Schmap Lyon Dining & Drinking

Our apologies: your internet browser is not yet fully supported by our Schmap online guides. If you continue, pages in this guide may display or function incorrectly.

Would you like to continue anyway?

Schmap.com supports the following browsers:

Internet Explorer 6 and above
Firefox 1.5 and above
Safari 3 for Pc

MAC

Safari version 1.3 and above
Firefox 2 and above

Lyon - Dining & Drinking
Download the Schmap Lyon Guide
With Schmap 2.0 you can:

Browse this Schmap Guide on your PC, online or offline.
View Schmap Guides for 200 worldwide destinations.
Bookmark places of interest, plan trips and take virtual tours.
Custom print your own full-color travel guides.
Publish and share schmapplets with your favorite places
Enjoy many more unique Schmap features.

Lyon Home

France is undoubtedly one of the most gastronomical countries in the world, if not the most. And among the world's major culinary capitals, Lyon is certainly one of the most important. After all, who has not heard of beaujolais or of Lyon's famous quenelles?

Thanks to its geographical position, Lyon has served as a meeting point for many different culinary influences over the years. It happily benefits from a lush nearby vineyard, which provides a welcome addition to every course ordered in a restaurant. Côtes du Rhône and Beaujolais wines are thus a permanent feature of the Lyon restaurant table. It is not for nothing that Lyon is called the city of three rivers: theRhône, the Saône and the Beaujolais! Even if the city's restaurants give local specialities more than their fair share of attention, particularly when it comes to poultry and cooked meats, the fact that Lyon is a large regional capital means it can offer a wide selection of exotic restaurants, reflecting the diversity of contemporary France.

As for cafés and bistros, Lyon boasts numerous establishments from the simple, traditional bistro to the super-modern bar. It should be added that France and particularly the Lyon region have the highest rate of cafés per head in the whole of Europe! But let us begin our tour with the most eminent of Lyon's restaurants.

The Most Famous Restaurants

One can hardly speak of Lyon without mentioning the celebrated Paul Bocuse restaurant. Although it is not centrally located it is well worth the trek. This restaurant, famous the world over, is in a league of its own, and the food is truly exquisite. Beware of the prices, though: they reflect the standing of the restaurant. The Tour Rose in Old Lyon is to be found on the ground floor of the prestigious hotel bearing the same name. Many celebrities stay here when they come to Lyon. The cuisine is modern and of a standard that places it beyond criticism, and is served in a superb setting. Meanwhile, the Pierre Orsi is establishing a growing reputation and deserves the attention of all refined epicureans. They will not be disappointed: the place is perfect.

The Bouchons

A gastronomical tour of Lyon would not be complete without the famous bouchons or plugs. These are generally small restaurants where you can have a plate of meat from ten o'clock onwards, or a saint-marcellin cheese with a glass of beaujolais. These cosy establishments are an essential part of traditional Lyon gastronomy and you can find them all over the city. La Mère Cottivet and Chez Mounier are among those that cultivate the tradition and simple values which excite all fans of Lyon life.

Foreign Countries

For those with a taste for exoticism and foreign travel, the range of non-French restaurants is vast and rather depends on your preferred destination. One thing is guaranteed, though; you will be bewildered by the choice. We cannot of course list all the possibilities here, but let us at least mention some that offer unusual cuisine in a particularly interesting setting. The Samba atmosphere of O'Brasil will whisk you away for an evening of lilting rhythms, while Confort Impérial will tempt you with Chinese dishes. A must for Americana-lovers is Coffee Shop, whose décor is inspired by the great Western plains. Buddy Burd will take you just a stretch further towards the Mexican sun. Meanwhile, Mamounia evokes the tang of Marrakesh with its superb décor and delicious couscous.

The Brasseries

The brasseries of Lyon are also worth a look for their typical menus and their often striking settings. In fact, many date back to the beginning of the 20th century and the Art Nouveau decoration can be opulent and highly impressive. A case in point is the venerable Brasserie Georges, worth a visit for its decoration alone (the ceilings are splendid.) The Brasserie Francotte has all the attractions of a cosy and comfortable brasserie.

As you can see, Lyon is the ideal place to discover local and international cuisine. But the city also brims with little bistros and cafés spilling over onto attractive terraces. The most famous is the Grand Café des Négociants; its imposing and formal ambience is ideal for a tea on the terrace. But you could also try the Café de Betty, with its programme of arts events, or sample the mega-modern cyber world of the Connectik Café. Now that you know everything, it's your move!

