Maison d'Hôtes des 2 Chênes

This sun-lit restaurant near Lyon is set in peaceful grounds. The venue’s owners, front-of-house manager, Constant Delouis, and his partner, Japanese sommelier Hiroki Hashino, have enlisted the talented services of chef Yo Miyazaki. The latter’s delicate culinary score is elegant, flavoursome and sprinkled with creative details and nods to tradition. Discreet references to the Land of the Rising Sun can also be detected in some dishes, illustrated by an Isère trout marinated in white miso with a beurre blanc-style jus and braised endive. Warm and welcoming.

In 1984, Guy Lassausaie took over the kitchen at this family-run establishment, founded four generations earlier in 1906. In an elegantly refurbished interior done out in shades of grey, black and white, the chef (a Meilleur Ouvrier de France) has charted a remarkably assured course, enthusiastically celebrating local and, more generally, French tradition, with flashes of creativity. Think fillet of brill with vanilla beurre blanc, salsify and porcini, or Ain pigeon hay-roasted in a sealed cocotte, full-bodied jus and baby vegetables. Feelgood food that delivers the odd surprise.

This brasserie in the heart of the village sits just outside the indoor market, serving delicious traditional dishes that scrupulously respect the fundamentals of French cuisine. Made with seasonal produce, the set menu – available at both lunch and dinner – changes every week. The blackboard features mouth-watering dishes: pork and poultry terrine with pink peppercorns; pollock steak with potatoes dressed with parsley and a Parmesan sauce; a custard tart with Madagascar vanilla that won first prize for the "best flan pâtissier in France".

This irresistibly endearing eatery in the working-class district of Vaise is appointed in a trendy bistro vibe. The bouncy, youthful team rustles up food that slaloms between mussels in a curry dressing with sweet potato powder and a more patriotic Gallic repertory (beef tartare, foie gras). The menus and carte are regularly renewed. Excellent value for money and pleasure, including in the evenings, hence the loyal crowd of regulars.

Nestled in a discreet cul-de-sac, Racine creatively explores local ingredients, without excluding a few more exotic touches. This large, modern bistro serves seasonal cuisine at affordable prices. Meticulous work can be seen in the pineapple tartare with satay ice cream, black pollack confit with coconut milk, or Holstein sirloin with celeriac mousseline. This down-to-earth, friendly and contemporary place is ideal for an accessible, well-executed meal.

In the heart of Lucenay, a village built of Beaujolais golden limestone, this restaurant occupies a converted village school. Pauline Fleuret, along with her partner, front of house, keeps things simple in this inviting space. Her market-fresh cuisine is fresh and healthy, designed for maximum flavour: Comté croquettes, saucisse de Morteau and beetroot ketchup; chicken blanquette with tarragon and candied lemon, polenta gratin; lemon and sesame cake, mascarpone cream and meringue pieces. Reasonable prices. Booking is essential.

The twin of the Lyon Café Terroir, this restaurant is located in the grounds of Domaine Saint-Cyr, the wine estate in Anse, on the edge of the Beaujolais area. A new take on Lyon specialities, excellent roast meats for sharing and an extensive wine list, on which the estate takes centre stage alongside vintages from Beaujolais and other terroirs, all from independent winegrowers. The place has a rustic and welcoming bistro feel and a terrace looking out onto the surrounding countryside.