Une Nuit Au Château

In the wake of his mentor Paul Bocuse, Christian Têtedoie has built a small gourmet empire. Perched on Fourvière hill overlooking the city, the Têtedoie is a gourmet showcase. A champion of Gallic culinary traditions, this fan of contemporary art is committed to finetuning and even modernising this heritage. Bites of snails, foie gras and pistachio; “portfolio” of red mullet, carrots and game sauce; mallard duck, grilled chestnuts and Jack Be Little pumpkins: his dishes sometimes read like an abstract art exhibition. It’s impossible not to mention his signature dish: lobster casserole with a c

Au 14 Février stands on rue du Bœuf, among the Renaissance mansions, cobbled streets and arcaded galleries in the heart of historical Lyon. A wonderful location in which to sample the surprise menu of chef Tsuyoshi Arai, whose talent and imagination are no longer up for discussion. Born in Kyoto, he belongs to the large family of Japanese chefs who have fallen for France's culinary heritage. He elevates exceptionally fresh ingredients (Miéral poultry, Wagyu beef) by playing on textures, bitterness and acidity: peas, broad beans and snow peas with tamarind, crab and caviar; beetroot tarte tatin

A wind of audacity has swept through Maxime Laurenson’s restaurant. Precise, legible dishes reveal each ingredient simply, with a firm focus on vegetables and a steadfast commitment to locally sourced produce. The single set menu (no choice) features a dozen or so courses, each of which stars the best of a region that spans Auvergne to the Alps. The interior is clearly inspired by nature (stone, wood, colour, plants) and the vibe is friendly. A down-to-earth establishment that is a favourite with Lyon’s foodies.

After a prodigious makeover, Les Loges, located in a magnificent Renaissance edifice, has reopened in the heart of historic Lyon. The romantic vibe, depicted by a Florentine courtyard flanked by galleries, columns and spiral staircases and protected by a steel and glass roof, mingles a respect for heritage with subtle modern details. Ever faithful, Anthony Bonnet continues to enhance regional produce, in which veggies play a central role, courtesy of delicate craftsmanship. From the starter to the dessert, each dish is crisp and vibrant, enhanced by grassy, peppery or piquant notes. The tablew

Chef Gaëtan Gentil's new restaurant in the Confluence neighbourhood is housed in a building that is eco-responsible from floor to ceiling, and that includes the French oak tables. From the open kitchen in the middle of the space, he creates his seasonal cuisine that highlights the produce of the Rhône Valley terroir, using herbs and wild plants to great effect. This creative, instinctive yet carefully thought-out cooking is based on the elevation of ingredients, which are subject to numerous variations and enhanced by sauces packed with flavour. All his chosen suppliers share the same commitme

In this historic building on the banks of the Saône, Matthieu Girardon conjures up his own personal, uninhibited and highly accomplished take on modern cuisine. Examples include crisp green asparagus paired with wild garlic, strawberries, Timut pepper and a silky asparagus sabayon. Jus and sauces play a major role in many dishes, without forgetting delicate, spot-on desserts, illustrated by rhubarb, poached and sorbet, whipped vanilla Fontainebleau cream and crunchy yoghurt. The seasons and market availability dictate the contents of the blind tasting menu, which can be adjusted to suit your b

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.