Happy Connection

Now in the capable hands of Julien Ayer, this stalwart of the Fribourg dining scene, whose stylish interior bears the hallmark of Mario Botta, is embarking on a new chapter of its history. Chef Victor Moriez (stints at Crissier and Rougemont) orchestrates a modern French score. Standouts include exquisite sauces, like his bitter orange, marigold and scallop sauce, and an amazing coffee-laced zander dish. Premium produce takes the limelight in creative recipes, including enticing vegetarian options on request. Slick service, inventive alcohol-free pairings and a high-flying wine cellar. Upstair

Fine dining is not the only option! Hotel Les Montagnards offers a culinary experience that goes beyond its renowned restaurant Le Sommet. The Brasserie can hold its own! The attractive modern interior featuring warm wood and sleek design is as much of a draw as the friendly service and, last but not least, the good cuisine. Here, the focus is on the region and the changing seasons. One of the house specialities, for example, is stuffed morels with a cream sauce. The pike-perch, fished from local lakes, is another popular choice. Tip: Try to get a window seat, then you can take in the view of

In this 19C mansion in Bourguillon, Romain Paillereau signs supremely delicate cuisine. The chef cherry-picks his ingredients, crafting them into outstanding dishes such as leeks confit in orange or Atlantic cod with sea urchin and lovage. We fell in love with his unorthodox work with Chappuis pork, mint, shellfish and lemon. Gutsy sauces and stocks reveal expressive flavours, enhanced by a wine list that slaloms between Switzerland and France. The interior errs towards modern downstairs and historic upstairs, the service is spot on, while the terrace shaded by plane trees adds a final flouris

Attractive picture windows, elegant pale wood, and a menu that takes the four seasons as its starting point, as reflected in the market-fresh ingredients. Locally grown vegetables, fish from the nearby lakes and Swiss meats are accompanied by an appealing wine list that focuses on local producers. Delight in dishes such as morel stuffed with Agria potatoes and Vully asparagus tips. Friendly service and attractive guestrooms at Hotel Cailler.

Housed in a tastefully renovated traditional edifice, the Auberge de la Couronne morphs from a simple bistro at lunchtime into a fine dining gourmet establishment in the evenings. Generosity and indulgence are the order of the day in dishes such as crisp golden roasted sweetbread served with fresh crayfish and crunchy glazed mini vegetables. The front-of-house team is on hand to help you find the perfect food-wine pairing as you take a seat in the handsome vaulted dining room.

Behind its wooden façade, this cosy restaurant in the heart of the village is making a strong statement about its commitment to sustainability. Just as simple and pleasant as the interior, the small terrace at the front is a charming setting in which to enjoy carpaccio of Lake Geneva whitefish, with a tangy cream and crunchy vegetables, or one of the delicious game dishes prepared using animals hunted in the surrounding forests.

Established in the historic town, the smart, understated interior decked in works of art is always a treat for the eye. The enthusiastic kitchen team rolls out a seasonal, creative score crafted from fresh produce. The menus change monthly: the lunchtime lineup is entitled ‘Inspiration’ and ‘Eclosion des sens’ in the evening. The culinary slant is purebred classical, served by an on-the-ball front-of-house team, all of which to the delight of a discerning business clientele. Splendid wine list, food-wine pairing evenings and a lounge with a cigar cellar are some of this establishment’s other d