Lyon

5 real restaurants, cafés, bars, markets and food experiences, from inexpensive to special occasion.

5 places to eat and drink in Lyon

Belgian waffles (illustrative photo)
Illustrative photo

Daniel et Denise Saint-Jean

Restaurant · Vieux Lyon

££ Mid-range

A classic bouchon, Lyon’s traditional bistro, run by a Meilleur Ouvrier de France chef, serving regional dishes in a cosy room.

Known for: Quenelles, andouillette, tarte aux pralines

About £20–40 per person

Local favourite Good for Families · Groups

A seafood dish (illustrative photo)
Illustrative photo

Brasserie Georges

Restaurant · Perrache

££ Mid-range

A vast Art Deco brasserie open since 1836, with a huge dining hall and a menu of Lyonnais classics.

Known for: Choucroute, seafood, brasserie classics

About £20–40 per person

Local favourite Good for Families · Groups

Belgian waffles (illustrative photo)
Illustrative photo

Maison Sébastien Bouillet

Bakery · Presqu’île

£ Inexpensive

A renowned pâtissier known for the Lyon speciality tarte aux pralines, made with pink sugar-coated almonds.

Known for: Tarte aux pralines roses

Under about £20 per person

Local favourite Good for Couples · Families

A plated fine-dining dish (illustrative photo)
Illustrative photo

La Mère Brazier

Restaurant · Presqu’île

££££ Special occasion

A historic restaurant founded by the celebrated “Mère Brazier”, offering refined, Lyon-rooted cooking.

Known for: Poularde demi-deuil, tasting menu

£70+ per person

Special occasion Good for Couples · Groups

A plated fine-dining dish (illustrative photo)
Illustrative photo

Auberge du Pont de Collonges (Paul Bocuse)

Restaurant · Collonges-au-Mont-d’Or (10 km)

££££ Special occasion

The great chef Paul Bocuse’s flagship, in a village north of the city, a landmark of French gastronomy.

Known for: Classic French haute cuisine

£70+ per person

Special occasion Good for Couples · Groups

£ to ££££ is an approximate guide to price level and the per-person range is an estimate, not live pricing. “Good for” is a rule of thumb. Opening times and menus change: check with the venue before you go.

Local dishes to try in Lyon 3
  • Bouchon lunch

    Traditional Lyonnais bistros serving quenelles, sausage and tarte aux pralines

  • Quenelle

    A light fish or chicken dumpling in creamy sauce

  • Praline tart

    A pink, sugary tart found in every bakery

Food markets & tastings in Things to Do 3