Eat & Drink

Brasserie Les Trois Rois

by Tanya Christensen

January 14, 2025

If you’ve lived in Lausanne long enough, you know that Brasserie Les Trois Rois isn’t just another spot on Rue du Simplon—it’s an institution. And like any great institution, it’s seen its share of highs, lows, and now, a renaissance that has us ready to toast its next chapter.

At the helm of this revival are Mina and Thomas, a duo with a passion for bringing the classics to life while adding a pinch of the unexpected. Their approach? Elevate traditional Swiss-Vaudois dishes with a touch of Parisian elegance bringing forth their knowledge, expertise, and incredible hospitality.

leeks and malakoffs

Entering the Brasserie, the air hums with the low buzz of convivial energy: tables filled with regulars deep in animated conversation, laughter weaving its way through the clinking of glasses. Plates emerge from the kitchen with a precision that highlights Chef Joey Martone’s mastery—a feat all the more impressive given that he’s only 25 years old. Wine flows freely—poured, sipped, and poured again—each glass a quiet invitation to linger. Here, nothing is rushed, yet everything moves with purpose, as if every detail has found its place in a harmonious rhythm of familiarity and flavor. When you take your seat, you don’t just dine—you become part of the composition.

Mina & Chef Joey Martone
Mina & Chef Joey Martone
steak frites

The décor has evolved with a thoughtful touch, blending old-world charm with a refreshed sense of warmth. The iconic glass ceiling above the bar and the timeless brass accents remain—why tamper with perfection?—but the addition of clever lighting and rich wooden finishes gives the space a welcoming glow. It’s the kind of brasserie where you could linger over an espresso while debating life’s big questions or toast a milestone with champagne, all under the embrace of its cozy, storied atmosphere.

ceiling
table

But perhaps the most delightful surprise of all is Mina herself, gliding through the tables with an ease that makes every guest feel like an old friend. Her warm smile, unhurried pace, and natural charm create an atmosphere of effortless hospitality. With a knack for reading the room, she keeps every table engaged—wine glasses raised, plates of steak savored, conversations flowing—always a step ahead in anticipating needs.

Mina
affogato

Thomas, Mina’s husband, moves seamlessly between the kitchen and dining room, orchestrating the flow with quiet assurance. His gift mirrors Mina’s—a natural ability to strike up conversation as though picking up where it last left off. Casual and unassuming, he brings a discerning eye and refined palate to the table, ensuring every detail reflects his passion for gastronomy.

Mina and Thomas have been the new owners of Brasserie Les Trois Rois for a year now
Mina and Thomas have been the new owners of Brasserie Les Trois Rois for a year now

In the end, Brasserie Les Trois Rois' new chapter with Mina and Thomas feels like a perfectly balanced act—an homage to its storied past, served with a generous helping of forward-thinking creativity. So if you haven’t yet, book a table. Bring your appetite, your curiosity, and maybe a little extra room for dessert. You’re going to need it.

Brasserie Les Trois Rois

Rue du Simplon 7, 1006 Lausanne

Closed Sunday & Monday

Open Tuesday-Saturday for lunch and dinner services