Sisterfields Café (Académie Café) — Restaurant in Lausanne

First and last time I’ll go there. Was really disappointed with the service. Made to feel very unwelcome because not everyone in my group of 3 decided to eat. One of my other friends suggested this place because she wanted to try something new and likes good coffee bars.

I had arrived first and I pushed two tables together to give us space with the expectation that my friends would be eating as well as me.

The server served me my chai latte (which was very good) while I waited the 10 minutes for my friends. They arrived and one ordered a coffee, a juice, and a croissant while the other ordered a juice and I ordered my tartine.

The server’s attitude changed immediately. While I can’t remember his exact words because I was so shocked at his approach to us now that I was the only one ordering “a meal”. While I’d like to hope that I was misinterpreting what happened, my friends were also shocked by his change in attitude.(I’m not a mind-reader and able to know what my friends are going to order)

We were made to feel like we were squatters on the two tables because not everyone ordered a meal. We were put off by the attitude and canceled our order and I dropped 10CHF for my chai latte and we left.

If he had said something to the effect of “ok ladies, let me just reorganize your table, and I’ll put a stool here for you and we can free up this other table” I could have accepted that willingly.

Is the end result the same? Yes. But the way it would have made us feel as customers is completely different.

His way of communicating made us feel like we weren’t spending enough and therefore not welcome to have two tables ( the tables are tiny and not really suitable for anything other than a coffee).

I can’t speak to his intentions but I can say that hospitality is about making your guests feel welcomed and his way of communicating was the exact opposite of that.

I completely understand that it’s a small place with limited seating and he wants to be able to maximize his “spend per customer” particularly because the place is a small coffee bar in an area without a lot of foot traffic. Which in some ways makes it worse. This is a “word of mouth” destination and me and my friends are now going to tell this story about our experience to anyone who asks “What did you do this past weekend” and we’ll all have the same anecdote about being made to feel so uncomfortable, we all spontaneously decided...

A Hidden Gem in Lausanne's Historic Heart

L'Académie Café is an absolute treasure nestled in the picturesque streets of La Cité, Lausanne. This cozy café effortlessly blends vintage charm with a modern vibe, creating an inviting space perfect for a relaxed coffee break or a productive morning. From the moment you step inside, the warm, rustic decor—complete with Swiss blankets, terracotta pots, and exposed brick—makes you feel at home.

The specialty coffee here is simply outstanding, with every cup brewed to perfection. Whether you're a fan of a smooth flat white, a refreshing iced latte, or something more unique like their matcha or chai, you'll find something to love. The food menu, though thoughtfully curated, offers delightful options like avocado toast, pancakes, and tartines that pair perfectly with your beverage of choice.

What truly sets L'Académie Café apart is its welcoming atmosphere. It's an ideal spot to unwind, meet friends, or get some work done while soaking in the beautiful surroundings. Plus, the friendly and attentive staff make every visit a pleasure. If you're ever in Lausanne, this café is a must-visit for its top-notch coffee, delicious bites, and...

A lovely little café out of the way. The prices are Swiss but the food is of good quality. They care about vegetarian options and food intolerances. The service is very nice. The atmosphere is nice: the decor is well designed but it drafts (I was there on cold days) and the music is intrusive: in the morning there should be classical or smooth jazz and not some so-called RnB played too loud. I will come again but with an extra jacket and not sit under...