Café du Grütli

Located in one of Lausanne’s oldest buildings dating from 1849, this place serves up French-Swiss specialities in a suitably traditional atmosphere. The two-storey restaurant just off the central Place de la Palud is full of character, from the stone walls and hunting regalia of the first floor salle des banquets, to the wooden bistro furniture which looks as old as the building and the low-lit, cosy atmosphere. Choose from a starting line-up of dried meats, snails, salads and foie gras before moving on to veal, horse or beef steak, or local lake fish. As for the fondue, many rate it as the best in Lausanne, and there’s plenty of competition to keep standards high. Rich and boozy, it’s best teamed with a glass of local Chasselas and a green salad to cut through the cheese. In summer the little terrace out front is a great spot for lunch and people-watching in a pretty setting.