Café du Grütli
A timeless Swiss restaurant in Lausanne's old town, offering authentic cheese fondue and traditional dishes in a cozy, chalet-like atmosphere.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Café du Grütli
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A timeless Swiss restaurant in Lausanne's old town, offering authentic cheese fondue and traditional dishes in a cozy, chalet-like atmosphere.
"The best cheese fondue experience you can find in Lausanne, with a truly memorable meal. "
Book Ahead
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekend dining, to secure your spot.
Try the Tomato Fondue
Guests specifically recommend trying the delicious tomato fondue option.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Swiss
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Authentic Swiss Fondue
Experience heavenly, delicious cheese fondue with the perfect consistency, a true Swiss classic.
Cozy Chalet Atmosphere
Step into a rustic, cozy setting that truly feels like a traditional Swiss mountain chalet. [^M4]
Traditional Swiss Delicacies
Savor classic dishes like deer sausage and papet vaudois, alongside other delicious Swiss specialties. [^M2]
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Ahead
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekend dining, to secure your spot.
Try the Tomato Fondue
Guests specifically recommend trying the delicious tomato fondue option.
Weekday Visits
Consider visiting during weekdays for a potentially quieter and more relaxed dining experience.
Inform Staff of Dietary Needs
The restaurant is accommodating for dietary needs like vegan options; check when ordering.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Ahead
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekend dining, to secure your spot.
Try the Tomato Fondue
Guests specifically recommend trying the delicious tomato fondue option.
Weekday Visits
Consider visiting during weekdays for a potentially quieter and more relaxed dining experience.
Inform Staff of Dietary Needs
The restaurant is accommodating for dietary needs like vegan options; check when ordering.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Diners praise the heavenly cheese fondue and the authentic, cozy chalet atmosphere. While many highlight the delicious food and friendly service, some mention minor issues with service speed or price perception. Overall, it's a highly recommended spot for traditional Swiss cuisine. +2
"The setting was wonderful in the old streets of Lausanne. Our waiter was great and the food was memorable. We had the fondue and the meat slices. A meal I won't foget"
Mohammed El Kihal
"We had cheese fondue. It was heavenly delicious. Highly recommended!"
freddy teo
"Very big portions, nice service but the smell was very overwhelming. There is not a lot of space and its quite loud (at least during lunchtime) You can definitely enjoy it but you need to prepare yourself for those things :)"
Anna Malo
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends, to ensure you get a table. [^M3, ^R7]
The cheese fondue is a standout, with many recommending the classic or the tomato version. Traditional Swiss dishes like deer sausage are also popular. [^R2, ^M5]
The restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere reminiscent of a traditional Swiss mountain chalet, decorated with wood and rich tones. [^data, ^M4]
Yes, the menu indicates vegan options are available, and the restaurant is generally accommodating. [^data, ^tripadvisor_data]
Some guests have noted that the restaurant can be loud and crowded, and occasionally service can feel rushed. +1
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Featured in these publications
Best Restaurants in Lausanne: A Foodie's Guide
If you are looking for something a bit more traditional, check out Café du Grülti in the old town of Lausanne. It sits just off the town hall square with its famous glockenspiel. They serve Swiss favorites like Raclette and fondue, but we decided to go with the daily specialties, including a very tasty Squab with Madeira sauce.
Best Things To Do In Lausanne Switzerland
So where did this little bit of heavenly fondue dining take place – at Café du Grütli. Just off Place de la Palud in the old town in a charming historical building that dates back to the 14th century. This place is popular with both locals and visitors, so probably a good idea to make a reservation in advance.
Regional cuisine – Lausanne Tourisme – Official Website
Café du Grütli is at the beginning of the paved pedestrian street called La Mercerie near Place de la Palud. It has welcomed guests since 1849 and offers a quiet, friendly and out-of-time setting. Guests mostly come for its fondues but all dishes are delicious and can be enjoyed with a glass of excellent wine.
Chocolate Fondue in Lausanne, Switzerland
In Lausanne a great place to indulge in gooey cheese is Café du Grütli (Rue de la Mercerie 4, Lausanne; www.cafedugruetli.ch). It's a favorite with locals and tourists alike and is located in a cozy and historic building. If you don't want fondue for dinner, the restaurant also serves other Swiss specialties.
Best Restaurants in Lausanne - Eat Like a Local with These Tips!
You can’t visit Switzerland without trying cheese fondue, and locals consider the one at Café du Grütlí one of the best in town. This small, traditional restaurant – open since 1849 – was heaving with locals on the Friday night I visited. The fondue was my first ever, so I can’t compare it.
La sélection fondues des Chouquettes
Niché en contrebas des Escaliers du Marché, le Café du Grütli est situé dans une bâtisse historique depuis 1848. Son nom est inspiré de la fameuse plaine du « Rütli » en suisse allemand. C’est là où fut conclu le pacte d’alliance des habitants d’Uri, de Schwytz et d’Unterwald.
Sweets and treats in medieval Lausanne
The rustic restaurant lies within one of the oldest buildings in the city, dating to 1849. Run by husband and wife, Heike and Willi Prutsch who pride themselves on their warm welcome and excellent service and didn’t disappoint.
Voici notre sélection de 10 bonnes fondues au fromage dans le canton de Vaud
Depuis 1849, ce charmant bistrot s’épanouit à deux pas de la place de la Palud. Dans le café aux lambris patinés ou dans la salle du premier étage, les fondues sont incontournables. On y promet un «mélange secret et exclusif»!
My 17 Best Fondue In Lausanne
Here, the cheese fondue and the kind, efficient service left me a lasting impression. Only the struggle to secure our reserved seating arrangement slightly dampened what could have been an entirely pleasant evening.
Weekender Guide: Lausanne, Switzerland - Travel
One of the best places in town to try Swiss fondue (and other local dishes) is the charming family-run Café du Grütli. But never eat fondue with a fizzy drink.
Best of Lausanne: 12 Must-Do Activities
Indulge in a traditional Swiss fondue experience at Café du Grütli. Dip crusty bread into a pot of melted cheese while enjoying a cozy ambiance.
10 Swiss specialities to enjoy in Lausanne le blog de Lausanne à Table
Cafés such as Café du Grütli, Chalet Hydda éphémère du Vieux Lausanne orAuberge du Chalet des Enfants are renowned for their fondue pots.
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