It’s not exactly breaking news: Lyon is famous the world over as the capital of gastronomy. With several chefs renowned for their extraordinary cuisine, the city currently has 18 restaurants that have been awarded cooking’s most prestigious accolade. Fancy dining out in one of Lyon’s finest establishments? Here are our top 5.
Paul Bocuse – L’Auberge du pont de Collonges
Can we really talk about gastronomy without mentioning the ‘Chef of the Century’? A true superstar of cuisine both in France and abroad, Paul Bocuse is undeniable one of the most famous chefs in the world and holds a special place in Lyon’s heart. An expert in the art of traditional cuisine, he was also known for his mastery of haute cuisine and nouvelle cuisine. While it all started in his restaurant in Collonges-au-Mont-d’Or, which holds three Michelin stars, the chef went on to broaden his gustatory universe across several establishments, including the famous Bocuse brasseries. He also founded the Bocuse d’or award, one of the most distinguished culinary competitions on Earth. A number one priority.
L’Auberge du pont de Collonges – Paul Bocuse. 40, Rue de la Plage 69660 Collonges-au-Mont-d’Or. Phone: +33 (0) 4 72 42 90 90. Open every day, 12pm – 1.30pm and 8pm – 9.30pm. Discover all the brasseries at https://www.brasseries-bocuse.com/.
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Mathieu Viannay – La Mère Brazier
In 2008, the Parisian bought one of the most illustrious institutions on the Lyon gastronomic scene, La Mère Brazier, before going on to earn two stars from the Michelin Guide. Before that, he made a name for himself by winning the tile of Best Craftsman in France in 2004 and opening an eponymous restaurant crowned with a Michelin star in 2005. Since then, Mathieu Viannay has perpetuated the tradition started by Eugénie Brazier, adding subtle touches inspired by modern haute cuisine. Incidentally, Lyon’s residents will soon not be the only ones lucky enough to indulge in the chef’s delights; he recently teamed up with Dubai Dr Abdulkareem Sultan Al Olama with plans to open another restaurant in the UAE. Something to keep a close eye on.
La Mère Brazier, 12 rue Royale, 69001 Lyon. Open from Monday to Friday, from 12.00 – 13.15 and from 19.45 – 21.00. Phone: +33 (0) 4 78 23 17 20. Website: http://lamerebrazier.fr/.
Christophe Roure – Le Neuvième Art
Christophe Roure honed his talent alongside some of the biggest chefs, including the great Paul Bocuse. It was in the Loire region that this great lover of cuisine, trained as a chef, butcher and patissier, first set up residence. For close to ten years, he cultivated his own unique style of cooking, fusing technical prowess with aesthetics and creativity. A perfectionist style that earned him a Michelin star in 2004, and then a second in 2008. A worthy distinction after being honoured as a Best Craftsman of France a year earlier. Nowadays, the chef serves his colourful and inventive cuisine in Le Neuvième Art, his fine-dining restaurant located in the chic 6th arrondissement of Lyon, in the Brotteaux district. The establishment received two stars in 2015 and was also crowned a Grande Table du Monde in 2016.
Le Neuvième Art, 173 rue Cuvier 69006 Lyon. Open from Tuesday to Saturday, 12pm – 1.30pm and 7.30pm – 9.15pm. Phone: +33 (0) 4 72 74 12 74. Website: http://www.leneuviemeart.com/
Christian Têtedoie – Restaurant gastronomique Christian Têtedoie
It’s already been 30 years since the Têtedoie restaurant first started performing its culinary masterpiece in Lyon. Its chef, Christian Têtedoie, is at the helm of several gastronomic establishments, including the Terrasse de l’Antiquaille, with its stunning views over the city. Having trained with some of France’s most esteemed chefs, he was crowned Best Apprentice in France at only 17 years old. He continued to perfect his art, and his talent was once again rewarded in 1996 when he won the prize of Best Craftsman in France, and in 2000 he received a macaron in the Michelin Guide for his eponymous restaurant. In addition, since 2011, Christian Têtedoie has been president of the Master Chefs of France association, providing the opportunity for him to promote French cuisine on the international stage.
Restaurant Gastronomique Christian Têtedoie, 4 rue du Professeur Pierre MARION, 69005 Lyon. Open from Monday to Sunday, 12pm – 1.30pm and 7.30pm – 9.30pm. Phone: +33 (0) 4 78 29 40 10. Website: http://www.tetedoie.com/.
Takao Takano – Restaurant gastronomique Takao Takano
From the family garden close to Mount Fuji to the kitchens of Frenchman Nicolas Le Bec and Morishige in Tokyo, Takao Takano travelled far and wide before making his way to Lyon, his adoptive city. Set up in the 6th arrondissement, his eponymous restaurant is an ode to French cuisine. In his kitchen where “precise chaos is made”, flavours are awakened, ingredients intertwine and produce is king. The result is explosive, much like the inventiveness of the Japanese-born chef. Captivating, subtle and delicately sophisticated, his cuisine has earned him a Michelin star.
Takao Takano, 33 Rue Malesherbes, 69006 Lyon. Open from Monday to Friday, 12pm – 1.30pm and 7.30pm – 9.45pm. Phone: +33 (0) 4 82 31 43 39. Website: http://www.takaotakano.com/.
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