Best Restaurants in Lyon
This is my list of my favorite restaurants in Lyon. I have never eaten better in my life, since I moved to Lyon. Lyon is called the culinary capital of France, and with reason. Everybody should come here to eat. This list of best restaurants in Lyon is an informal list. I have not eaten everywhere, but I lived here for more than 7 years and have really enjoyed some of these restaurants. Some are cheap, some are a bit more expensive, but they are all great!
All Lyonnais have their own list of best restaurant in Lyon, so if your B&B host recommends a restaurant, go there. There are so many great restaurants here and I have not eaten everywhere. If you know of a restaurant that belongs on this list of best restaurants in Lyon, please tell me about it!
Bouchon Tupin
This is my favorite new Bouchon. It is not very traditional, but that can be a good thing. The guys and girls of the Bouchon have created a modern version of the old Bouchon dishes. Everytime someone comes to visit me in Lyon, this is the Bouchon I take them to (or to Le Musée, further down the list). You can find this Bouchon in Rue Tupin, on the Presqu’île (the peninsula where the modern city centre of Lyon is located) and it is definitely one of the best restaurants in Lyon.
Contre-champ
Located in the heart of Vieux Lyon, this bistrot offers a cozy atmosphere and a menu featuring fresh, high-quality local products. Chef Jérémy Galvan’s dishes are inspired by traditional French cuisine with a modern twist. The restaurant’s intimate setting, complete with exposed stone walls and warm lighting, makes it an ideal spot for a romantic evening or a special celebration. The attentive service and carefully curated wine list further enhance the dining experience, ensuring that every visit is memorable.
Ombellule
Situated in Lyon’s 6th arrondissement, this gourmet restaurant is run by chefs Tabata and Ludovic Mey. The menu changes with the seasons, offering creative and poetic dishes that highlight local ingredients. The elegant décor, with its minimalist design and soft lighting, provides a serene backdrop for the culinary masterpieces served. Each dish is a work of art, beautifully presented and thoughtfully composed to delight the senses. Ombellule’s commitment to sustainability and local sourcing is evident in every bite, making it a favorite among eco-conscious diners.
Le Musée: one of the best restaurants in Lyon
Le Musée belongs on this list of best restaurants in Lyon for sure. It is quite an experience to eat here. Here you find big tables filled with businessmen drinking a pot de beaujolais, while eating big traditional meals. Families come to eat here, some tourists and some couples. The owner is quite a character. Try his Saucisson Brioché as an appetizer and take the joue de porc for your main course. I hope you skipped lunch if you reserved here for the evening.
Les Mauvaises Herbes
This is a great french vegetarian restaurant on the slopes of the croix rousse hill. It is just around the corner from the Roman Amphitheatre. They provide an inventive and elegant vegetarian cuisine with nice wine to pair it with.
Café Terroir
This bistrot gastronomique in Lyon’s 2nd arrondissement focuses on showcasing the best local products from the Rhône-Alpes region. The cozy atmosphere and high-quality ingredients make it a favorite among locals.
La Gâche
A charming restaurant offering a mix of traditional and contemporary French cuisine. The ambiance is warm and inviting, perfect for a relaxed dining experience. The menu is a delightful fusion of classic French dishes and innovative creations, all made with the freshest seasonal ingredients. The restaurant’s stylish interior, with its tasteful artwork and comfortable seating, provides a pleasant setting for enjoying a meal. La Gâche’s commitment to quality and flavor is evident in every dish, from the carefully crafted appetizers to the decadent desserts.
Armada
Known for its innovative dishes and vibrant atmosphere, Armada is a must-visit for food enthusiasts looking to experience modern French cuisine. The restaurant’s chic décor, featuring sleek furniture and bold artwork, sets the stage for a dynamic dining experience. The menu is a celebration of culinary creativity, with each dish showcasing a unique blend of flavors and textures. Armada’s talented chefs use cutting-edge techniques to elevate traditional ingredients, resulting in dishes that are both visually stunning and delicious.
Restaurant Albert
This restaurant offers a fine dining experience with a menu that emphasizes seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. The elegant setting, with its refined décor and intimate lighting, creates a sophisticated atmosphere for diners. Each dish is meticulously prepared and beautifully presented, reflecting the chef’s dedication to culinary excellence. The menu changes regularly to showcase the best of the season’s produce, ensuring that every visit offers something new and exciting.
Daniel & Denise
A cozy bistro offering a variety of French dishes made with fresh, local ingredients. The friendly staff and welcoming atmosphere make it a great spot for a casual meal. The menu features a selection of classic French comfort foods, from hearty soups and stews to decadent desserts. The bistro’s warm and inviting interior, with its vintage décor and relaxed seating, provides a comfortable setting for enjoying a meal. Daniel & Denise is known for its generous portions and flavorful dishes, making it a popular choice among locals and visitors alike.
Doma
Doma is a Japanese takeaway place that does not serve sushi. There are a few communal tables where you can sit down to eat your food. I was really surprised by the quality of the food they make. It gets quite busy for lunch. They have lovely takeaway boxes and the food is high quality. Japanese food in Lyon is generally not super (cheap sushi places), but there are a few exceptions and this one is not too expensive.
If you really want the best of the best of Japanese cuisine in Lyon, you can go to Takao Takano (2 michelin stars) or Au 14 Février (1 Michelin star), but those places cost a lot!
Want to eat in a more traditional place?
Halles de Paul Bocuse
This is not a restaurant, but a world famous covered market. However, you can eat at many of the stands for lunch and sometimes for dinner at all. The Halles are located in the Part Dieu Business district. It is not a very pretty building, but inside you find the finest food producers in town.
Paul Bocuse, the most famous chef from Lyon after whom the Halles are named, used to come here every morning to buy and chat. Bocuse died in 2018, but this market is still the beating heart of the culinary scene in Lyon.
L’Institut Restaurant
Bocuse was famous for his 3 star restaurant (now 2 stars), but he built a business empire, of which his cooking school is a major part. The Institut Paul Bocuse is a very prestigious cooking school. It’s main location is out of town, in Ecully, but L’Institut is the schools restaurant in town, right on Place Bellecour. It is excellent, some people say it’s even better than Paul Bocuse’s own restaurant and the prices are way lower.
The school has another restaurant, Saisons, in Écully, which got a Michelin star in 2020.
L’Auberge du Pont de Collonges
I have to admit that I have never been here. It is the world famous restaurant of Paul Bocuse, and cannot therefore be omitted from this list. It used to have 3 Michelin stars but lost one star in 2020, which hit like an earthquake in the culinary scene of Lyon. It makes sense though, as Bocuse died already a few years ago. It is very expensive (obviously), so I’ve never had the chance to eat here. So, if you are looking for a lunch partner, feel free to invite me, I’m more than happy to join you for lunch or dinner!
