From the lakeside to the old town, here are eight romantic restaurants in Lausanne for a first dinner or a special occasion. Each one has been checked on its official website.
How to choose a table for two
In Lausanne, the setting matters as much as the food: the lake below, the rooftops of the old town, the Alps opposite. For a first dinner, choose a dining room where you can hear each other. For a special occasion, a fine-dining restaurant is worth booking well ahead. We have selected places that we confirmed were open, using their official websites, on 12 November 2026. We do not give prices or opening hours, which change: check each restaurant's website before booking.
With a lake view, in Ouchy
Café Beau-Rivage
The brasserie of the Beau-Rivage Palace, in Ouchy. The hotel describes it as an elegant brasserie, with crystal chandeliers, where you dine on the terrace facing Lake Geneva or in the main dining room. A classic choice for lunch in the sun or dinner by the water, in a refined setting that is never intimidating.
Vieil Ouchy
On the Place du Port, a stone's throw from the lake. The City of Lausanne, which counts it among its public establishments, describes a terrace with views of the Alps, a historic setting and a romantic atmosphere; it is one of Lausanne's historic cafés. On the menu, regional cooking: fondues, Lake Geneva perch fillets delivered by a local fisherman, home-made rösti. Ideal for a relaxed date after a walk along the waterfront.
57° Grill, Château d'Ouchy
The restaurant of the Château d'Ouchy, on the lakeshore. The chef cooks meat, fish and shellfish at 57 degrees, before your eyes, in an open kitchen. Lausanne Tourisme mentions a veranda and a terrace on the edge of Lake Geneva. After dinner, the château's bar, in an elegant setting, is just right for a last drink.
In the centre and up high
La Table du Lausanne Palace
The fine-dining restaurant of the Lausanne Palace, led by chef Franck Pelux. The hotel describes cooking that pays tribute to French tradition, with local produce, and a panorama over the rooftops of Lausanne, the mountains and the lake. The choice for big occasions: a birthday, a proposal, a dinner you want to remember.
Sky Rooftop, Royal Savoy
At the very top of the Royal Savoy hotel. Italian cuisine and a view of the lake; the hotel points out that the rooftop is fully heated and welcomes guests in winter too. Lausanne Tourisme considers it perfect at sunset. Dinner must be booked.
Brasserie de Montbenon
Set in the rotunda of the Montbenon casino, built in 1908. Lausanne Tourisme describes a high-ceilinged space and a terrace beneath an elegant canopy, opening onto a park with a unique panorama. The cooking showcases local produce. An elegant yet friendly brasserie.
In the old town, more intimate
Jacques Restaurant
On Rue de la Barre, in the heart of Lausanne. Chef Jacques Allisson offers seasonal cooking based on fresh produce, in a warm dining room. Lausanne Tourisme cites it as a much-loved fine-dining restaurant for dinner for two. A place for a date where you take your time.
La Grappe d'Or
On Rue Cheneau-de-Bourg, in a historic house at the bottom of a pedestrian street, which Lausanne Tourisme describes as a Lausanne institution. Chef Théotime Bioret serves Italian-inspired cooking: antipasti, pasta, seasonal dishes. A warm, friendly atmosphere for a dinner without ceremony.
Our tips for a successful dinner
- Book ahead, especially at weekends, and say that you would like a quiet table or one with a view if that matters to you.
- For a first date, a drink or a brasserie is often enough. Save fine dining for an occasion that counts.
- Continue on foot: the Ouchy waterfront, the Montbenon esplanade or the lanes of the Cité are perfect for a walk after dinner.
- Check the opening days on the restaurant's website: several close early in the week.
Preparing for your first meeting? Also read How to get a first date right, and discover local singles on our Dating in Lausanne page.
The Velvet teamIndependent selection: no restaurant has paid us. Information checked on the official websites on 12 November 2026.