La Belle-Croix

Since 2007, Maryline and Loïc Nozahic have been at the helm of this establishment in the upper reaches of Lake Neuchâtel, just a stone’s throw from Yverdon-les-Bains. A striking modern building with a flower-decked terrace and the Jura mountains on the horizon set the scene for a deftly crafted classical Gallic repertory, sprinkled with up-to-the-minute notes. Their four-course signature menu stars spot-on, legible cuisine made with premium produce: langoustine cooked at 62°C, serac cheese in bergamot-laced shortcrust pastry, salsa of line-caught hake, loin of veal stuffed with olives, upside-

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

Lausanne's EHL Hospitality Business School can be proud of this top-notch restaurant. A crack team of chefs (several Meilleurs Ouvriers de France are on the teaching faculty) work with the students to orchestrate a series of dishes that abound with coherent flavours, bringing their classroom learnings to the table! The dishes, which are perfectly poised between classic and modern, demonstrate a mastery of technical skill. From start to finish, each bite is bliss, and the setting also enhances the experience: the bright interior has a superb view of the surrounding mountains. Hats off!

In the heart of Yverdon-les-Bains, the GERBER WYSS establishment is a fine dining eatery, a bakery-chocolaterie and a tearoom. The former’s distinctive style is founded on cryoconcentration, fermentation, fresh herbs and vegetables, in a bid to enhance Swiss produce. This virtuoso, veggie-centric technique is packed in emotion, precision and visual appeal. The eight-course Signature Menu immerses you in this universe with dishes such as poultry oyster meat, fermented shiitake water and Suchy hazelnuts. The terrace is perfect for an aperitif before dinner or snacks. A warm interior and stylish,

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

This restaurant, known simply as "Crissier" by its regulars, boasts a star-studded history. The success of the restaurant, which was first awarded three stars in the 1994 MICHELIN Guide, began with Frédy Girardet and was continued by Philippe Rochat, Benoît Violier … and now Franck Giovannini. At the head of an impressive kitchen team, the latter continues to roll out Gallic classics of exemplary clarity, rich in big-boned, yet balanced flavours. Lamb in herbs, strikingly fresh red mullet, Nantes duck in a gutsy gravy: the quality of the produce is as outstanding as the consummate cooking. Eac

Courtesy of wainscoting, crisp white tablecloths and a sprinkling of stylish modern details, this inn is a treat for the eye. The characterful auberge, located in the picturesque village of Villarepos above Lake Morat, is the epitome of a good food establishment. The culinary lineup stars gutsy flavours, regional produce and virtuoso technique: Bresse royal pigeon, creamy polenta, market veggies; calf sweetbread and morels in a small casserole dish, apple financiers (small cakes) with almond nougatine and Tahitian vanilla ice cream. Each dish is a festival of soul-warming authenticity and Chri