5 Best Restaurants in Vaud, Switzerland

This Italian eatery, just steps from Nyon's château, serves straightforward fare, well-priced plats du jour, and specialty items like shrimp and vegetables on a pillow of saffron cream. An expansive terrace lets diners study the château; in winter, broad windows reveal the comings and goings on the municipal plaza. In fall, the menu expands to include an assortment of game and locally picked mushrooms.

This hip café, bar, and restaurant is beloved by students, business executives, and artists for its eclectic appetizers and main courses—their humble prices make this popular eatery a rare bargain. The simple decor features vintage advertisements and polished-wood seating, and several tables are available outside during the summer months. Brunch is served on Sunday, and the bar has seven beers on tap, a dizzying number by Swiss standards.

If it's an oven-fired pizza or plate of pasta you crave, there's no place more convivial or convenient than this trattoria on the main drag. The atmosphere is warmed by terra-cotta walls with bold blue accents and endless pitchers of wine. Fresh seafood is a specialty of the house, whether atop a piecrust or a mound of linguine. With a dozen chic guest rooms to boot, the hotel also has a satellite location serving light fare and desserts across the street on the lakefront promenade.

Known by locals as "Natio," this thriving bar's extended service hours and proximity to the cinema attract late diners of all ages. The trendy vibe overflows onto the patio, with seating under twinkling lights—a respite from the serious smoking crowd. A frequently changing menu combines fresh ingredients with a twist on the classics.

Locals come to this upscale spot for oven-fired pizzas—without a doubt the best in town. The elegant dining room is a year-round hit with locals; in summer there is nothing more delightful than sitting under the garden's sprawling trees and umbrellas. Inventive Italian dishes using local ingredients are robust and flavorful. Entrances connect to the opera house, making it a natural for pre- and post-performance dining.