One of the most popular and respected institutions in French-speaking Switzerland, Café Romand offers traditional Swiss cuisine, fine wines and expertly brewed beers to be enjoyed within its oak furnished, intimate restaurant space. Sample pan-fried Fera fillet from Lac Leman with saffron sauce, or a braised section of veal shank in a vegetable and tomato sauce with fresh tagliatelle pasta. Finish off the evening with a bespoke dessert; from fluffy meringue piled high with decadent whipped cream; marinated golden raisins in brandy; gooey, layered tiramisu; or the soft crackle of a crème brulee.

All the customers seem to know each other at this traditional dining institution, where shared wooden tables and clattering china create the perfect ambience for fondue, mussels, sausage, or choucroûte (sauerkraut). Prominent members of Lausanne's arts community swarm here after rehearsals and concerts, as service continues until 11 pm—late by Swiss standards.

This traditional Swiss brasserie has been serving up specialities from French-speaking Switzerland in its wood-panelled interior since 1951. All this practice means Café Romand is one of the best places in town to try local dishes, such as a platter of dried meats, cheeses and gherkins from canton Valais.

Il y a aussi à Lausanne ces vieux bistrots vaudois comme la Pinte Besson, le Café Romand, le Café de l’Europe, le Grûtli, le Vieux Lausanne, la Bavaria ou la Brasserie des Trois Rois. Ces dernières années ont vu la naissance des nouvelles brasseries conviviales qui propose une cuisine de bistrot modernisée, voire bistronomique, comme les cafés de Grancy, Bruxelles, l’AO (Age d’Or), le Tof, le Café des Artisans, le Café Saint-Pierre, Happy Days, le Java, Sardine, le Bleu Lézard, le Café des Avenues, le Café du Simplon, la Brasserie de Montbenon ou la Brasserie de Paudex. On trouve aussi à Lausanne quelques lieux à mi-chemin sont entre le café et le restaurant et proposent une restauration plus simple comme le Pointu, le Bluebird Café ou le Loxton.

Near the Café Romand, you’ll actually find watches (Bucherer, Rue de Bourg) and chocolate (chez Blondel, also Rue de Bourg). Since 1951, it’s one of the most representative bistros in Lausanne. From 4 people upwards, a half-and-half (Gruyère and Vacherin Fribourgeois) fondue can be savoured in a very light traditional meal, after a platter of air-dried meat from the Grisons and followed by meringues served with double cream from Gruyères.

Traditionalists can opt for "classic Swiss cheese dishes" at dedicated places such as Pinte Besson and Café Romand. Offering a "feast for the eyes, taste buds and soul", said Ewa Zubek on Culture Trip, Café Saint-Pierre combines "urban chic with chromatic plastic" and an "airy ambiance with colourful – and flavourful – dishes".

With more than 60 years of experience, Le Café Romand is one of the most renowned brasseries in Lausanne and the French-speaking part of Switzerland. The brasserie is characterized by its traditional Swiss decor featuring vintage wood furniture and candelabra. They are known for their fondue paired with locally sourced wines.

Café Romand is a traditional Swiss brasserie serving local specialties since 1951. The menu features dishes like dried meats, cheeses, perch filets, papet vaudois, and cheese fondue. The service is traditional, with a cover charge and pay-for-tap-water policy, but it's worth it for the authentic dining experience.

You don’t need to wait until next October: this brasserie dish can be enjoyed in popular places like Pinte Besson, Le Vaudois or Café Romand.