9 exceptional Lyonnais bouchons to try
Lyon, the world capital of gastronomy, invites you to discover its most authentic culinary treasures: the famous bouchons lyonnais. These traditional restaurants, veritable institutions of the city, have been perpetuating the art of living à la lyonnaise for centuries. From grilled andouillettes to quenelles de brochet and cervelle de canut, set off on an unforgettable culinary adventure in the heart of the capital of the Gauls. Here is our selection of 9 exceptional bouchons lyonnais to try during your stay.
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1. Le Garet, the must-see institution
Nestling in the heart of Lyon’s 1st arrondissement, Le Garet represents the very essence of the traditional bouchon. This veritable institution, located at 7 rue du Garet (69001 Lyon, rated 4.2/5 on Google for over 1,200 reviews), has been perpetuating the culinary art of Lyon for decades in an authentic and warm atmosphere. The atmosphere of the place immediately transports you to the Lyon of yesteryear, with its checked tablecloths, wooden chairs and typically canaille décor.
Le Garet’s menu celebrates the great classics of Lyon gastronomy. Let yourself be tempted by their famous tablier de sapeur, a unique speciality prepared with marinated and breaded pieces of fat. Their AAAAA andouillette, grilled to perfection, will delight fans of traditional charcuterie. To accompany these delicacies, don’t miss their pike quenelle with Nantua sauce, a true emblem of Lyon cuisine. When you explore Lyon with the Navaway itinerary, this authentic bouchon is an essential gourmet stop-off for understanding the city’s gastronomic soul.
2. Daniel and Denise Créqui, the excellence of a Michelin-starred chef
The talent of chef Joseph Viola, Meilleur Ouvrier de France, is fully expressed at this prestigious address located at 156 rue de Créqui (69003 Lyon, rated 4.1/5 on Google for over 2,800 reviews). Daniel and Denise Créqui embody the modernity of Lyon’s bouchon, while scrupulously respecting ancestral culinary traditions. This restaurant, awarded a Bib Gourmand by the Michelin Guide, raises the art of the bouchon to an exceptional gastronomic level.
Joseph Viola’s cuisine sublimates traditional recipes with impeccable technique. Discover his pâté en croûte with pistachios, his famous lentil salad with bacon and his unmissable black pudding with apples. The restaurant also offers original creations such as semi-cooked duck foie gras with sweet spices. The restaurant also boasts an exceptional wine list, featuring vintages from the Beaujolais and Rhône valleys. To extend your exploration of Lyon, take a guided tour of the city’s most beautiful districts.
3. La Meunière, preserving the charm of yesteryear
A century-old institution nestled at 11 rue Neuve (69001 Lyon, rated 4.0/5 on Google for over 1,500 reviews), La Meunière welcomes you to its authentic decor, which has not aged a day. This historic restaurant, recently named one of the best in Lyon, cultivates the art of entertaining in the purest Lyon tradition. Its intimate setting, with its weathered wood panelling and period zinc, creates a unique atmosphere where time seems to stand still.
The menu at La Meunière strictly adheres to the codes of Lyon’s canaille cuisine. Be sure to try their cervelle de canut, prepared according to the ancestral recipe and served with warm potatoes. Their homemade cochonnaille, made with rosette de Lyon and jésus de Lyon, is a perfect starter for discovering the authentic flavours of regional charcuterie. The restaurant also serves excellent specialities such as tête de veau ravigote and coq au vin du Beaujolais. While you’re in the area, take the opportunity to explore the secret traboules of Vieux-Lyon on our audio tour of Lyon.
4. Café Comptoir Abel, bourgeois elegance
Established since 1928, Café Comptoir Abel at 25 rue Guynemer (69002 Lyon, rated 4.3/5 on Google for over 3200 reviews) represents the aristocracy of Lyon’s bouchons. This exceptional restaurant combines the authenticity of a traditional bouchon with the elegance of a bourgeois bistro. Its Belle Époque décor, with its moleskin banquettes, bevelled mirrors and waxed parquet floor, bears witness to the refinement of a bygone era.
