Au Chat Noir ; Bistronomic Restaurant in Lausanne

In Lausanne, Au Chat Noir offers seasonal bistronomic cuisine in a historic brasserie in the Beau-Séjour district.

Au Chat Noir, a Historic Brasserie in Lausanne

Behind a corner facade in the Beau-Séjour district lies a brasserie with strong character. This Lausanne restaurant combines historic heritage and seasonal bistronomic cuisine.

A Lausanne Institution Revisited

Set at the corner of Rue Beau-Séjour and Rue Charles-Monnard, the address has existed since the end of the 19th century. From the entrance, the atmosphere of a true brasserie unfolds. The wooden walls, long burgundy banquettes and large mirrors give it plenty of character. The bistro furniture reinforces this impression of a lively place, marked by the years.

A new management now brings lovely energy to this institution, without erasing its charm. The decor remains warm, with a retro touch that invites you to linger. The establishment thus keeps its soul while offering a resolutely contemporary cuisine.

The Seasonal Cuisine of Gaëlle Chaudat

In the kitchen as in the dining room, a team from great houses sets the tone. Each plate reflects careful work around produce and the seasons.

Local Producers and a Chosen Cellar

At the helm, Gaëlle Chaudat composes a lively menu inspired by the market. Her career in great kitchens nourishes a precise and unpretentious cuisine. Deliveries change the menu throughout the year. In autumn, a game menu joins the usual offerings. Having worked at Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester, Valentin Jollivet brings the same high standards to the desserts.

The restaurant works with committed producers and artisans from the region. The bread comes from Pain des Frouzes, the butter from the Laiterie de Gimel. The starters mix seafood, vegetables and fresh preparations. The mains alternate fine cuts, fish and plant-based options.

Wine completes the experience with a selection devised by Maxime Lamour, who worked in great London cellars. The list highlights Swiss and French vineyards and a few international terroirs. Great classics and confidential cuvées sit side by side, following favourites. This approach recalls that of other fine Lausanne tables, such as Loxton (in French).

A Lunch Menu at Au Chat Noir

This restaurant is one of those Lausanne addresses often passed without ever stepping inside. The lunch service, Monday to Friday, offers the ideal opportunity to discover its cuisine.

Accessible Bistronomy in Autumn

Exposed wood, a warm dining room and blackboards with the handwritten menu plunge you into another era. At lunchtime, the dish of the day starts at CHF 29 and the full menu is CHF 45. The meal begins with a plant-based amuse-bouche, followed by a shallot tatin with Gruyère and pecans. This starter with autumnal flavours opens the meal perfectly.

The main course features pollock, with butternut squash and a saffron emulsion. The cooking is mastered and the seasonal produce elevated. For dessert, roasted plums pair with Piedmont hazelnuts and verbena. The address charms with its warm setting, its seasonal cuisine and the friendliness of its team.

This place combines the charm of another era with careful and authentic cuisine. At nightfall, the atmosphere even evokes that of Midnight in Paris. The restaurant is closed at weekends, so it is best to book a weekday for dinner. Cocktail lovers can then extend the evening at the Lausanne Cocktail Club (in French).

Rue Beau-Séjour 27, 1003 Lausanne
Website

Au Chat Noir

Article written in collaboration with Au Chat Noir