Whenever I am in Lyon, I spend almost all my day eating. The city is considered the international capital of gastronomy, so eating and restaurant-hopping is one of the most exciting things to do in Lyon. From its iconic Bouchons serving traditional Lyonnaise classics to avant-garde establishments pushing the boundaries of gastronomy, the city’s dining scene offers a fantastic gourmet journey.
I go to Lyon every year for the long weekends of November because it is one of the easiest day trips from Paris, and I always make sure to book all my restaurant spots one month in advance (no it’s not overkill). So I’ve had the opportunity to try dozens of the city’s eateries, and today I will share with you my top 10 must visit restaurants in Lyon I always go back to.
First of all, I will be honest with you: traditional Lyonnaise food is not for everyone – you either like it or you don’t, and you need a solid stomach to wolf it down every day. I made sure to list in this post 3 good options among the Lyonnaise restaurants (or, as they call it, “Bouchons Lyonnais”), as well as 7 other excellent restaurants to try from various foreign cuisines worldwide. In any case, Lyon, like the rest of France, is a very cosmopolitan city, so featuring restaurants from Lyon’s immigrant communities reflects the true diversity and history of France as a multicultural nation.
So here it is, my pick of the 10 best restaurants in Lyon I always return to.
And if you’re ever out of ideas for activities in the city, check out this article on exciting things to do in Lyon.
10 Must Visit Restaurants in Lyon
Les Ventres Jaunes – Bouchon Lyonnais, Traditionnal Lyonnaise Food
Tucked away in Vieux Lyon, Les Ventres Jaunes is the epitome of a classic Bouchon Lyonnais. The owner and staff are genuinely welcoming, even accommodating last-minute diner reservations (I often get mine 15 minutes before). I love their outdoor terrace, where you can find cozy blankets to keep you warm in any weather.
I usually start with their melt-in-your-mouth paté, served with pickles and a tangy salad – though the vinaigrette might be a bit sharp for some. For the main dish, the andouillette is perfect: it has a crispy exterior and tender tripe inside, paired with (admittedly a bit too salty, so request adjustments) fries and traditional mustard.
I finish with desserts: my two big favorites, the tarte tatin, which strikes the perfect balance of sweetness and chewiness, complemented by homemade whipped cream, and the cervelle de canuts, a light and airy cheese with a fresh onion kick.
At €25 for a three-course meal, it’s a solid deal.
Address: 1 Pl. Neuve Saint-Jean, 69005 Lyon
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday 11:30 AM–2:30 PM, 6:30–10:30 PM
Bouchon Chez Georges – Bouchon Lyonnais, Traditionnal Lyonnaise Food
When you enter Bouchon Chez Georges, you’re immediately enveloped by a warm and convivial atmosphere. The interior exudes rustic charm, with checkered tablecloths, vintage posters, and wooden furnishings.
Their onion soup is a knock-out, thanks to the caramelized onions in a rich beef broth, topped with melted Gruyère cheese. The quenelle de brochet with lobster sauce is light and airy, one of the best in Lyon. I also highly recommend their onglet de bœuf with Saint Marcellin cheese sauce – a stand-out and must-try. Each bite is a tender, juicy bite. The accompanying Saint Marcellin cheese sauce adds creaminess, enhancing the natural flavors of the beef. Robust meat with an indulgent sauce is always a very solid pair.
The staff at Chez Georges are attentive and knowledgeable, and always eager to share recommendations and ensure a memorable dining experience.
Address: 8 Rue du Garet, 69001 Lyon
Opening hours: Monday – Friday: 9 AM–3 PM, 7–10:30 PM
Auberge des Canuts – Bouchon Lyonnais, Traditionnal Lyonnaise Food (My Personnel Favourite)
Situated in a charming square in front of a church, Auberge des Canuts offers a fantastic dining experience, especially on sunny days when you can enjoy your meal outdoors and people-watch.
