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The Best Restaurants in Lyon

Haute Cuisine and Heritage at Epona, a Gem of the InterContinental Lyon

1. Culina Hortus

Culina Hortus, nestled in the heart of Lyon, is a trailblazing vegetarian restaurant offering a sophisticated and original culinary experience. Each week, Chef Adrien Zedda and his team, including pastry chef Margaux Boisson, reinvent the menu with seasonal ingredients, creating refined dishes with locally sourced vegetables, cereals, and fruits. This commitment to quality ingredients leads to unique flavors in dishes such as chard risotto or roasted persimmon.

The restaurant's decor, a blend of stone arches, fine wood, metal, and polished concrete, creates a warm and distinctive atmosphere. This elegant setting reflects the restaurant's philosophy: a celebration of nature and plant-based gastronomy. The wine list, carefully curated by sommelier Jeanne Suscillon, features organic and biodynamic wines, perfectly complementing the team's culinary creations. Emphasis on quality and origin of products is evident, with special mentions to Bordier butter and locally roasted coffee by Loutsa.

The inception of Culina Hortus was a shared vision by Thomas Bouanich and Adrien Zedda, supported by a dedicated team including Flavien Guarato, Nathan Clairon, Margaux Boisson, and Alexis Bogey. Their goal was to create a space where vegetarian cuisine could thrive in a gastronomic setting, a unique and ambitious endeavor in Lyon. Their commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability is reflected in every dish, offering guests a remarkable and environmentally conscious culinary experience.

At lunch, menus at 45€ and 65€, at dinner menu at 75€
Monday to Friday from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM and from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM

2. Jérémy Galvan

In Lyon, Jérémy Galvan's Michelin-starred restaurant since 2017, offers a multisensory journey. The chef, inspired by Pierre Gagnaire, breaks conventional norms to craft a unique culinary experience, where each dish tells a story, like the 'primitive instinct' recipe where diners break cooked clay to unveil a simply cooked carrot.

Located in Old Lyon, the restaurant beautifully merges Spanish influences and the rural roots of Ain, creating a cuisine that is both creative and environmentally conscious. A unique surprise menu, blending local flavors with culinary art, takes guests on a sensory journey, incorporating music and natural elements.

The dining room's decoration, with bronze tones evoking fire, perfectly complements the restaurant's ambiance. The contemporary industrial shades blend with a calmer atmosphere in the blue room, offering a comprehensive experience that captivates with its originality and flawless execution.

3. Les Apothicaires

In the heart of Lyon, Les Apothicaires is a neo-bistro where conviviality reigns supreme. Founded by a talented chef couple, Tabata and Ludovic, the place skillfully blends Brazilian and Savoyard influences. The warm atmosphere is enhanced by an original decor, featuring a large library, jars, and vintage items.

The cuisine, envisioned and executed by the chefs, is a true taste journey. Their culinary creations reflect a fusion of cultures, with dishes inspired by Northern Europe, Latin America, and local terroir. Les Apothicaires promise an experience where culinary creativity is celebrated.

This Lyon restaurant, designed by interior architect Bérengère Mey, offers an intimate atmosphere with around thirty seats. Each visit is an invitation to a sensory journey, where world flavors meet the authenticity and quality of local products.

4. Notre Maison

In the heart of Old Lyon, Notre Maison stands out with its unique decor: formica tables, red benches, an impressive beamed ceiling, and walls adorned with old advertisements and photographs. This warm setting introduces a menu rich in Lyonnaise classics, such as 'assiette des soyeux' or 'andouillette ficelle', enhanced by a selection of natural red wines.

Notre Maison is renowned not just for its authentic cuisine, but also for its unparalleled ambiance. This Lyonnaise bouchon is a gathering place for those who cherish good food and conviviality. Here, the joy of life and love for hearty dishes are contagious, inviting guests to share festive moments often filled with singing and laughter.

The spirit of Notre Maison embodies the authenticity of Lyon. Within the walls of this bouchon, each dish tells a story, each object adds to the decor, contributing to an immersive culinary experience. The specialties, served generously in casseroles, pay tribute to the richness of Lyonnaise gastronomy, promising memorable evenings.

Typical Lyonnaise menus starting from 65€
Monday to Friday from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM and from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM

5. PRaiRiaL

In the heart of Lyon's Presqu'île, PRaiRiaL offers an authentic cuisine deeply rooted in the bounty of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. Chef Gaëtan Gentil's responsible approach results in menus that reflect the local terroir and seasons. PRaiRiaL celebrates nature with meticulously chosen local products, set in a space where raw stone beautifully complements the restaurant's philosophy.

Creativity is at the heart of PRaiRiaL, where Gaëtan Gentil modernly interprets elements of the meadow. Dishes like confit kohlrabi with lemon balm butter or char with squash variations showcase inventive, light cuisine. This approach is mirrored in the restaurant's ambiance, where the dining area is built around the kitchen, inviting guests to a unique culinary show.

PRaiRiaL is more than a restaurant; it's an immersive experience where Chef Gentil and his partner Céline Boinon take you into their world. An ethical, poetic cuisine that's a tribute to nature and respects producers evolves daily, inspired by harvests and encounters. After eight years on Rue Chavanne, PRaiRiaL has reinvented itself in Confluence, offering a rooted and constantly renewed gastronomic adventure.

Monday to Friday from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM and from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM

6. Rustique

Located in the Ainay district of Lyon, Rustique, led by chef Maxime Laurenson, offers a unique culinary experience with its 'instant nature' menu in 10 sequences. Awarded a Michelin star and three Gault&Millau toques, this gourmet restaurant stands out for its inventive cuisine, focusing on seasonal and local products. The atmosphere is both sleek and natural, reflecting a respectful approach to ingredients.

At Rustique, the simplicity of the dishes is enhanced by a special focus on vegetables and a strong locavore approach. The unique, choice-free menu allows guests to discover the flavors of the larger region, from Auvergne to the Alps, in a nature-inspired setting. The address is known for its 'naturalness' approach, creating a convivial atmosphere that is appreciated in the capital of Gaul.

Maxime Laurenson, known for his boldness and creativity, offers a modern and lively dining experience. After his time at Loiseau Rive Gauche in Paris, he brought his expertise to Lyon, where he reinterprets peasant cuisine with finesse. His personal touch transforms rustic dishes into gastronomic creations, offering both an authentic and innovative culinary experience at Rustique.

Lyon Restaurants

Lyon, a vibrant city in France, is renowned for its culinary excellence, making it a top destination for those seeking the best restaurants in the city. With a rich gastronomic heritage, Lyon offers a diverse array of dining experiences, catering to all palates and preferences.

The city's food scene is a blend of traditional French cuisine and innovative culinary creations, attracting food enthusiasts from around the world. From bustling local markets offering fresh, regional produce to cozy bistros and upscale establishments, Lyon is a treasure trove for gourmets. The city is dotted with popular locations, each providing a unique culinary journey. Whether it's exploring the historic Vieux Lyon, strolling along the banks of the Rhône and Saône rivers, or delving into the dynamic Presqu'île district, visitors are sure to find exceptional culinary experiences that exemplify the essence of Lyon's food culture.