no alt text

Travel bucket list idea:

Last updated: 28 May, 2023
Expert travel writer: Anna Brooke

Lyon, the ‘gastronomic capital of the world’, holds the highest number of Michelin stars in France (after Paris), and is home to so many food shops, markets, food halls and eateries that walking its streets sometimes feels like you’re in one gigantic picnic basket.

The world-renowned wine regions of Beaujolais, Burgundy and the Cotes du Rhone are nearby, for vineyard tours and tastings, also meaning wine sauces are common, as well as great wine lists.

Sandwiched between wine-growing regions and numerous agricultural hubs, the richness of its gastronomy lies in its geography: Bresse chicken from the north; snails and game from the north-east; and pork from the western foothills.

What to try

Quenelles  – creamy, floury dumplings, made most often with pike served in Nantua (crayfish) sauce – is a classic dish.

Also look out for garlicky snails, offal dishes, poultry, pistachio peppered sausage, tablier du sapeur (tripe boiled in white wine) and bright pink praline tart.

Also see our round-up of traditional French foods to try in France.

The dining scene

The most famous chef on Earth was the Lyonnais Paul Bocuse, hailed the ‘Pope’ of French cuisine. His legacy lives on in his award-winning restaurants and in the hearts of almost every top chef today – many of whom are making their own culinary waves in restaurants across town.

Make sure you dine at least once in a traditional bouchon – a welcoming, typically family-run bistro that serves Lyonnais dishes (using every part of the animal) with pitchers of local wine. Many, though, are only open on weekdays and close during August.

Fabulous food halls are another recent addition to the food scene. They’ve popped up all over town with one thing in common: locavore ingredients used by emerging chefs to make memorable and creative French street food. See our recommendations below.

Auberge du Pont de Collonges

Lyon, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France

|
Bucket List Experience
Interior of the restaurant

Theatrical Michelin-star dining experience paying homage to one of France’s culinary legends, chef Paul Bocuse. Pioneer of lighter, more innovative nouvelle cuisine.

Adult price: £80

Best for ages 18+

Daniel & Denise Crequis

Lyon, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France

No Image Available for this listing

Wood-panelled walls, red-and-white-chequered tablecloths… the decor in this typical bouchon hasn’t changed in years, and neither has the excellent food quality. Try their classic pate-en-croute with calf sweetbreads.

Best for ages 18+

Website >
More details >

Food Society

Lyon, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France

Food Society

This hip, loft-like space and terrace lies atop the La Part-Dieu mall and showcases creative French street food made with only locally-sourced produce.

Best for ages 18+

Website >
More details >

Food Traboule

Lyon, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France

Close up of a man holding a plate with 2 delicious looking filled tacos

Set in the Tour Rose, a stand-out Renaissance building, this trendy food court contains multiple spaces managed by twelve creative chefs. Look out for international dishes with innovative local twists.

Best for ages 18+

Website >
More details >

Grand Hotel Dieu

Lyon, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France

Landscape of a long white impressive building on the banks of the river

This chic shopping spot in a landmark historical building is home to the Cite Internationale de la Gastronomie Lyonnaise, with food-related exhibits and frequent cooking shows.

Best for ages 18+

Website >
More details >

Heat

Lyon, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France

A large warehouse filled with tables and lots of people eating at them

This open-air street-food spot in the modern Confluences area is yet more proof that Lyon’s food hall revolution is well and truly afoot. Sidle up to a counter then tuck in to street food galore.

Best for ages 15+

Website >
More details >

La Commune

Lyon, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France

View across a restaurant/bar filled with filled

This hip food hall (in a former woodwork factory) hosts 15 stalls headed by up-and-coming chefs. Expect the best of local produce, crafted into creative street food-like dishes.

Best for ages 18+

Website >
More details >

Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse

Lyon, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France

Exterior of the food hall entrance

Top suppliers fill this stunning covered food market, where gourmet ‘corners’ provide ample seating for you to sample the region’s world-class food amid the hustle and bustle.

Best for ages 18+

Website >
More details >

La Croix Rousse Market

Lyon, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France

stall selling specialty sausages in the La Croix Rousse Market

Amid the hilly slopes of the former silk-weavers’ quarters, this wonderful daily market (except Mondays) is the locals’ spot for filling up on gourmet treats and taking in the views.

Best for ages 13+

Website >
More details >

La Mere Lea

Lyon, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France

Interior of the restaurant with pink table cloths

This quayside bouchon – all wood and tiled floors – is the place for classic salade Lyonnaise, braised belly pork and ile flottante (whipped egg whites) with custard and praline.

