Les Trois Rois, a story of couple and passion
A graduate of the École Hôtelière de Lausanne, Mina Bayat made her career at the Four Seasons Hôtel des Bergues in Geneva, where she shone for 18 years as Clefs d’Or concierge chef. The dream of one day owning her own restaurant has never left her, but she wouldn’t have taken the plunge on her own. It was with her husband, Thomas Achor, that she found the necessary impetus. He had never worked in the restaurant business, but his entrepreneurial experience and taste for wine and good food led him to take up the challenge.
Preserving the soul of the Three Kings
Both were loyal customers of Three Kings before becoming owners. Today, they embody a precious complementarity: Mina excels in the art of entertaining, with warmth and sincerity, while Thomas manages the numbers, while remaining present in the dining room, alongside his wife. Their ambition? To make every customer feel “at home”.
When they arrived, the fear was to impose themselves on an already close-knit team. But Nicolas, the master sommelier, and Soraia and Seda, the apprentices, continued the adventure with them, as did the kitchen team led by chef Joey. The identity of the place has been preserved, enriched by small personal touches: a menu that evolves with the seasons, the addition of “canaille” dishes like mayo eggs, leek vinaigrette or sweetbreads.
A kitchen without compromise
Here, the cuisine remains true to the brasserie spirit: gourmet, generous and accessible. Value for money is at the heart of the couple’s philosophy, and to achieve this, Thomas doesn’t hesitate to get up early and do the shopping himself, without any middlemen. “Offering the right price means accepting to make concessions,” he confides.
As for the cellar, it’s a reflection of their passion: over 240 wine references and 55 Chartreuse references, to seduce both loyal and new epicureans. And to allow everyone to indulge, dishes and desserts are available in regular or small portions, making a three-course menu accessible to all.
With energy and sincerity, Mina and Thomas have succeeded in preserving the soul of this Lausanne institution while breathing new life into it. A brasserie where you come back for the food, of course, but above all for the warm welcome from this extended family!
