Whether it’s haute cuisine, patisserie delights, or exotic dishes from far-away lands that take your fancy, having kids no longer requires sacrificing your gastronomic discoveries.
While there’s something to be said for a quick-n-easy take-out (we’ve all been there), there’s no need to put up with junk food for 18 years either. That’s why we’ve compiled some of our favorite kid-friendly restaurants in Lausanne, places that we believe will satisfy the whole family
Chez Tof
We’ve found that to earn the “family friendly” descriptor, establishments often have to sacrifice the quality or complexity of their menu. At Chez Tof, it’s the exact opposite. (https://6d9kybahhp.preview.infomaniak.website/chez-tof/) It’s a place that serves authentic French brasserie food with all of the flavors you’re hoping for, while simultaneously offering kids the chance to partake in this gastronomy by adapting it to a child’s palate (and stomach size).
Culture Cafe
This has been our go-to family dining spot since it opened in 2014 and it seems like it only gets better with time. Cyril, the owner and resident foodie, is passionate about bringing a fusion of flavors to the table, with a focus on sourcing locally and seasonally. The dishes are creative, delicious, and healthy with several options for children that will make you feel good about what they’re eating (and you too).
Le CouCou Montreux
It’s a hike, a drive, or a train ride outside of Lausanne, but once you reach the heights of Le CouCou just above Montreux, you’ll see what all the fuss is about. Boasting a panoramic terrace with plenty of lawn space for the kids to stretch their legs, it’s also an Alpine brasserie offering familiar dishes with careful attention to detail. It’s a culinary exploration with a significant side of beauty.
Le Contretemps
It doesn’t take a genius to know that if you have a restaurant with a long, lush lawn situated lakeside with a playground right next to the terrace, it’s going to be popular amongst families. But at Le Contretemps, they’ve also realized how to cater to families without sacrificing their ethos for absolutely delicious, beautifully made food. Whether its perch from the lake or free-range local chicken, they pay close attention to the integrity of their food regardless of the age of their diner.
Downtown
A favorite amongst Lausanne locals for their full-range breakfasts, Downtown is also a spot where you can come for lunches or dinners with the whole family. The founders being parents themselves, understand that kids can be picky but shouldn’t be pigeon-holed into the chicken nugget/buttery pasta corner every time you go out to eat. Choose from their diverse menu that can be accommodated for children, with classics like burgers and wraps as well.
Keyann Cafe Libanais
If you’re looking to try out new flavors, why not go for Lebanese? Not only is there a designated space in the restaurant where children can go play, but there are different dining rooms based on what type of experience you’d like. A more formal room with tablecloths and wine glasses, a “living room” that’s more casual and relaxed, and then the open terrace for those that prefer their tabouleh with a side of fresh air. The dishes are fresh, tasty, and can be adapted for the whole family.
Street Cellar
You may think you can’t bring your family to a wine bar, but at Street Cellar everyone is welcome. This new spot located in the Flon does not have a kid’s menu, abut we’ve found each dish is something our children know and love, with a twist. Gourmet hot dogs, crispy chicken, and smashed crispy potatoes will be enjoyed by everyone regardless of age (and parents should definitely try their local wine offerings poured straight from the barrel).
Cuppin's
Though the interior is small and well, delicate, this is a special spot that makes us feel a tinge of sweet nostalgia for our own childhoods. Beautifully decorated cupcakes and pastries welcome you at the entrance, and the space serves as a small boutique for local artisans as well. We’ve had several one-on-one dates with our kids in this cute little café/boutique—it’s a place where you can indulge your sweet tooth while simultaneously indulging your child’s wonder.
Brasserie de Paudex
The service was impeccably warm; our waiter was attentive and joked with the kids, we felt cared for but not hassled (a difficult balance to find in hospitality). A highlight? The child’s menu was simple but elevated: pan-seared fish, breaded chicken, or meatballs and tagliatelle with (insanely delicious) frites and seasonal vegetables. But the best part was that the price of the menu enfant depended on the age of your child – so our children ate incredible meals for 5CHF and 8CHF. Now that’s something you don’t see in Switzerland.
