gift shop upstairs where I purchased the only souvenir of the trip - vacuum-sealed fondue for a trip back to the States.
Hotel de Rougemont in the heart of the Alps
In the heart of the Swiss mountains, Hotel de Rougemont sets the scene for the ultimate escape. A sustainable and community-forward space, it’s the Swiss hospitality that ensures a renewing experience. Within walking distance of the town, it’s perfectly located, and for the skier, the terrain is welcoming.
On site, the lounge and restaurant provide a relaxing space without ever leaving the hotel. Featuring Mediterranean cuisine with a touch of Italian inspiration, it’s a delicious way to end the day. There’s also a chef’s prix fixe menu perfectly paired to your tastes.
A toast to a great culinary experience in Switzerland.
