"Montreux's festival landmark on the plate - a French brasserie inside the Palace, hung with music history and looking to Lake Geneva."
About Montreux Jazz Café
Montreux Jazz Cafe is the dining tribute to the Montreux Jazz Festival, set inside the grand Fairmont Le Montreux Palace on Avenue Claude Nobs, facing Lake Geneva. The walls carry half a century of music history - emblematic photographs, a jukebox, and the kimono Freddie Mercury gave festival founder Claude Nobs.
The kitchen cooks generous French brasserie food paired with the region's best wines. It belongs in our Montreux guide and our French coverage as the town's most atmospheric all-day table.
The Kitchen
The cooking is classic French brasserie: a well-made steak tartare, veal, filet americain and risotto among the mains, with carpaccio of octopus, mackerel and salmon to start. Parfait, cheesecakes and fresh croissants round out a menu that runs from breakfast to a late supper.
This is reliable, generous brasserie cooking rather than fine dining - food built to suit a long sit among the music memorabilia, not to upstage it.
The Room
The room is the experience: a music-themed space lined with photographs from half a century of the festival, a jukebox, and Mercury's kimono among the relics, with Lake Geneva beyond the windows. It is lively and informal, an easy place to linger.
It runs all day, and during the summer festival the cafe is at its busiest, so reserve ahead.
Not for
Not for a hushed gourmet tasting or a tight budget - it is a lively, music-themed brasserie at Palace-hotel prices, busiest and loudest in festival season.
Frequently Asked
What is Montreux Jazz Cafe known for?
French brasserie cooking - steak tartare, veal, filet americain and risotto - inside the Fairmont Le Montreux Palace, in a room hung with half a century of Montreux Jazz Festival memorabilia by Lake Geneva.
Where is Montreux Jazz Cafe?
At Avenue Claude Nobs 2, inside the Fairmont Le Montreux Palace on the Montreux lakefront, facing Lake Geneva.
How much does it cost?
It sits in the $$$ band, with an average around CHF 80 a head for brasserie mains, though the all-day menu spans lighter and more affordable options.
What makes the room special?
It is lined with music history - emblematic festival photographs, a jukebox, and the kimono Freddie Mercury gave Claude Nobs - a tribute to the Montreux Jazz Festival.
Do I need a reservation?
Reservations are recommended, particularly during the summer festival when the cafe is at its busiest.
Reserve a Table
Reserve at Montreux Jazz Café
Reservations are recommended, especially during the summer festival. Phone +41 21 962 13 00. The cafe runs all day inside the Fairmont Le Montreux Palace.
Affiliate disclosure: Restaurants for Kings may earn a commission when you book through our reservation links, at no cost to you. Our scores are editorial and never paid for.
Practical Information
AddressAvenue Claude Nobs 2, Fairmont Le Montreux Palace, Montreux
NeighbourhoodFairmont Le Montreux Palace, lakefront
CuisineFrench / Brasserie
PriceMains and brasserie plates with an average around CHF 80 a head
Dress CodeSmart casual
SeatingMusic-themed brasserie inside the Fairmont Le Montreux Palace, looking to Lake Geneva
ReservationReservations recommended, especially during festival season
