Chez Mario

There are plenty of pizzerias in Lausanne, but this one, opened in 1958, claims to be the very first in Switzerland. It doesn’t seem that old, mainly because its decor is anything but. Rather disconcertingly for first-timers, the alleyway that leads to Chez Mario is covered in graffiti, which then extends up onto the walls of the first floor restaurant itself. These scrawled messages in several  languages have been left by past guests in a tradition that goes back decades. It’s a quirky premise, but it does make for a rather oppressive environment in which to munch your calzone, but you get used to it. Anyway, the main thing is that the pizzas are some of the best in town. The large menu extends from simple classics to house specials devised by and dedicated to Mario himself (who went to the big pizzeria in the sky some 20 years ago). Toppings are generous – mozzarella comes in big chunks, salami covers the whole pizza – service is speedy and all pizzas are available for takeaway. A recent development in Mario’s long history is the opening of a new outdoor terrace area.