Abel’s cuisine respects the great culinary traditions of Lyon while adding a touch of sophistication. Their prawn and crayfish gratins, served in cast-iron caquelons, are a must-try speciality. The restaurant also excels in the preparation of offal: their veal sweetbreads with morel mushrooms and their black pudding with chestnuts will delight the most demanding palates. For fish lovers, don’t miss their traditional pike quenelle, accompanied by a creamy Nantua sauce. This exceptional address is the perfect complement to an in-depth discovery of Lyon, which you can add to by following our Lyon itinerary.
5. At Hugon, family authenticity
Chez Hugon, located at 12 rue Pizay (69001 Lyon, rated 4.4/5 on Google for over 900 reviews), perfectly embodies the family-friendly spirit of the traditional Lyonnais bouchon. In this small establishment with its emblematic façade, the warm welcome from Fatima and her team immediately makes you feel like part of the family. The typical dining room, with its tightly-packed tables and relaxed atmosphere, creates a unique ambience where regulars and curious tourists mingle.
Chez Hugon’s cuisine favours simplicity and authentic flavours. Their Lyonnais pot-au-feu, simmered with love, is a real culinary delight. Fans of offal will particularly appreciate their gras-double à la lyonnaise and their famous tablier de sapeur, crispy to perfection. The restaurant also offers excellent specialities such as grilled Charlieu andouillette and breaded pig’s trotters. To discover more of Lyon’s gastronomic treasures, be sure to visit the Halles Bocuse in Lyon, the temple of local gastronomy.
6. At Les Trois Maries, the tradition of Old Lyon
Located in the heart of the historic district of Vieux-Lyon, Aux Trois Maries occupies a privileged position at 1 rue des Trois-Maries (69005 Lyon, rated 3.8/5 on Google for over 1,800 reviews). This traditional bouchon, one of the oldest in the city, enjoys an exceptional setting at the foot of the Basilique de Fourvière. Its unique location makes it an unmissable stop-off for visitors wishing to combine heritage discovery with the pleasures of good food.
The menu at Aux Trois Maries highlights the ancestral recipes of Lyonnais cuisine. Their generous and tasty salade lyonnaise, with its crispy lardons and runny poached egg, is the perfect starter for immersing yourself in the local culinary art. The restaurant excels in the preparation of traditional specialities: grilled andouillette, black pudding with apples and hot Lyon sausage. Take advantage of your meal to admire the view of the Renaissance facades of Vieux-Lyon and then plan your exploration of the mysterious traboules with our Lyon discovery tour.
7. La Tête de Lard, the authentic canaille spirit
La Tête de Lard, located at 13 rue Désiré (69001 Lyon, rated 4.1/5 on Google for over 1,100 reviews), passionately cultivates the canaille and generous spirit of the true Lyonnais bouchon. This endearing restaurant perpetuates popular culinary traditions with remarkable authenticity. Its picturesque name and relaxed atmosphere perfectly reflect the popular soul of Lyonnais gastronomy, that of silk workers and Lyonnais mothers.
The cuisine at La Tête de Lard favours generous recipes and quality products. Their famous “pot lyonnais”, made from a variety of meats and vegetables simmered together, perfectly embodies the spirit of sharing and conviviality so dear to the bouchons. Don’t miss their AAAAA andouillette, grilled according to the rules of the art, or their homemade black pudding with pickled onions. The restaurant also offers excellent specialities such as warm pistachio sausage and traditional cervelle de canut. To enhance this gastronomic experience, discover the secrets of Lyon by following our audio tour, which will reveal the fascinating history of the capital of the Gauls.
8. Le Bouchon des Cordeliers, modern elegance
Nestling in the prestigious rue Claudia (69002 Lyon, rated 4.5/5 on Google for over 2,100 reviews), Le Bouchon des Cordeliers represents the contemporary evolution of the traditional Lyonnais bouchon. Opened in 2015 by Samuel and Ludovic Campus, with Cédric Garin in the kitchen, this establishment combines respect for tradition with modern refinement. Its elegant, uncluttered setting, while retaining the friendly spirit of the bouchon, appeals to a clientele of regulars and discerning gourmets.
