The best restaurants Lausanne

Timetable

Times are unpredictable. Some restaurants in the center serve non-stop, but the smaller ones have shorter opening hours, lunch and dinner, and never too late in the evening. Tearooms are also open in the afternoon. On Saturdays, the city center is crowded and restaurants quickly sell out, whereas it will be deserted on Sundays. So remember to book your establishment accordingly, depending on where you're visiting. Generally speaking, restaurants are open between 11:30am and 2pm, lunchtime from Monday to Sunday, and dinner from 6:30pm to 10pm. Contact the establishment you plan to visit in advance to find out its opening hours.

Budget & Tips

The budget for gastronomy is much higher in Switzerland than in France. It's hard to get a dish for less than CHF 20 in a restaurant (average CHF 25-30), even at lunchtime. In the evening, the bill can quickly rise. In the evening, the price of an à la carte dish ranges from CHF 20 to 50, depending on the category of the establishment. Fortunately, there are some very good snacking establishments, where you can have a quick lunch while visiting... before making up for it with a fondue to share in the evening! As a rough guide, budget between CHF 60 and CHF 100. The price of a local beer is around CHF 8, and a coffee from CHF 4.50, but this also depends on the type of place you're having it in.

You can check out the website radins.com for discounts and affordable stays.

What costs extra

Tipping is included in your bill, but it's customary to leave a small tip when you go to a restaurant. However, it's up to you whether you want to add a little or not. In this case, you can add around 10%, rounding up. If you pay by card, tell the waiter how much you want to add when he presents the bill. (If you type in the tip yourself, be careful not to confuse it with your credit card secret code)

To be avoided

For those of you who aren't used to it: don't drink water during a fondue! Cold water will cause the melted cheese to solidify in your stomach, making it indigestible. Instead, drink room-temperature wine... or hot tea, to aid digestion at the end of the meal.

When it comes to shopping, one rule cannot be ignored: haggling is unheard of in Switzerland!

Kids

Children are almost always catered for in museums and other cultural venues, as well as on board public transport, with discounts and other little extras such as tour programs, workshops or play areas (especially in some restaurants). Plenty of opportunities for family visits and attractions on the Riviera.

Smokers

Nothing different with France either. Since 2010, it is no longer possible to shoot a cigarette in a restaurant or bar. Smoking corners exist, of course.