Discover the wonderful food of Lyon

Known all over the world, Lyonnaise cuisine has only one secret: let things taste as themselves. Famous for centuries, the food of Lyon owes a lot to women, especially since the 18th century. Whether it be the women of Canuts at the Croix Rousse, the bourgeoises of Bellecour, attached to the success of a meal, the supreme sign of good living, or even the "mothers" who held an open table for the Compagnons du Tour de France, all Lyonnaises, regardless of their social rank, have played a leading role in the building of culinary expertise.

Come stroll in the early hours along the Saône quai St Antoine with the hope of finding the best food in Lyon by meeting some of our greatest chefs or discovering the colours of "good taste" in an abundance of regional products on the colourful displays of Les Halles from Lyon. Then, delight yourself again in front of the prestigious windows of the great chocolate makers from Lyon, such as Bernachon or Voisin.

The best restaurants of Lyon

Did you know that Lyon is one of the French cities where the concentration of restaurants per inhabitant is the greatest? Gastronomy is an integral part of the city's heritage, and if there is one experience to be noticed when you come to Lyon, it is probably that of the Lyonnais Bouchon.

This is a typical restaurant where you can discover many examples of the best food in Lyon, such as quenelles, Lyonnaise salad, cervelle de canut (an excellent cheese), sapper apron or pink praline tart. All served in a warm and friendly atmosphere on red and white checkered tablecloths. Bon appetit!

The best restaurants of Lyon are varied: from regional traditions in the famous Lyonnais Bouchons to the guinguettes on the banks of the Saône, from the best French specialities to original and surprising recipes, the city opens up and lets you discover all its culinary riches.

The region is full of inventiveness and great "starred" chefs whose names have gone around the planet, but the real wealth is just as much to be found around the stoves of the neighbourhood restaurants, which silently celebrate a feast of colours and tastes. Our markets and their regional producers of the food of Lyon are the "vegetable garden" of the city.

Food in Lyon: the capital of gastronomy

"Nothing is wasted!” Pork meat occupies a special place in Lyon's cuisine. Its countless variations abound on the best tables. Lyon sausage, cervelas with truffle or pistachio,  tablier de sapeur or jésus de Lyon are successful and excessive examples of the food of Lyon!

Lyon, capital of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, is internationally renowned for both its wines and its gastronomy. A visit to Lyon will take you to some of the finest gastronomic restaurants, some of which are Michelin-starred, and to the famous typical restaurants, the bouchons.

On the menu are many specialties based on pork such as cured sausage from Lyon, cervelas with truffles or pistachios or even pâté en croûte. For the less meat inclined, the quenelles, dumplings prepared with wheat semolina, butter, eggs, and milk, are proposed plain or with pike. Gratinated in the oven they are served with a tomato or béchamel sauce.

It's hard to decide which is the best food in Lyon!

For dessert, fall for the pink praline! Made with almonds or hazelnuts coated in cooked sugar, you will savour them on their own or in a tart or brioche

A gastronomic food between Rhône and Saône

Rhône and Saône have forged the city identity and are part of the new city's plans. From Lyon Confluence and its eponymous Museum to the banks of the Rhône or the banks of the Saône at the foot of old Lyon, navigation, walks and terraces invite you to stroll and discover.

Tourism in Lyon is popular due to the many activities available. On the menu, start with a stroll along the riverbanks of the Rhône or the Saône, continue through the historical centre and its narrow streets steeped in history. But that's not all: many creative activities await you.

Les Halles

Visit the Halles Paul Bocuse, a mythical institution dedicated to gastronomy. Its name is an homage to the emblematic and world-renowned Michelin-starred chef. There, you can do your market, discover fine local products and even have a lunch or a snack.

Lyon is renowned for being the gastronomic capital of France; it would be a shame to stay in the capital of Gaul without tasting its many culinary specialities! Les Halles is an important place for lovers of good food searching for the authentic taste of good things. Strolling through the alleys of Les Halles is like experiencing a sensory journey: the gastronomic food products entice the eye, the smells tickle the taste buds and awaken the appetite. You will come across beautiful, good, creative, and tasty gastronomic food, and appreciate the presence of caterers and restaurateurs allowing you to eat on-site.

By entering this high place of gastronomy, you will walk in the hallowed footsteps of Paul Bocuse, who came to stock up on fresh, local and quality products in these halls. As a result, all the senses are awakened: varied, colourful, delicious products, mouth-watering scents, explanations and suggestions from professionals who are passionate about their profession, and samples that make you want to share these flavours with those close to you—bringing them back a little delicacy from Les Halles. In short, a destination not to be missed for all gourmets!

Gourmets will enjoy classic French cooking classes such as those of Plum Lyon where everyone can participate children and adults alike: visit Lyon’s largest typical farmers market, pick your tasty seasonal products, and learn to cook a delicious traditional meal.