Lyon is the culinary capital of France, renowned for its gastronomy and the region’s rich culinary heritage. Known for its bouchons – casual eateries, amazing produce and of course the institution that is Paul Bocuse. It is also home to many Michelin starred restaurants and formidable female chefs!
Lyon is famous for its bouchons, traditional Lyonnais restaurants that serve hearty and robust dishes. The offer a warm and convivial atmosphere where locals and tourists gather to savour and try the city’s specialities. A famous export is the “coq au vin”, a succulent chicken stew cooked in red wine, mushrooms and onions. Another classic is the “quenelles” made from meat or fish served with a creamy sauce.
People also come for the charcuterie, the “sauccisson de Lyon” is a classic cured sausage seasoned with garlic and black pepper.
Lyon’s gastronomy is a delightful tapestry of flavours, aromas and traditions – whether you’re looking for humble rustic classics of Michelin starred fine dining, the city has plenty to offer and a must visit for food lovers.
Add these addresses to your next trip to Lyon, you won’t regret it.
Our France trip in January feels like ages ago. I love Lyon and it certainly lives up to its reputation as a gastronomic city. Apart from the legendary institution of the late culinary genius Paul Bocuse and his eponymous restaurant, we do lunches at the bouchons in town and also love heading to Les Halles with their wide and fresh selection of seafood, charcuterie, paté en croute and the whole works.
We checked out these two wonderful restaurants this trip, ** Michelin La Mère Brazier, another institution started and run by a female chef Eugenie Brazier in 1921, in the exact same location. She was also the first female chef to be awarded three Michelin stars twice, and the first person to be awarded 6 Michelin stars for two restaurants. She’s also endearingly known as the “Forgotten Mother of French cuisine”
The kitchen is now helmed by chef Mathieu Viannay and the food is hearty, generous and of robust flavours. Highly recommend taking a poulard if you’re a party of three or more. We had to much to eat as usual. Also, one of the best paté en croute I’ve had in a while.
The other interesting discovery we made, well I made because Mr chef knew the chef Tabata May of * Michelin Les Apothicaires that she runs with her husband. The food – modern, simple and delish. The interiors are also simple, minimal and modern and we had front row seats at the bar so we could watch the chefs at the pass.
We stayed at the Sofitel this time which is a little run down and would recommend staying at the newly renovated Intercontinental Hotel Dieu next door instead. The 17th-century heritage building was a hospital for 800 years before it was transformed into a beautiful property. Beautiful modern interiors by Jean Philippe Nuel, plenty of natural light and soft touches using the fabric of Lyonnaise silk create a modern cocoon.
While you’re in Lyon and have a little time, check out the fabric museum, silk was one of the main commodity for Lyon centuries ago.
