This traditional Bouchon will charm you with its old world aesthetics, friendly vibe and delicious food. Le Garet is so popular amongst locals that you'll have to book well in advance to secure a seat at this culinary institution. While contemporary French cuisine is often associated with artistically plated, delicately balanced and subtly flavored dishes, Le Garet serves up traditional Lyonnaise cuisine - rich, hearty and packed with meaty goodness. Try local specialties like Pieds de Veau, Rillettes d’Oie, Tete de Veau and Tomates Steak et Ornue, each unusual, yet typically Lyonnaise. Wine is served alongside these hearty dishes to enliven your palate and refresh your senses. Old photographs and assorted curiosities are clustered around tables topped with white linen, while the happy chatter of the Bouchon's guests and the musical clink of cutlery forms the background score for an unforgettable meal at Le Garet.
Vegetarians despairing over the lack of vegetarian restaurants in the city will be very pleased with Yaafa, a quick-service Lebanese eatery in Croix-Rousse. A chalkboard displays a host of falafel options and sandwiches, each made with fresh veggies and topped off with tantalizing traditional sauces and hummus. Some favorites include Le Grec, filled with olive tapenade, grilled eggplant and drizzled with white sauce, Le Red Neck, a simple combination of tomato, corn, red onion and Philly sauce, and Le Veggie Fest that comes with assorted veggies topped off with a tomato coulis. Desserts and beverages are available as well.
Serving traditional French cuisine, Restaurant Thomas has grown in reputation in recent years to become one of Lyon's better restaurants. Garnering raves for its menus that change seasonally, the chefs at Restaurant Thomas prepare inventive French cuisine based on what ingredients are available in the market that day. The bar menu boasts a large number of wines to complement the meals while the wait staff is attentive without being intrusive. Don’t let the steep prices of the dishes deter you from trying out this eatery, it’s loved and frequented by the locals for a reason.
Le Gourmet de Sèze is known for putting a contemporary and modern twist on traditional French cuisine. Chef Bernard Mariller is a local favorite and has quite a devoted following. The specialty here is definitely shellfish St. Jacques with broccoli in truffle juice but the menu is full of seasonal dishes that aim to please. The dining area is rather small but warm and inviting with a classic and sophisticated vibe.
Le Kitchen Café is a beautifully laid out cafe that offers a delightfully laid back vibe to escape the pace.Their talented baristas ensure a perfect pull each time. The setting is casual and warm. Their thoughtful lighting accents give a comfortable feel to the place. The service is quite prompt and the food is scrumptious. On offer at Le Kitchen Café is a variety of Nordic and Polish classics, light bites, salads, soups and other entrees.Their desserts (especially the pound cake) are decadent. Easy on the pocket and friendly, this cafe has become a popular hangout among the locals and is quite favored by the tourists as well.
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 sauerkraut, 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.
Head to Stamtich for a taste of traditional culinary delights from the region of Alsace. The charming cafe exudes a hipster vibe with boasts a contemporary ethos that is rooted in tradition. The menu embodies the vibrant culture of Alsace, blending together Germanic and French influences to offer flammekueches and malicettes (a kind of pretzel), freshly baked in the cafe's very own wood-fired oven. Stamtich offers a scrumptious selection of pastries and snacks, as well as wine, beer, coffee and tea, served all day alongside daily lunch and dinner menus. Guests are welcome to linger and take advantage of the free WiFi to get some work done, or to simply relax with friends over drinks and conversation.