An unexpected find, a not-so-hidden gem, a delightful treasure hiding in plain sight. This is Café de Chavannes – tucked away in Chavannes-prés-Renens – a restaurant that effortlessly blends history, charm, and damn good food.
If its walls could talk, they’d regale you with nearly a century of stories—of past owners (many of them women) who shaped its identity, of community card games stretching into the evening, of a loyal crowd who know that some of the best meals in the city aren’t necessarily in the center, and perhaps end with a friendly competition of petanque and pastis on its verdant terrace.
Since 2022, Café de Chavannes has been in the hands of Lisa Bonard and Lionel Grivet, the passionate duo behind its latest chapter. With a clear vision for creating a warm, convivial space, they’ve cultivated an atmosphere where guests linger from morning coffees with the daily paper to aperitifs under the trees. And if you happen to visit on a Saturday at noon, there’s a particularly tempting tradition: their signature roast chicken, not to be missed.
We took our seat, sunshine pouring in, and a smiling chef came out of the kitchen to greet us. Recently, Café de Chavannes entered a new chapter with chef Aldwin Beets at the helm. Beets (yes, that's his real name), whose culinary resumé includes training under Alain Passard and time at Café des Philosophes, has brought his thoughtful, seasonal touch to the menu. Before him, the kitchen was helmed by Luis Zuzarte (now at l’Appart), who helped revitalize the café’s brasserie-style offerings, placing a strong emphasis on fresh, local ingredients and crafting a menu that blended tradition with a creative twist. His tenure laid the foundation for the exciting flavors that continue today.
The menu itself is a playful mix of old and new. There’s the staple brasserie section (Les Intemporels) with classics like tartare, steak frites, and cordon bleu—comforting dishes that anchor the café in its time-honored identity. But then there’s the insert (Les Éphémères): a rotating selection of two entrées, two mains, and two desserts that change every two weeks, giving Beets and his team free rein to experiment and infuse some creative flair.
From this special menu, we dove into plates that were as intriguing as they were delicious. First up, the poire de terre (yes you read that right – it was a new discovery for us which we are now buying at the marché) en compotée with roasted topinambour and a sharp hit of freshly shaved horseradish. Then, blette braisée au laurier served alongside a velvety purée of parsnip perfumed with vanilla, balanced by the tang of house-made pickles. For the main event, we savored secreto de pata negra, its rich marbling complemented by a purée of carrots and cardamom, plus a side of vibrant chou kalinka. And to finish? A poire en deux façons, where pear was prepared two ways and paired with the warm, aromatic notes of fève tonka and spiced homemade chocolate with fennel.
But it’s not just the food that keeps people coming back. The inviting terrace, shaded by trees, makes it an ideal summer perch, while the lively, unpretentious atmosphere ensures that whether you’re here for a quick coffee, a leisurely meal, or a round of cards with friends, you’ll feel right at home. Add to that a thoughtful, ever-evolving wine list and house cocktails crafted with as much care and creativity as the dishes themselves, and you have all the makings of a place you’ll want to return to—again and again.
Café de Chavannes has always been a place where tradition meets evolution—a balance that continues under Lisa, Lionel, and the talented team. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer, this is a spot well worth seeking out.
Café de Chavannes
Rte de la Maladière 40
1022 Chavannes-près-Renens
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