Lyon Restaurants

Many consider Lyon and its surroundings to have the best food and choice in France. There are a huge number of restaurants in the town that range from simple market stalls and typical fast-food joints right up to the finest restaurants of anywhere. Visitors will be spoiled for choice on discovering that every region of France in the food stakes is represented as well as overseas tastes, although vegetarians may find the choice somewhat limited. Booking tables ahead of time in the more popular restaurants at weekends is a must.

Local cuisine

The most popular and affordable type of restaurant in Lyon are the many Lyonnais establishments known as bouchon (cork). Lyonnais is a local wine that is consumed in great quantities here and there are many local specialities that accompany it. Popular bouchon restaurant dishes include: gras double (tripe); saladiers Lyonnais (assorted salads); and cervelle de canut (white cheese with herbs). Food and drink prices at the traditional bouchons Lyonnais are generally very reasonable. Kebabs are also a big deal in the city.

Where to eat

There are hundreds of restaurants all over the city, although Vieux Lyon (Old Town) has the greatest concentration of them and the cosiest atmosphere. The town centre, between the two rivers, also has a massive amount of eateries and the cheaper and less touristy ones are around Place des Jacobins and Place Sathonay, Presqu'île. Those after the traditional bouchon restaurants should head for the streets between Cordeliers and Terreaux, and along rue Mercière.