Best for ages 18+

Website >
More details >

Saint-Antoine Market

Lyon, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France

view of street between market stalls

Set along the River Saone, this is city’s most picturesque market and the place where both locals and chefs come to hand-pick their fresh ingredients.

Best for ages 13+

Website >
More details >
Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around
Duration: Any

Getting there & doing it

There are great eateries across Lyon, but one street that stands out is Rue du Boeuf, in Vieux Lyon. Amongst its Renaissance facades and bustling bistros lie no less than three Michelin-starred restaurants, making this the most starred street in France.

Another good spot is Fourviere Hill, which harbours upscale eateries with views over the historic centre. Or plum for the Presqu’ile known for its traditional bouchons.

If you’re looking for somewhere trendy, the Croix-Rousse hillside (along with Rue Royale at its base) brims with hip cafés and bars. You could also try Les Brotteaux area, near Tete d’Or Park.

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Lyon Small Group Guided Electric Bike Tour with Food Tasting

Lyon

Lyon Small Group Guided Electric Bike Tour with Food Tasting
Hop on this atypical adventure on the Croix-Rousse hill and discover Lyon like no other ! Exploring this lively neighborhood with a guide, ride on an artistic district, go to the top of the hill, ride trough secrets ways, spin through Place Colbert. This journey will take you to panoramic viewing points, painted walls, traboules and other surprises. During this tour enjoy a gourmet and friendly tasting break. You could enjoy either a platter of cold cuts and cheeses with a glass of wine or with refreshments or hot drinks.

Price: €60

Min age: 10

Rating 4.8 / 5 [30 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo

Afternoon Old Town Food tour

Lyon

Afternoon Old Town Food tour
Go to discover the Old Town district between murals paintings, traboules, must-see places punctuated meetings passionate locals craftsmen who will share their expertise and their delicious products emblematics of Lyon. A 3,5 hours visit with 4 tasting breaks which will discover you Lyon to the plate. The perfect way to combine cultural discovery and greediness in order to launch your evening perfectly ON MENU : - Assortment of regional cold cuts with a glass of red wine - Selection of regional cheeses with a glass of white wine - Praline brioche with fresh or hot drinks - Artisanal ice creams (from 3rd April to 31th October) / Assortment of chocolates (from 1st November to 2nd April) Please note that this tour is not a full lunch (but a very good aperitif)

Price: €70

Min age: 13

Rating 4.80 / 5 [170 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo

Lyon Old Town Half-Day Walking Food Tour with Local Specialties Tasting & Lunch

Lyon

Lyon Old Town Half-Day Walking Food Tour with Local Specialties Tasting & Lunch
Lyon Food Tour offers a 4-hour unique gastronomy experience with lunch. Accompanied by a passionate local guide discover the capital of gastronomy during a rhythmic visit full of unusual anecdotes and exceptional culinary tastings. Explore must-see places, meet local artisans and taste products that identify with the reputation of Lyon’s heritage. Tour is limited to a maximum of 12 travelers.

Price: €85

Min age: 13

Rating 4.92 / 5 [218 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo

Food Tour in Lyon - Do Eat Better Experience

Lyon

Food Tour in Lyon - Do Eat Better Experience
Thanks to our gastronomic tour you will have an overview of the gastronomic tradition of this beautiful city and feel like a true Lyonese walking through the streets and tasting delicious typical dishes guided by a local friend.

Price: €95

Min age: 0

Rating 4.70 / 5 [144 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo

Private Gourmet Tour : Halles Paul Bocuse Covered Market

Lyon

Private Gourmet Tour : Halles Paul Bocuse Covered Market
Immerse yourself in the very heart of the covered market to discover the best of local cuisine. High place of the Lyonnaise gastronomy, the covered market of Les Halles Paul Bocuse, is a must to discover the culinary culture and flavours of the city. Strolling through the market with your epicurean guide you will taste the best produce of the region which show the excellence of the producers but also creativity of the local cuisine. You will learn all about the « Mères Lyonnaises » and the little anecdotes around stared chefs and local specialities in a fun and convivial atmosphere. The gastro-nomic reputation of Lyon will no longer have secrets for you. We will have multiple tastings: from the traditional quenelle to the numerous cheeses and charcuterie, including sweet treats such as pink pralines and “Coussin de Lyon”. Tastings vary based on the season, but every tour is a real culinary delight for you taste buds !

Price: €380

Min age: 0

Rating 5 / 5 [10 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Lyon

Auberge-Rhone-Alpes, France

Man on horse statue in foreground, basilica behind

The gastronomic capital of France, if not the world, is not just a foodie hotspot. With UNESCO-protected architecture and awe-inspiring Roman ruins, its one for history lovers too..