The iron grip of winter is slowly lifting, and between now and September, the city will be transformed. The exteriors of otherwise sleepy restaurants will suddenly become crowded with sunglasses-clad, rosé-sipping clientele. Here are our favorite secret garden restaurants and cafés, perfect for sipping Apérol Spritz in the lazy summer sun.
Les Jardins du Vieux Lausanne & Giraf Bar
An oasis in the heart of the city, Les Jardins is one of those special places that you kind of want to keep for yourself. Nestled at the base of La Cité, the seasonal bar is a beautiful brainchild of the Restaurant le Vieux-Lausanne and Bar Giraf.
La Folie Voltaire
This quaint cafe sits nestled amongst the greenery beneath Allée des Marroniers in Mon-Repos park. As is one of Lausanne’s family hotspots, this place is also perfect to bring the little ones, with a play area right next to the cafe.
Grotto 2
Just across a bridge over the Vuachère river and on the border of Pully and Lausanne, is this hidden gem with quite possibly one of the most charming and secluded terraces in the city. This is the place to sit back with a glass of wine and watch the leaves sway above you.
Le Théâtre Restaurant
This enchanting garden terrace surrounded by greenery is an oasis of calm in the city. Plus, with the aid of outdoor heaters, it’s warm and cosy even in the depths of winter.
Les Aillés
The secret garden behind Les Alliés restaurant was introduced to us by a friend nearly seven years ago. The restaurant is great year-round, but it really comes into its own in summer when the days are long and the garden around the terrace is in bloom.
Café de l’Evêché
From the outside, it’s charming but seems predictable. But pass through the dining room and bar, and you’re in for a surprise. Café de l’Evêché is famous for its diverse fondue options, and its loyal cheese-loving clientele are undeterred by the heat.
Coté Jardin
Elegant and upscale, this is definitely a wonderful place to spend a special occasion this summer. Protected by a wall of greenery, this terrace is a great place to retreat to if you want to forget for a while that you’re in the middle of the city. On Thursday and Friday nights, they fire up the grill for an unlimited BBQ dinner.
Terraces of Lausanne
When the weather is just right and you’d rather spend your time outdoors, we’ve got several gorgeous terraces to choose from here in Lausanne.
Check it out