I highly recommend their Monkfish Pork Belly dish. Fish and pork; you must be thinking: what a crazy combination. And yet! It works – it’s smoky, creamy, tangy, and utterly satisfying. I dream of that meal sometimes.
What also sets that restaurant apart is its commitment to quality. They list the specific origin of all their meats, fish, cheese, and even bread, down to the region and producer. It’s always a pleasure to have your food with a side of transparency, it makes it taste better.
Address: 8 Pl. Saint-Jean, 69005 Lyon
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday 9 AM–10 PM
L’Air du Pays – Niche Algerian Restaurant and Best Comfort Food
If you want to give a chance to a niche and lesser-known (and yet delicious!) cuisine, L’Air du Pays is the spot for you. Step into it and you’re instantly transported to the Sahara in Algeria.
The interior decor is made to look like the inside of a desert tent with the walls being fully covered in the traditional cloth these tents are made of. You’ll find photos of Algeria all over the walls, current and old pictures, as well as earthenware pottery and other traditional objects of daily life like wicker baskets.
They keep the light soft, which creates an intimate ambiance and gives you even more of the impression you’re in a tent. So for decor and atmosphere, I have to give it a 10/10.
As for the food, the restaurant offers generous portions of excellent comfort food. My go-to is usually a chicken couscous with perfectly seasoned red sauce and juicy chicken. I enjoy their Rechta as well – it’s a dish of airy noodle-like pasta with a chicken-based sauce. My favorite thing is the paper menu that explains the history and significance of each dish, it’s those kinds of little details that make all the difference.
All in all, this restaurant, from the decor to the food to the explanations on the menu, is one of the best and most immersive food experiences you can have in Lyon for a niche cuisine you might not know.
Address: 14 Rue de Marseille, 69007 Lyon
Opening hours : Tuesday – Thursday 12–3 PM, 6–11 PM; Friday 1–11 PM; Saturday – Sunday 12–11 PM
Café Lisboa – Portuguese Food and Delicious Pastries
If you’re craving authentic Portuguese flavors in Lyon, Café Lisboa is the place to be. Their sweet potato purée is hands down the best in town – creamy, flavorful, and utterly satisfying. The bacalhau (salted cod) is a standout, perfectly flaky and seasoned. Paired with a drizzle of olive oil and herbs, it’s always a banger dish.
And, of course, no visit is complete without indulging in the pastéis de nata, which I fell in love with when I was in Nazaré, one of the best places to visit in Portugal. I’m in love with the tarts’ crisp and flaky crust, creamy caramelized custard filling topped with a sprinkle (or ten) of cinnamon.
This restaurant always takes me back to my time in Portugal, because they always get the Bacalhau and the pastel de nata perfectly right. It’s like a mini trip to Lisbon without leaving Lyon.
Address: 9 Rue des Quatre Chapeaux, 69002 Lyon
Opening hours: Tuesday – Friday 12–2 PM, 7–10 PM, Saturday 12–2:30 PM, 7–10:30 PM, Sunday 12–2:30 PM
Carmelo – Good Pizza And Beautiful Decor
I’ll tell you right off the bat, Carmelo isn’t just about the food, though it is certainly excellent. It is about the whole experience – I have rarely been in such a beautifully decorated restaurant.
When you enter, you go through several rooms, each with its own unique and gorgeous design. That makes every visit feel special since you can ask to be placed in different rooms each time.
As for the food… I’m a Margherita pizza fanatic, so I have tried every Margherita pizza under the sun – including the best ones in Naples – and I have to say: Carmelo’s measures up. I’m never disappointed in their food, whether it is pizza, pasta, desserts or cocktails.
The best part about this? It’s easy on the wallet; a pizza and a drink come to about €23.
Just a heads up: this place is popular, so booking in advance is a must.
Address: 7 Rue Neuve, 69001 Lyon
Opening hours: Monday – Thursday 11:45 AM–2 PM, 6:45–10:30 PM; Friday 11:45 AM–2 PM, 6:45–10:45 PM; Saturday 12–3 PM, 6:45–10:45 PM; Sunday 12–3 PM, 6:45–10:30 PM
Fruta Madre – Vegan, Organic and Gluten-Free With Mexican Influences
Fruta Madre is a vegan experience with a Mexican twist. The colorful décor matches the fresh, wholesome dishes they serve.
