Japanese folklore describes a realm where cunning fox spirits, known as kitsune, dance on the edges of reality. It's a world where playful tricksters and devoted guardians blur the lines between myth and reality. Lausanne's latest culinary revelation, Kitsuné, breathes life into this enchanting narrative, where the mystical tales of supernatural foxes converge with the artistry of Japanese cuisine.
As you step through the doors of Kitsuné, be prepared to embark on a gastronomic adventure that transcends the ordinary, where the name itself beckons you into a realm where folklore and flavors collide.
As you step into Kitsuné, you're greeted by a spacious and tastefully decorated interior adorned with Japanese lanterns and intriguing fox masks. The staff are friendly and welcoming, and super helpful in recommending classics or tempting you to try some lesser-known Japanese dishes. The restaurant boasts ample seating and a sprawling terrace that promises to be a hotspot as Lausanne welcomes warmer weather.
The extensive yet curated menu at Kitsuné is a testament to the restaurant's commitment to delivering a diverse and authentic dining experience. Among the highlights is the Ramen Tonokotsu, a tempting bowl of spicy pork broth with delicious noodles, a fermented egg, chashu pork, bean sprouts, black mushrooms, and red pickled ginger. The flavors are nothing short of incredible, and the generous helpings make each dish a satisfying journey into Japanese culinary artistry.
For those seeking a crispy delight, the Pork Tonkatsu steals the show with its perfectly breaded exterior and tender interior. Served with a side of rice, a salad with sesame dressing, and miso soup, this dish embodies the harmony of textures and flavors that define Japanese cuisine.
However, the true star of Kitsuné for us was the Takoyaki – a ball-shaped Japanese snack that immediately transported us to our childhood in Osaka, Japan. Filled with minced octopus, tempura scraps, pickled ginger, and green onion, these delectable balls sit on takoyaki sauce and mayonnaise, then adorned with green laver and dried bonito shavings. The experience is a culinary journey through the streets of Japan, capturing the essence of konamono – flour-based Japanese cuisine. If you haven’t had a chance to try them, run, don’t walk.
We didn’t have enough room to try all of the other dishes, like the homemade gyoza or the ramen in miso broth – but this is a spot that we imagine frequenting, so our taste-testing is just beginning -- and we're not mad about it.
Kitsuné, with its homage to kitsune folklore, seamlessly blends tradition and modernity. Eating at Kitsuné is a journey where every bite tells a story and every dish leaves you satisfied (while simultaneously craving more). Lausanne's dining scene just got a touch of magic with Kitsuné, where the fox spirits beckon you to savor the extraordinary flavors of Japan.
Kitsuné
Av. du Chablais 28, 1007 Lausanne
Opening Hours:
Lun. - Sam.: 9:00 - 14:30
17:00 - 22:30
Dimanche: Fermé
Kitchen Hours:
Lun. - Sam.: 11:30 - 14:00
18:00 - 22:00
Dimanche: Fermé
