Auberge de la Croix-Blanche : Rte de Donatyre 22, 1583 Villarepos

I have thoroughly enjoyed both meals I've had at this family-run, Michelin-starred auberge in a renovated farmhouse in the countryside above Lake Murten: one from their fine-ding menu and one from the more casual bistro menu. My preference is the bistro-style food, but that's probably because I like classic dishes. Thinly sliced tongue in white sauce with capers was a standout dish, the veal schnitzel with chips received praise from one of my dining companions, and the culatello from a local farm that was served with aperitif was memorable. Great wine list and owners who really care about what they're doing. I haven't stayed in the rooms but I have seen them and they are beautifully restored with very impressive bathrooms.

Close to the lake Murten and Avenches, the Auberge de la Croix Blanche, located in the village of Villarepos, welcomes you. A beautiful renovated barn offers cozy and modern rooms. The restaurant leans to a upper country bistro and propose gourmet classic brasserie dishes. We were guests for the New Years Eve, so we didn’t had the chance to see the garden, which seems to be a wonderful oasis for summer evenings. The owners, Madame Abächerli, our hostess and her husband, the chef, are absolutely lovely, helpful and very warm people. We sat inside, started with a glass of champagne and a wonderful first amuse-bouche made of roe deer carpaccio which I personally loved 🥰, followed by a hearty oxtail on fluffy mashed potatoes topped by a sprinkle of Buddha‘s hand (a bit of luck we all deserve after 2020!). Another glass of champagne was required with the starter, marinated Scottish salmon with dots of guacamole, Jogurt, sweet mustard, dill and chips of sweet potatoes; was excellent and well seasoned. For the main courses we had a classic from the Côtés des Nuits, a Chambolle-Musigny. The perfectly cooked sea bass with tasty crispy skin, on a bed of baby spinach and a lobster bisque (I wished to get a bowl of it, just for myself ❤️ it was delicious) and chips of topinambour, was my evening highlight, as it combines so many ingredients I absolutely cherish. But let’s not neglect the main dish, a tender veal filet mignon with his blanchette accompanied by a mastered veal jus, fingernudel and tasty vegetables (the creamy kale, was yummie). We then had a tasty, from the region (gruyere, blue cheese, among others) cheese plate, but unfortunately I don’t recall well the proper names (my bad, I ask forgiveness to the producers for this), accompanied by a homemade bread with nuts and a pickled pear. We rounded up our dinner with a delightful dessert, a pear coffee tartelette and rosemary ice-cream. It was a great dining experience and a well balanced meal, which we truly enjoyed and let us end a turbulent year in the best way possible. I recommend this restaurant whole heartedly and we’ll be back for a summery experience.

Very nice, cozy hotel near the highway. Great breakfast and very friendly staff and owners. Thank you guys, for a great stay!