Le rendez-vous des artistes
Hunting Season
At Au Chat Noir, the arrival of autumn heralds the return of game season. A generous and heartfelt cuisine, highlighting the finest seasonal produce, crafted with precision and elevated by the artistry of Chef Gaëlle Chaudat. Hearty, characterful dishes designed to celebrate the full depth of autumnal flavours.
A Living Tradition
For decades, Au Chat Noir has been an integral part of Lausanne’s gastronomic heritage. A vibrant meeting place dedicated to the pleasures of the table, this address has always nurtured a spirited elegance deeply rooted in tradition. Today, a new chapter begins: honouring its storied past, the restaurant reinvents itself to offer a contemporary and sincere culinary experience. A Lausanne institution, Au Chat Noir embarks on this fresh journey under renewed direction, blending heritage with excellence. A historic destination, a vibrant new energy, and the enduring joy of returning to an exceptional table.
The Art of the Table
Au Chat Noir champions an exacting and contemporary bistronomy, grounded in a cuisine that is clear, vibrant, and deeply seasonal, where technical precision elevates the inherent beauty of each ingredient. Our philosophy rests on the conviction that great cooking begins with those who cultivate, rear, fish, or craft wine with integrity. Every plate becomes a natural extension of the work of passionate artisans who form the very heart of our identity. This direct bond with producers fuels our creativity: the seasons guide our menu, market arrivals inspire our dishes, and the sincerity of our flavours remains our signature.
The Art of Wine
At Au Chat Noir, wine holds an essential place in the experience we aspire to create. Far more than a mere accompaniment, it is a language in its own right, capable of extending a dish, revealing a terroir, or recounting a winemaker’s journey. Our cellar is curated as a living collection, shaped by encounters and heartfelt discoveries, with particular devotion to artisans who tend their vines with rigor, sensitivity, and profound respect for nature. From timeless classics to more confidential finds, each bottle is selected for its authenticity, its identity, and the emotion it evokes. This continuous pursuit inspires us to spotlight committed estates, in Switzerland and beyond, offering pairings that are sincere, precise, and truly inspiring.
Our Artists
Gaëlle Chaudat
Trained in the most prestigious kitchens, Gaëlle refined her vision and craft while keeping what matters most: reverence for the product, precision of technique, and the steadfast belief that great cooking never needs to overreach to captivate. Today at Au Chat Noir, she composes a vibrant menu, intimately tied to the seasons and the market.
Maxime Lamour
Having honed his craft in the cellars of acclaimed London restaurants, Maxime has nurtured an insatiable curiosity for wines from around the globe, from revered French vineyards to lesser-known Swiss gems. On Au Chat Noir’s wine list, each bottle is chosen for the story it tells, not merely for its name.
Valentin Jollivet
Valentin also flourished in the kitchens of Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester, where pastry is approached as a master craft in its own right. From this journey, he brought back an exacting standard free of rigidity, alongside a passion for unexpected harmonies. In his eyes, every dessert holds a rightful place in the dining experience, never merely an afterthought.