Though the humble hamburger is a fairly straight-forward dish, somehow so many establishments get it wrong. Easy to make, but difficult to perfect, the burger is a polarizing subject amongst many. That’s why we’ve collected our favorite spots to eat the best burgers in Lausanne – with our signature TLG orders for each restaurant. Ready to drool? Here we go.
Zooburger
©Zooburger
Creative concoctions, high-quality beef, and an atmosphere that doesn’t try too hard (in the best of ways), Zooburger is one of our default go-tos for burgers here in Lausanne. In the warmer months, we like to snag a table outside and watch passersby on the cobblestoned streets of Rue Marterey. They also have second location on Avenue de l’Elysée.
TLG Pick: The Mafioso
Inglewood
Maybe it’s the Californian in us, but we can’t help but love that one of their most popular burgers is called the ‘Pasadena.’ Friendly and casual atmosphere with respect for the quality of products, it’s tough to go wrong when you order a burger at Inglewood. Not into beef? The fried chicken burger is out.of.this.world. Also, look out for their “Burger of the Month” – which usually highlights seasonal products.
TLG Pick: The Pasadena, but add jalapenos
Five Guys
©Five Guys
We know, we know…it’s an American chain. And while our wallets are scandalized by the dissonance in price between our visit to Five Guys in USA versus here, we must say: it’s so worth it. The perfectly toasted sesame bun, the hand-formed crispy-on-the-outside juicy-on-the-inside patties, and the limitless toppings…oof, is it lunchtime yet?
TLG Pick: The Little Cheeseburger with mayo, lettuce, pickles, tomatoes, grilled onions, jalapenos, & ketchup, plus Cajun-style fries.
Le NonStop
©Le NonStop
While technically not in Lausanne, it’s a special spot that’s worth the short travel to neighboring village Lutry. Hiding in a cobblestoned alleyway in the historic center, its vintage-retro atmosphere with USA relics parading the walls makes it a fun and delicious pitstop. The menu is also refreshingly affordable.
TLG Pick: The Non-Stop Burger, but with sweet potato fries
Holy Cow!
©Holy Cow!
Though it’s evolved since the early days when it was a small shop on Rue Marterey, Holy Cow! is a cult-favorite here in Lausanne for students and professionals alike. With its ‘fast-food’ but locally sourced model, it’s a Swiss chain that we’re proud to say was born right here in Lausanne.
TLG Pick: Elvis Blue Cheese
The Green Van Company
©The Green Van Company
What started as a Citroën HY turned food truck now exists as brick-and-mortar restaurants in Lausanne Flon, Crissier, and Geneva. Their menu is less conventional and much more creative, but they of course give you the option to customize your burger according to your tastes. Look out for the burger of the month, which usually highlights local and seasonal ingredients. And look out for the green van – the food truck still graces local festivals and events!
TLG Pick: The Pulled Beef
Blackbird Downtown Diner
We all know about their pancakes, but Blackbird’s lunch and dinner scene should also be celebrated – especially their artisanal burgers. With their attention to regional producers and high-quality Swiss beef, it’s tough to resist one of their several burger offerings. The best part? They’ve got extra suggestions so you can customize it according to your tastes- add some Harissa for a spicy kick, or pickled beetroot for an extra zing. They are also working on a gluten-free bun, perfecting the recipe in-house.
TLG Pick: Cheeseburger with bacon and jalapeño sour cream
The Great Escape
©The Great Escape
No burger list would be complete without a stop at the Great Escape. Our love for the burgers can only be rivalled by our love for the fries. With beef, chicken and vegetarian options, a lively and relaxed atmosphere, and friendly staff, it’s a place to come whether or not you’re watching the live games aired on the screens throughout. A huge outdoor terrace also makes it a fun spot for the whole family.
TLG Pick: The CBO
The Lacustre
The sister restaurant to The Great Escape (same owner), The Lacustre carries the same kind of relaxed atmosphere but takes it to a whole new level with its lakeside location. There’s only one burger on the menu, but that’s all you need. Order a large beer and enjoy your burger with a view of the lakes and Alps. Here you feel like you’re on holiday, even if it’s your hometown.
TLG Pick: Cheesy Burger with the frites maison
Brasserie La Bavaria
Step back in time – like way back as in the 1880s – by walking into this iconic Lausanne restaurant on Petit Chêne. While the menu boasts local specialties with an elevated twist, it’s no wonder their house burger is mouth-wateringly gorgeous. With caramelized onions made with Paulaner beer and local ingredients, including home-made bread from the Bread Store, it’s definitely worth the slightly steep price tag .
TLG Pick: Burger 100% de l’arc lémanique
G Bar
Stade de Tulière, the new FC Lausanne Sport stadium which officially opened at the end of 2020, doesn’t only house enough space for eager sports fans but also is home to G Bar – a huge sports bar with an eye for tasteful decor (yes, even the giant Hulk contributes to the vibe) and pub food. With their amazing interior, including a ‘stadium’ seating bar, cozy couches, and high tables as well as their terrace lounge that has an impressive view of the stadium and alps, it’s hard to choose where to enjoy your burger and beer.
TLG Pick: Crispy Chicken Burger (breaded with corn flakes!)
Smaggy
The newest burger spot in town, Smaggy has an odd-sounding name but it represents the type of burger we love the most: a smashed burger. The pattie isn’t served thick but crushed cold on the hot griddle creating a very thin, crispy caramelized crust due to ‘thermal shock’ yet remains juicy inside. Disclaimer: it is SO new, we’ve yet to try it personally, but have heard from foodie friends that it’s legit and it being one of the first restaurants using this (American burger) method, we can’t help but believe it’s the real deal.
TLG Pick: TBD
And if you ever find yourself in Verbier see below (yes this is worth mentioning because we dream about SHED burgers and are patiently waiting for them to come to Lausanne – le sigh). Probably the best burger we’ve ever had in CH, hands down.
Shed Burgers
Locally-minded, globally-conscious, and just about damn near perfect, Shed Burgers have figured out how to craft insanely succulent and savory hamburgers. Everything from the bun to the patties to the toppings rings of intentionality and purpose – and the fresh and funky alpine snowboarder vibes permeate the space. Several different french fries to choose from, and the home-made sauces (did someone say jalapeño and parmesan mayo?!) make it hard to choose.
TLG Pick: Doherty with both chili & parsley fries and sweet potato fries + jalapeño & parmesan mayo
Think we missed one of the best burgers in Lausanne? Let us know!
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