Lyon, France — Food and Dining
Restaurants in Lyon, France
Restaurants
Expensive
L'Auberge du Pont de Collonges
Paul Bocuse's Michelin-starred, luxury Lyon establishment is for serious foodies with serious cash. Delights like truffle soup, created for former French president Valéry Giscard d'Estaing, are prepared with the freshest ingredients and exquisite care. The restaurant is located 4km (2.5miles) north of Lyon on the banks of the Saône River.
40 rue de la Plage, Collonges au Mont d'Or
Tel: (04) 7242 9090.
Website: www.bocuse.fr
Nicholas Le Bec
Nicholas Le Bec's eponymous restaurant uses seasonal ingredients in dishes that reinterpret Gallic culinary traditions to create exciting, modern menus. But his consummate reworkings of classic dishes, which have earned him two stars in the Michelin guide, don't come cheap.
14 rue Grolée
Tel: (04) 7842 1535.
Website: www.nicolaslebec.com
Moderate
Brasserie Georges
This popular Lyon brasserie, which opened in 1836, still dishes up traditional dishes in grand art deco surrounding. Opt for the plat du jour, one of the famous choucroutes, a plateau de fruits de mer (seafood platter) - or order from the tempting a la carte menu. The beer is brewed on the premises.
30 cours de Verdun
Tel: (04) 7256 5454.
Website: www.brasseriegeorges.com
La Mère Jean
Another welcoming bouchon serving Lyonnais specialties like quenelle de brochet (pike dumpling). Other popular dishes include boudin (blood sausage), onion tart, andouillette and ris de veau.
5 rue des Marronniers
Tel: (04) 7837 8127.
Le Bouchon de l'Opéra
Convivial bistro that dishes up local specialties at reasonable prices.
11 rue des Capucins
Tel: (04) 7828 4947.
Cheap
Chez Mounier
The authentic regional dishes, served in the intimate surroundings of this neighborhood bouchon, are unpretentious and tasty. Friendly service, booking recommended.
3 rue des Marronniers
Tel: (04) 7837 7926.
Nightlife
The best way to see the city's architectural heritage is by night, when over 100 sites are illuminated. Old Lyon, the banks of the Saône, the Presqu'île and Croix Rousse are the liveliest districts at night. There is a wide variety of bars and pubs scattered all over the city and it is not always easy to choose between Irish, English, Latino, Cuban and the exotic among the range of watering holes available. There are also traditional Lyonnais bars.
Information on Lyon's nightlife is available online (www.lyonweb.net/sortir.htm or www.sortirlyon.org) and in local newspapers Lyon Poche, Lyon Débrouille, and Le Petit Paumé.
Bars
Café du Soleil
Café du Soleil is a traditional Lyonnais café, perfect for an early-evening aperitif. Situated in a small and charming area of Lyon, this is one of the oldest cafés in the city, having been here for two centuries, and a friendly alternative to the large fashionable nightspots of the city center. You can also try Le 110 Vins next door for traditional Lyonnais fare and an impressive wine list of over 300 wines.
2 rue Saint Georges
Tel: (04) 7837 6002.
Website: http://cafe-du-soleil.eresto.net
Le Moana
Latin-style bars, such as Le Moana in Quartier St Paul, guarantee exotic décor and fantastic cocktails. Decorated with bamboo, coconuts, and tropical flowers, Le Moana also features three aquariums, including one with piranhas.
20 quai Pierre Scize
Tel: (04) 7883 2959.
New Albion
The New Albion is a popular English-style pub with two giant screens for concerts and sporting events, a dartboard and a wide selection of draught beers. There are also regular theme nights, quiz and gigs.
12 rue Ste-Catherine
Tel: (04) 7828 3300.
Clubs
L'Alibi
Full of laser lights and mirrors, the cool and cosy L'Alibi plies an up-for-it crowd with eclectic sounds. Meet people from all walks of life and jive to all kinds of music ranging from pop, rock and techno to funk, soul and salsa.
13 quai Romain Rolland
Tel: (04) 7842 0466.
Website: www.alibidisco.com
New Hollywood
New Hollywood has the biggest dance floor in Lyon and appeals to nostalgia fans with swing, jive and rock'n'roll.
6 rue Henri Barbusse
Tel: (04) 7869 4277.
Website: www.newhollywood.fr
Yes Hot Spot
Popular with a trendy crowd, chill at Yes Hot Spot, a newer venue featuring three themed rooms - Party Room, Smoking Room and Paradise Room - and an intimate ambiance.
12 quai St Vincent
Tel: (06) 2916 1415.
Website: www.yeshotspot.com
Live Music
Le Marché Gare
Le Marché Gare, a recent addition to the scene, promotes new music from reggae to heavy metal.
34 rue Casimir-Périer
Tel: (04) 7240 9713.
Website: www.myspace.com/lemarchegare
Le Transbordeur
Le Transbordeur has two performance spaces; a larger one for established international acts and a smaller stage for local bands.
3 boulevard Stalingrad
Tel: (04) 7893 0833.
Website: www.transbordeur.fr
Ninkasi
This slick venue brews its own beer - choose from six different house beers - and has a regular program of live bands and DJs.
267 rue Marcel Mérieux
Tel: (04) 7276 8900.
Website: www.ninkasi.fr