The cuisine at Le Bouchon des Cordeliers sublimates Lyon classics with a remarkable gastronomic approach. Their signature brioche andouillette has revolutionised this traditional speciality. Don’t miss their prawns flambéed in cognac, their revisited quenelle of pike, or their remarkable lemon tart that rounds off the meal perfectly. The restaurant offers an excellent selection of regional wines, including carefully chosen Beaujolais and Côtes du Rhône vintages. As you explore Lyon on our audio tour, this exceptional bouchon is a perfect example of Lyon’s ability to reinvent itself without losing its soul.
9. Au Petit Bouchon Chez Georges, authentic conviviality
An authentic Lyonnais bouchon since 1960, Au Petit Bouchon Chez Georges at 8 rue du Garet (69001 Lyon, rated 4.2/5 on Google for over 1,800 reviews) perfectly embodies the traditional, friendly spirit of the true Lyonnais bouchons. Voted Lyon’s best bouchon in 2019, this family-run establishment passionately perpetuates ancestral culinary traditions. Its privileged location in the heart of the Presqu’île, just a stone’s throw from the Opéra, makes it an essential address for discovering the authenticity of Lyon.
The Chez Georges menu scrupulously respects the codes of traditional Lyonnais cuisine. Their cochonnaille starter, made with local charcuterie, is a perfect introduction to the flavours of the region. The restaurant excels in preparing the great classics: their andouillette grilled in Chablis, their pike quenelle with crayfish sauce and their unmissable calf’s head with gribiche sauce. The warm, family atmosphere, with regulars meeting at the bar, creates a unique atmosphere where the art of living in Lyon is perpetuated. This authentic address is a natural part of a complete discovery of Lyon, which you can extend thanks to our audio-guided tour that will reveal all the secrets of the capital of the Gauls.
In conclusion, these 9 exceptional bouchons lyonnais each offer a unique experience, reflecting the richness and diversity of Lyon’s culinary tradition. From the most refined to the most popular, they all perpetuate the art of living à la lyonnaise, made up of conviviality, generosity and respect for authentic products. During your stay in the capital of the Gauls, let theNavaway itinerary be your guide to discover not only these temples of gastronomy, but also the architectural and historical treasures for which Lyon is famous. Between two tastings, explore the secret traboules, admire the Basilique de Fourvière and stroll along the quays of the Saône for a complete immersion in the soul of Lyon.
Frequently asked questions
What makes an authentic bouchon lyonnais?
An authentic “bouchon lyonnais” can be recognised by a number of features: a typical décor with checked tablecloths, wooden chairs and zinc, traditional cuisine offering specialities such as andouillette, quenelle de brochet or cervelle de canut, and a warm, friendly atmosphere. The “Bouchons Lyonnais” label created by the Chamber of Commerce guarantees the authenticity of the establishment.
What is the average budget for a meal at a bouchon lyonnais?
The average price at a Lyon bouchon varies between 20 and 30 euros at lunchtime for a full menu, and between 35 and 55 euros in the evening. The most reputable establishments, such as Daniel et Denise, can charge between €60 and €80 per person with wine, while the more popular bouchons offer menus at around €25.
Do you need to book in Lyon’s traffic jams?
Reservations are highly recommended, especially in the evenings and at weekends. Authentic bouchons generally have limited seating and are often fully booked. For the best-known establishments, such as La Meunière or Daniel et Denise, booking several days in advance is almost essential.
What are the must-try specialities?
Must-try specialities include quenelle de brochet with Nantua sauce, grilled andouillette AAAAA, tablier de sapeur, salade lyonnaise with lardons and poached egg, cervelle de canut, saucisson chaud de Lyon, and tarte aux pralines roses for dessert. These dishes represent the very essence of traditional Lyonnais gastronomy.
Where are the best areas to find authentic bouchons?
The best areas to find authentic bouchons are Vieux-Lyon (5th arrondissement), the Presqu’île (1st and 2nd arrondissements) and the slopes of the Croix-Rousse (1st and 4th arrondissements). These historic districts are home to the majority of approved establishments and offer a typically Lyonnais atmosphere for a complete gastronomic experience.
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