Photograph by Taylor Simpson
For those rare (or regular) celebratory moments, make sure to raise a glass at the right spot. Here's our list of the top places we like to celebrate special occasions, for most milestones, tastes, and budgets.
It’s one of those places that brings to mind the phrase, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” meaning you can’t really improve upon perfection. We love Eat Me because it’s consistently delightful and delicious; a guaranteed crowd-pleaser with imaginative dishes and creative cocktails that you can raise in celebration to the occasion.
Great for intimate dates & large parties alike.
Though we haven’t dined here personally, we’ve heard that the elevated menu and swanky decor is worth a visit. The large neon sign displaying ‘It wasn’t me,’ indicates a playful suggestion that misbehavior is approved of here–certainly in line with the Gatsby-esque ambiance. But apart from the jungle chic vibes, the real powerhouse is on the plate. Regional ingredients with international influences, plus a mixologist who knows her way around bar.
Great for intimate dates, or small groups.
As we indicated in our full review, this is a place where you come to party. If you’re looking for a spot where you can dress up and let loose, but in an elevated sort of way of course, look no further than JAJA. Start the party upstairs with a house cocktail and some small tapas, then mosey down the staircase to the club and get dancing the night away.
Great for groups, both big or small.
Self-described as a place that combines elegance and conviviality, Eligo is a restaurant right in the heart of Lausanne that delights diners with Italian recipes, refined. Chef Enrico Ferrari is inspired by his youth, demonstrating that moments around a table can turn from ordinary to extraordinary because of one simple act: eating delicious food together. We’ve only had incredible dining experiences here, and often think of it when celebrating special occasions.
Great for dates or small groups.
This address may be new to the Lausanne restaurant scene, but the chef, though young, is certainly seasoned. Jacques Allisson, former chef of Auberge de l’Onde in St-Saphorin, now graces Lausanne with his presence and captivating menu. We have yet to experience it ourselves, but we will be the first to admit that it is high on our dining priority list.
Great for dates and small groups.
Perhaps an all too obvious selection, but still deserves a spot on our top 10 list because, well, it is THE Hotel de Ville Crissier. 19 out of 20 hats on Gaut & Millau, all 3 Michelin Stars, and labeled as Top 10 restaurants in the world by La Liste, it’s one of those exceptional save & splurge type of restaurants. Unless you casually drop 400 CHF per person in restaurants on the regular…
Great for dates and small groups.
We know we talk about this place quite a bit–but for good reason. There aren’t many places in Lausanne that romance us with the charm of the interior like Brasserie de Montbenon. Grand, yet so cozy, it’s the kind of spot that is perfect for an intimate date, or can host large parties with robust personalities. The food is exceptional and the service is kind.
Great for dates, small & large groups.
Meat lovers who are looking for a spot to celebrate should look no further than 57° Grill in Chateau d’Ouchy. Depending on your occasion and the size of the party, you can choose your spot at the open grill kitchen bar (highly recommend) or in the more traditional dining area with large windows overlooking the quai. On the menu? Get the steak, and don’t skip out on the side dishes. It’s the one spot where we are just as excited about accompaniments as the main dish.
Great for dates, small and large groups.
Technically it’s in ‘Cugy’ but we’ll just call it Lausanne because we’d love to claim this spot as our own. Auberge de l’Abbaye de Montheron is hidden in a forest in the Jorat–a quick drive from Lausanne–and worth every minute of that drive. Playful, charming, cozy, imaginative–it’s a restaurant that will leave an impression on you and have you daydreaming about your next visit. If you’re looking to celebrate with a real foodie who has a flair for regional dishes re-imagined…look no further. And trust us when we say this: taste every.type.of.butter they bring out.
Great for dates, small and medium sized groups.
Imaginative and playful small dishes meant to be shared, fun cocktails, cool indoor ambiance, and located in central Lausanne, this is a place where you can start the party at dinner then meander down to their speakeasy underground cocktail club Don’t Tell Aunty afterward. TLG tip: Just make sure to request sitting indoors at Uncle Gau, as the galleries do not share the same ambiance.
Great for dates and small & medium sized groups.
