First brunch of the year in Lausanne!

The lights of the Cathedral have gone out, New Year’s resolutions are still intact, and the city is slowly waking up… Brave and fearless, you’ve just taken the plunge and treated yourself to the first bath of the year: well done! This is precisely when another well-established ritual comes into play: the first brunch of the year.

Brunch on 1st January at the Sky Lounge

Starting the year at a lofty height? It’s a big yes! The Sky Lounge at the Royal Savoy offers a panoramic brunch that combines elegance, seasonal produce and unobstructed views of Lake Geneva. It’s the perfect setting for a gentle start to the year, where champagne always seems perfectly appropriate, even at lunchtime…

Practical information: 1 January, from 12 noon to 2.30 p.m. From CHF 88 to CHF 108.

Lausanne Palace – New Year’s Brunch

In a more classic but equally chic style, the Lausanne Palace brunch continues the grand hotel tradition. Generous buffets, attentive service and a cosy atmosphere: here, the first meal of the year takes on the air of an elegant and discreet ceremony. Ideal for those who prefer to start 2026 without rushing, but with a certain sense of comfort.

Practical information: 1 January, from 12.30 p.m., approx. CHF 148 per adult.

Festive brunch at the Beau Rivage Palace

At Beau Rivage, New Year’s Day brunch is a real celebration at La Terrasse restaurant. In a cosy and bright atmosphere, facing the gardens and the lake, guests are invited to prolong the magic of the first hours of the year around a sumptuous buffet created by the chefs. Fine ingredients, savoury and sweet specialities, hot and cold dishes from here and elsewhere: a gourmet experience to share, enhanced by a glass of champagne.

Practical information: CHF 195, from 1 p.m.

And after 1 January?

Even though many places close during the holidays or are packed on 1 January, Lausanne remains a brunch town all year round. Neighbourhood cafés, contemporary restaurants and well-established institutions offer more informal but equally enjoyable alternatives in the days that follow.

• Café de Grancy – A classic choice for a relaxed family brunch.
• Le Pointu – Cosy atmosphere and gourmet brunch (often popular, so remember to book!).
• L’Impression Cafe Restaurant – Perfect for a more chill café-brunch vibe.
• Café de Prélaz or Café des Avenues – Other lovely places that are often open all year round.

(A quick note for purists: some popular places like Loxton or Lily also serve delicious brunches… but they may not be open on 1st January – remember to check before setting your alarm!)