Le Deck Restaurant

The story

Le Deck Restaurant, Chexbres – Michelin-Recommended French-Mediterranean Dining in Lavaux

A World Above Lavaux

Perched above the UNESCO World Heritage vineyards of Lavaux, Le Deck Restaurant at Le Baron Tavernier in Chexbres offers dining with a view that stretches across Lake Geneva to the Alps. The restaurant describes itself as "a world above Lavaux," and the panorama is indeed the first thing you notice. But the kitchen, led by Chef Lionel Rodriguez, ensures the plate holds its own against the scenery.

The Philosophy of Chef Lionel Rodriguez

Chef Rodriguez describes his cooking as a blend of French technique and Mediterranean spirit. The website notes he is "guided by his passion, expertise & his spirit of sharing," and that he "carefully selects the treasures of our Swiss lands to create a menu full of color and surprises." The result is a cuisine that is both grounded in local Swiss produce and lifted by southern European brightness.

The menu changes monthly – "twelve months, twelve inspirations," from spring freshness to autumn harvest. Dishes from recent menus illustrate this approach: a vol-au-vent with morel mushrooms, green asparagus, and wild garlic from Vevey; Cretan feta marinated in strawberries with chickpeas and coriander; or a "family recipe" duck foie gras with black fig chutney. Mains might include Swiss alpine lamb with oregano-infused juice and corn polenta, or grilled Arctic char with creamy peas and fava beans. A vegetarian "petits farcis" of seasonal vegetables à la Niçoise is always available.

Recognition and Atmosphere

Le Deck has earned a Michelin Recommended distinction, a natural fit for a restaurant that operates within a larger hotel and spa complex but maintains its own serious gastronomic identity. The dining room is part of the larger Le Baron Tavernier estate, which also includes a summer bar-terrasse known for its cocktails and sunset views.

For those wanting the full experience, a Chef's Table menu is available – a Signature Menu by Lionel Rodriguez offered as a four- or six-course meal, with optional Lavaux wine pairings. It is a setting where the French-Mediterranean cooking, the lake view, and the quiet of the vineyards come together without fuss.