Perhaps the leaves have yet to turn, but the arrival of la chasse opens the door to autumn here in Lausanne. For a fleeting moment, menus are filled with wild venison, hare, boar and chamois--and chefs are given the opportunity to combine heritage and innovation, delighting diners with imaginative renditions of what has been tradition for hundreds of years. Want to partake in this seasonal fare? Here's where to eat La Chasse in & around Lausanne:
Rte de Neuchâtel 73, 1008 Prilly
This is the spot that made us fall in love with la chasse all of those years ago. A restaurant that is full and chaotic and bustling in the best of ways, where the ambiance is second to the food on the plate, and where the menu is thoughtful and full of homemade delights. Here the meal comes in two generous servings, so make sure to pace yourself or take your time. No one is hurrying you out after all.
Rue de l’Ale 4 – 1003 Lausanne
Opened in 1780 (yes, you read that correctly) by a local wine merchant, this spot is one of the historic cafés in Lausanne and boasts a mouth-watering chasse menu. This year’s carte features a pumpkin cappuccino with porcini mushrooms, terrines, mushroom puff pastry, venison, wild boar, and deer civet.
Rue de Bourg 29 - 1003 Lausanne
Only in its second year since opening, this autumn they are bringing their gastronomic expertise to la chasse. While the menu is never revealed on the site (because Chef Zuzarte sources from market and foraging finds), we can guarantee that it will absolutely delight and surprise you in the best of ways. Make sure to reserve and bring your appetite, and perhaps swap out those jeans for something a bit nicer.
Rue Cheneau-de-Bourg 3 - 1003 Lausanne
Nestled near the heart of Lausanne’s old town, La Grappe d’Or is a spot you can’t miss. Each year, they craft a seasonal menu around game dishes, served in a cozy, intimate setting. And if you’re lucky, you might snag the table next to the fireplace—the very one David Bowie used to sit at. With the warmth of the crackling wood fire and the charm of this timeless spot, it’s the perfect place to settle in for a memorable meal.
All. Ernest-Ansermet 3 - 1003 Lausanne
The iconic brasserie has kicked off its hunting menu as it arrived with fanfare ("with its furry and feathered friends") just this week. The meat will be decked out with Brussels sprouts, cranberry jam, botzi pear and spätzli browned in butter. This is the epitome of comfort food.
Rue de Bon-Port 2, 1820 Territet
A place where time seems to slow down in the best of ways, Le Contretemps is one of those restaurants where they may have only a few things on the menu, but those few things they do so.damn.well. You can expect a plate filled with a myriad of seasonal delights: hazelnut venison, cranberries, chestnuts and spatzli–a warming and comforting meal, but with poise.
Auberge de l'Abbaye de Montheron
Rte de l’Abbaye 2, 1053 Montheron
The flavors of the forest are literally on your plate. This special restaurant situated in the woods around Chalet-a-Gobet is a must-visit every season but if you must pick one, we would go with La Chasse in the autumn. Everything is organic and foraged from the surrounding region, and the selection of meat depends on what the local hunters bring in that day.
Route du Pont-de-Nant 10, 1880 Plans-sur-Bex
It seems we have something to say about this restaurant in every season, but perhaps it should be high on your priority list for la chasse. Why? Because it’s a restaurant that you can actually hike to. Imagine taking a leisurely stroll in the crisp autumnal air, soaking in the burnt orange and vibrant red hues of the changing leaves around you. After 30 minutes you can find yourself at this cozy restaurant, eating local game with regional accompaniments on your plate.
Rue Pierre-Viret 6, 1003 Lausanne
Nestled at the base of the Lausanne cathedral, this iconic restaurant serves up an incredible autumnal menu with so many choices. It's hard to pick between the chevreuil, chamois, cerf, or lièvre - but one thing is certain: whatever you choose, you'll be satisfied with the tastes of the local fare and the season, and in a cosy setting nonetheless.
Rue Mercerie 4, 1003 Lausanne
A longtime favorite restaurant here in Lausanne – and for good reason as they’ve been around since 1849. It’s here that you’ll find Vanessa and her mother Heike and father Willi making seasonal and regional dishes in one of the most welcoming and warm atmospheres. One of the best parts? The chasseur is a man named Stanis, Willi’s brother-in-law from Grisons, and brings the family only the finest selection fresh from his personal hunt.
Av. du Léman 36, 1005 Lausanne
Though we’ve never personally dined here (it’s on the list!) we’ve heard from friends that it is a Lausanne local spot not to be missed. Here you’ll find an elevated atmosphere and carefully curated plates. But don’t let the refined nature deter you, you’ll be greeted warmly with the familiarity of the season, with a side of roasted hazelnuts, venison, and spätzle of course.
Pl. du Village 7, 1091 Grandvaux
Known for their panoramic terrace overlooking the vineyards and lake in Grandvaux, Tout Un Monde is a spot where the dishes of la chasse are elevated and given an inventful twist, all while maintaining the integrity of the ingredients used. If weather permits, you’re in for a treat watching the sun dip below the lake line, reflecting the gold of the grape leaves below while taking a bite of venison paired with speculoos.
Pl. du Marché 15, 1170 Aubonne
The beautiful Nordic-inspired restaurant in Aubonne's café tasting menu becomes a hunting menu with the arrival of La Chasse. Indulge in venison terrine, hawks in vinegar, squash purée, and mesclun followed by elk rib steak, cranberry sauce, potato gratin, and red cabbage. With 16 hats on Gault&Millau and 1 Michelin star, you're guaranteed to be delighted.