Copyright 1999-2005 Wcities, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Contact Wcities

Brasserie Georges 1836

Institutional brasserie

30 Cours de Verdun
Lyon 69002
France
+33 4 72 56 5454

The Brasserie Georges has been a monument of Lyonnaise gastronomy since 1836. The building alone is worth the visit—it is designed in art deco style and up to 650 people can be seated under the majestic ceiling, which has lustrous frescos. The menu remains purely traditional with sauerkrauts, seafood and fish, and some Lyonnaise specialties. Everything is served with a drink, of course. Any journey to Lyon must include a visit to Georges'.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Brasserie Georges 1836 photo by © Emmanuel Gabily

Photo: © Emmanuel Gabily

Brasserie Georges 1836 photo by Ronald Holden

Photo: Ronald Holden

Photo: (bps)

Buddy Burd

Tex-Mex 4 Rue René-Leynaud
Lyon 69001
France
+33 4 7839 2775 This famous Tex-Mex restaurant is the oldest in its genre in the town, having been here for 15 years, and it is certainly the nicest. The décor is successful in creating an authentic feel throughout the whole restaurant. Between the main dining area and the cellar there is room for 120 people, plus there is a terrace that can be used in the summer. The food is exactly what you would expect from this kind of restaurant - nachos, chimichangas, tortillas and chilli con carne.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Benjamin Vanderlick

Chez Mounier

Good value, typical and authentic Lyonnaise restaurant 3 Rue des Marronniers
Lyon 69002
France
+33 4 7837 7926 This Lyonnaise restaurant will soon reach its centenary. The secret of its long existence is simply its authenticity. The décor may be sober, but the atmosphere is warm and the food is prepared according to the most strict Lyonnaise traditions. You can find all the local specialties here like Saucisson Chaud, Quenelles or Tablier de Sapeur (marinated tripe). Among the many Lyonnaise restaurants, this one simply offers you high quality food at a reasonable price.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Confort Impérial

A gastronomic Chinese restaurant with a luxurious décor and carefuly prepared food 10 Rue Confort
Lyon 69002
France
This restaurant surrounds you in luxurious décor and it is said that this is a Chinese restaurant like no other. It is true that the carefully-prepared food is gastronomic, and therefore delicious, to look at and to eat. Try the Chinese Fondue, Peking Duck or Lacquered Pigeon. This is definitely a Chinese restaurant that is worth the journey, as the meals are excellent and so is the service. The fact that celebrities and important politicians eat here is testimony to its reputation.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Espace Connectik

Oldest cyber cafe in Lyon 19 Quai Saint Antoine
Lyon 69002
France
+33 4 72 77 9885
http://www.connectik.fr This is the oldest cyber-cafe in Lyon (1995) and also the largest, occupying just less than 200 square metres over three floors. The décor is modern, but pleasant. One thing you must see is the gallery of visual art. If you want to go and surf the net there are 27 computers at your disposal, and rates are reasonable. You can also get drinks. If you are interested in the net, but lack the expertise, staff are happy to assist. There are also particular courses on offer.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Espace Connectik photo by wcities
Photo: wcities

Mamounia

Morrocan restaurant with magnificent surroundings and a good menu 2 Rue de la Bourse
Lyon 69002
France
+33 4 7828 6844 This Moroccan restaurant has the great advantage of being able to welcome its customers into magnificent surroundings; you will feel like you are in Marrakesh. You can even eat seated on the ground for an added dose of authenticity (this is not compulsory). The specialties are Chicken with Almonds, Onion and Raisin Couscous, and oven Baked Fish Tajine. The menu isn't very large, but everything on it is delicious.

Review © 2007, Wcities

O'Brasil

Brazilian restaurant offering a show 3 Rue de la Fromagerie
Lyon 69001
France
+33 4 7828 4959 This restaurant definitely has a hot atmosphere and it is entirely devoted to making the exotic cuisine of Brazil known. The décor is an ingenious mix of sobriety and vivid colours. The prices are a little expensive, but they do include the dance shows that the customers can participate in, which are almost worth the trip on their own. The menu features Churascaria (11 meats cooked and threaded on a sword), as well as a variety of traditional spicy dishes.

