January, oh January. It’s the month that seems to last forever, the lake turns a steely grey, and temperatures drop to frigid single digits that have us looking for places to enjoy indoors. This is why we’ve rounded up a few of the coziest cafés in Lausanne, so grab your knit sweater, your mask, and favorite novel–it’s time to settle in and stay awhile.
Coffee Page
Coffee Page is part coffee shop, part bookstore. Owner Jean Kehlhofer wants you to come and linger over the things he loves the most – a carefully crafted cup of coffee, homemade cakes, and artistic coffee table books. The reading materials are available for purchase but also for enjoying sur place. Carefully selected titles cover topics like digital journalism, architecture, outdoor living, and fly fishing. And now that they've expanded, they are also open during the evenings with some delicious cocktails on the menu.
Madeleine
Named for the charming street where it’s located, the café first seems small with just a few tables tucked under an arched frame behind the bar. But venture up the staircase to discover a sprawling lounge, complete with sofas and bistrot tables overlooking the cobblestoned road below. It’s the perfect place for a rainy day or a conversation with a friend.
Specialty coffee from the local Torpedo Coffee Roastery and an assortment of gluten free madeleine cakes (clever!) are on offer at the bar. Come for the cozy space, stay for the exceptional coffee.
Ça Passe Crème
Every small detail in Ça Passe Crème is thoughtful and intentional; the space is absolutely gorgeous, partially due to the skillful craftsmanship of local carpenter and jack-of-all-trades Fabio Marco. And the best part is, Davide and Steeve are the friendliest of baristas and they’re also perfectionists (the two qualities you want in the person making your coffee).
Ordinary Man
Rue Petit-Chêne is a bustling street but most are climbing up heads down or making the descent quickly to catch that train. We urge you to stop by Ordinary Man, grab a perfectly crafted cup and pastry, and settle into the cozy space, admire the art on the walls, and watch the people pass outside through their gorgeously large windows.
Café Coccinelle
Pass by any morning, afternoon, or early evening and Cafe Coccinelle is PACKED with locals. It’s gorgeously curated space paired with changing lunch specials is certainly not to be missed. Make sure to check out both levels, as the different dining rooms all have special and varied decor, providing a different feel. But don’t worry, each space is gorgeous and cozy in its own right.
Café Louve
Designed by the same guru who transformed Le Perroquet, Pavillon, the original Caffe Bellini, which is now the new Sardine, Cafe Louve's space balances between cozy and chic, but begs you to grab a newspaper and stay awhile. To check out more of this gorgeous interior, as well as the beautiful brain behind it, check out our Meet the Makers post on Julia Christ.
Le Pointu
Nicknamed the “Flat-Iron” building of Lausanne, Le Pointu rests on the corner of Rue Neuve overlooking Riponne right in the heart of our city. Started by six friends who took it upon themselves to repurpose and redefine the iconic space (which has been there since 1875), it's a café/restaurant not to be missed. Its space is airy yet cozy, with a bohemian rough-luxe vibe–light pours into its generous windows, lending to its warm and inviting atmosphere.
Downtown
Situated in the heart of Lausanne, Downtown Diner brings forth all of the old Breakfast Club charm, but merges with the concept of fast, fresh, & healthy choices for lunch. The space is light, airy, and roomy, with plenty of seating both inside and outside. Whether you're in the mood for a quiet morning coffee, or meeting friends for all-day pancakes, this is a Lausanne favorite that cannot be missed!
Vaga Bon Café
Walking into the doors of Vaga Bon Café at the Galerie Port Franc is like being transported into another era. Mid-century furniture and art deco flair surrounds you– with colorful lines and shapes that are a feast for the eyes. But as you mosey through the carefully curated pieces, almost all of which are for sale, you notice a cozy space near the back outfitted with tables and couches, beckoning you to have a seat and drink some specialty coffee.
La Couronne d'Or
The love and respect for history is what makes the Couronne d’Or so charming today. It’s a cozy place for an apero before dinner at one of the restaurants in La Cité. The terrasse doesn’t boast the best view in town, but with the right crowd, it’s a great spot for a locally-brewed beer. In the morning or mid-afternoon, you can also camp out at the community table. WiFi is free, but perhaps it's a good moment to stash the phone. There are plenty of newspapers and other reading material to go with your cappuccino.
