Le Cinq

There’s quite some pedigree behind the cheffing duo whose restaurant this is. Between them, Michael Rochat and Théotime Bioret have worked at the Lausanne Palace and Spa, the Trois Couronnes in Vevey and the l’Hôtel de Ville in Crissier, some of the area’s – if not the country’s – best restaurants. So it’s worth hunting out the discrete door off Rue Centrale and taking the lift up to the fifth floor (hence the name) to sample the food prepared by this amiable pair. Drawing on seasonal, local ingredients, the food is delicate, original and classy without being over fussy. The côte de veau is so tender it falls off the knife, a ceviche starter is an explosion of flavour, while the homemade foie gras served with buttery toasted brioche is rich and moreish. There’s inevitably a wine – many local – to match each dish. It’s all served up in a stylish dining room drawn in rich, dark colours, while an intimate wood chalet-style outdoor area off the kitchen is a fun choice for a small group on a special occasion or a romantic dinner à deux, with blankets to wrap up in as the night air gets chillier. The only annoyance about this place is that it’s closed on weekends.