Review © 2007, Wcities

O'Brasil photo by wcities
Photo: wcities

Paul Bocuse

World famous restaurant 40 Rue de la Plage
Lyon 69660
France
+33 4 7242 9090 Even though this place is not actually in Lyon, you only have to go 4km north to find one of France's most celebrated restaurants. The surroundings are bourgeois and you definitely have to economize a little to be able to afford a meal in this place. The menu choice is very large, which makes it impossible to list it all: truffle soup, Loup en Croûte with lobster mousse, Rouget Barbet in layers of potato, to name a few. Reservations are required.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: kim in europe
Photo: Mike Hohnen
Photo: Darrin McCowan
Photo: anita

Pierre Orsi

One of the best gastronomy restaurants 3 Place Kléber
Lyon, Rhone-Alpes
France
+33 4 7889 5768 Located inside a beautiful bourgeois house, this restaurant is one the best in the city. The dishes are delicious, of a fine quality and are accompanied by some wonderful vintages. It is worth noting that during the week most of the customers are business people. On their plates you will see Roasted Pikeperch in wine sediments, Foie Gras Ravioli in port and truffle sauce, or Thrice Baked Foie Gras of the moors.

Review © 2007, Wcities

The Rhône

Major river in Lyon Lyon
France
The Rhône is one of the largest rivers in France and is the mainstay of industry from Lyons to Marseilles with its factories, dams and power stations. It is particularly true of Lyons, ideally located between the Low Countries and Italy. The Rhône is one of Lyons' main landmarks and the banks from the Gerland district up to Parc de la Tête d'Or park have been recently redeveloped to offer cyclists, skaters and walkers an unusual way of exploring the city. If you want to discover Lyons by boat, head towards the North rather than the industrial zone of Feyzin in the South. Don't worry though, you can still sail, water ski and swim in some parts of the Rhône.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Erin Czarra
Photo: Jesús Corrius
Photo: [ebarrera]
Photo: mosse
Photo: steven0127
Photo: Cecy R.
Photo: Jerome Decq
Photo: Bob

Photo: Ocean Sunfish
Photo: Dimitris Kilimis
Photo: pjmj
Photo: fmarmo
Photo: Karla Aguilar
Photo: AmUnivers
Photo: Mike Harvey
Photo: Sandy Huynh

Photo: Aaron P. Bailey
Photo: mpd01605
Photo: Sophia Lyde
Photo: Kris Harper Bowers
Photo: Peter Meuris

The Saône

Big River Quai Funcheron
(A7)
Lyon
France
There is a statue in place Bellecour that represents the Saône river as a sensual, well-rounded woman. Don't let this fool you as the Saône is certainly more forceful than its neighbour the Rhône when the elements get going. If you go to the Museum of Gallo-Roman civilisation, you will see how long it took for the river to establish its course. These days the banks of the Saône are more attractive and stroller-friendly than those of the Rhône. A craft market is held every Sunday morning on the left bank from quai Fulchiron to quai Romain Rolland. On the right bank, second-hand book sellers gather every weekend (if the weather is fine) at quai de la Pêcherie and quai St Antoine. One of Lyon's biggest outdoor markets stretches from beyond the book sellers up to pont Bonaparte. For those who prefer walking and swimming to bargain hunting, we recommend you go northwards up the Saône towards Ile Barbe. There are several riverside restaurants (known as "guingettes") where you can sample fried fish and frogs' legs.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Steve White
Photo: yann.dille@gmail.com
Photo: Guy Tiphane
Photo: Maeve Garigan
Photo: Rachel Grossman
Photo: Clement Lo
Photo: Daniel J. Cartwright
Photo: Abby Stahl

Photo: ~Diablo~
Photo: Robbie Epp
Photo: David L.
Photo: John Stull
Photo: Alexia
Photo: Natzi
Photo: david daniell
Photo: midge8000

Photo: Adrianne Li-Tan
Photo: Marc-Antoine Guidaul
Photo: -Inkku-
Photo: Alexandra REYES
Photo: Rylmess
Photo: chiquita-phan
Photo: Rapeepat Mantanarat
Photo: Kinnon Elliott

Photo: Edson Soares
Photo: Josselin Dautel
Photo: Šarūnas Burdulis
Photo: Q. Kozuchowski
Photo: César Ciria
Photo: benjamin_yuen
Photo: Mihai
Photo: javier ignacio gonzalez romero

Photo: Monique Sanmiguel