Vieux-Lausanne Restaurant & Giraf Bar — Restaurant in Lausanne

A Disappointing Experience That Overshadowed the Food

This was my second visit to the restaurant, and unfortunately, it will be my last. After previously organizing a table for 10 people, I had expected a more welcoming experience this time—but what we encountered instead was rudeness and an ungracious attitude unworthy of a place that presents itself as a refined dining establishment.

We were four people, including my parents, who wished to share a dish. We ordered three main courses and one starter. The waiter informed us—quite bluntly—that we would be charged 18 CHF more for not ordering one dish per person. He even suggested we go upstairs if we were looking to eat “small plates,” implying that our presence at the main restaurant was unwelcome.

Despite having reserved a table a month in advance, this treatment was dismissive. If I had wanted tapas, I wouldn’t have needed his advice—I had chosen the main restaurant deliberately. When we asked for clarification, he hurried off to fetch the lady at the reception. Instead of explaining the situation with any tact, she told us condescendingly that “we turn away several people every day” and that this was a “refined cuisine” restaurant—as if we didn’t understand that when making our reservation.

Eventually, we were pressured into ordering an additional starter—essentially being told to pay 19 CHF more or leave. It was not about the price, but the principle and the way it was handled. For a restaurant that claims to be about culinary excellence, it felt more like a business trying to extract as much money as possible, even at the cost of hospitality.

Yes, the food was decent—but any flavor is dulled when the service is cold, condescending, and transactional. I’m sure the standard response to this review will be something about “financial balance” or “policy,” but no amount of justification can make up for a lack of warmth and professionalism. Hospitality matters—and sadly, it was...

I have taken 4 stars away for a reason..read further!

Ambience was great and we were recommended this place by one of the chefs at Ecole Hoteliere Lausanne. Upon our arrival we were seated with a smile by one of the older lady...guess a family runs this place...food wise ? well it was a complete hit and miss ..for that I've taken only one star away..the rest of 3 stars am taking away because of the owner the old man (am assuming he was) at the meat carving station, when he finally came to the table with the mains...he was extremely rude and if I may say so ..Racist!!!!

Trust me we have experienced some great hospitality in Europe...and bad ones too...and not trying to play the victim card or race card here. He was being rude to just our table (the only table with Asians)....we truly felt that we weren't welcome in that restaurant by his behaviour..One of our friends asked about the dish and he very rudely said this is how its done in Europe...not knowing that we all were professional chefs trained in European Kitchens..we all noticed his body language at the other tables was completely the opposite which was super nice and polite with a smile..so no wonder people reviewing here are raving about how sweet the staff and the owner is...I was very close to walking out, but I was calmed down by one of my friends at the table, she has a higher threshold for such rude racist restaurant owners I guess.

So if you are brown, black, or yellow...find some other place because if the old man is in the house...you will be made to feel that you are in the...

The food in the restaurant is good which is why this used to be one if my favourite restaurants in lausanne; until i realized that they explicitly discriminate against young families…. I had booked a table a long time in advance for a larger group which includes kids. On the day of the reservation a lady called me to confirm that were still coming. When i mentioned that I would have a stroller she focused her efforts into convincing me to cancel our reservation. Among other things, she asked if I couldnt leave my baby son at home with somebody instead of bringing him to the restaurant with me (!). She also said that if we have kids, she would recommend that I instead book at an italian restaurant or a pizzeria… and to finalize she recommended that I cancel my reservation, which I did. We have taken my son to good restaurants since he was born, he is used to them, never causes issues and we never felt we need to stick to “ pizzerias” because of this.. I felt deeply offended by their treatment. What an old-fashioned, outdated view of families. I have news for you: not all families with kids eat only at McDonalds....