They offer customized bowls from a variety of cooked veggies (I like to go with sweet potatoes, butternut squash and cauliflower) as well as warm meals. Their menu changes daily, so you know everything is homemade.
The food here is gluten-free, sugar-free, and lactose-free. A perfect option for those seeking healthier and/or lightweight lunch options.
A bowl and dessert will set you back about €14, so it is both healthy and affordable.
Address: 10 Rue d’Austerlitz, 69004 Lyon
Opening hours: Monday – Saturday 10 AM–3 PM
Philly Soul, Street Food Américaine – American Street Food
Philly Soul – Street Food Américaine, located near the Lyon Depardieu train station, blends American soul food with a Lyonnaise touch.
I highly recommend the Philly Cheese Steak, but my favorite remains the Philly Lyon sandwich featuring Saint-Marcellin sauce. Not even kidding, this is the best sandwich you’ll ever eat in Lyon. I know it doesn’t look like much in the picture, but trust me, it’s mightblowing.
The meat is very tender, juicy and flavourful, and the cheese is the perfect amount of tang and creamy. Plus, the bread is warm and soft, so the whole thing just melts in your mouth. A knock-out sandwich.
Address: 20 Rue de la Rize, 69003 Lyon
Opening hours: Monday 11:30 AM–2:30 PM, 6:30–10 PM; Tuesday – Sunday 11:30 AM–2:30 PM, 6:45–10 PM
Markets in Lyon – Very Diverse Food Scene, Fresh and Well-Sourced Ingredients
So, a market is not a restaurant, I’m well aware… and yet I love eating at Lyon’s markets. The food is always fresh and made on the spot for you. It covers an incredibly wide variety of cuisines: from homecooked traditional Lyonnaise food to seafood to rotisserie chicken to Lebanese food, it’s always perfect. Plus, a market is my go-to when I want my pick of quality cheese or honey!
One standout is the Saint-Antoine Market, located along the Saône River. I love to do my shopping with a view. For a more upscale experience, Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse provides a gourmet selection of regional products.
Chikin Bang – Korean-Inspired Street Food
I don’t know about you, but tteokbokki is what I crave when I want spicy food (also my go-to when I have a cold). Unfortunately, it is quite difficult to procure in France, even in Korean restaurants.
That’s why I go to Chikin Bang often, even if I’m not usually big on fast foods – their tteokbokki is arguably the best I have eaten in France: perfect chewiness in the rice cakes, perfect spiciness and flavor in the sauce. The gochujang chicken wings are another favorite, with a perfect balance of heat and sweetness. The rest of the menu is quite diverse, featuring items like baos, corndogs, and sotteok sotteok.
Located just five minutes from the train station, it’s a convenient stop for a quick, delicious bite. Perfect for when you’re waiting for your train and you have an hour or two ahead of you.
Address: 17 Rue Dr Bouchut, 69003 Lyon
Opening hours: Sunday – Monday 11 AM–10:30 PM; Tuesday – Thursday 11 AM–10:30 PM; Friday – Saturday 11 AM–11 PM
Final Thoughts
As you explore these culinary gems in Lyon, you’ll discover that each establishment not only serves delicious dishes but also tells a unique story, reflecting the multicultural culinary history of the city. As I have said and keep saying, Lyon is the city in France where I have always eaten the best. I have never regretted a trip there, and so I know I will keep going back again and again for the experience.
For more articles about Lyon, check out my recommendations below:
Like it? Pin it!
Disclaimer: Some of the links on this website are “affiliate links.” This means that if you click on the link and do a purchase, I will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost for you. This helps me keep my website running and continue to share my travelling knowledge with you. I thank you for booking your flights or hotels using the links on my website. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers.
