Pinte Besson
Lausanne's oldest restaurant, founded in 1780. It is counted among Europe's oldest cafés and is famous for traditional cheese fondue.
Located at 4 Rue de l'Ale in the Old Town. It was opened in 1780 by a wine merchant, and the name comes from the 'pinte', a 93-centilitre unit of measure, and the founder's surname. The European Historical Cafés Association lists it among the ten oldest cafés in Lausanne and in Europe. The building is listed as heritage, and it has the Lausanne Historic Café title. The signature dish is traditional cheese fondue, available in a half-and-half version as well as versions with morels or with brandy. The space is small and crowded, so booking ahead for dinner is recommended. It is closed on Sundays and public holidays. It is about a 5-minute walk from Flon or Bel-Air.
Opening hours
Mon–Sat 09:30–24:00; closed Sundays and public holidays
Nearby sights
- Le Flon
- Place de la Palud
- Palais de Rumine
- Escaliers du Marché
- Esplanade de Montbenon
- Église Saint-François
- Musée Historique de Lausanne
- Lausanne Cathedral