La Villa Borgo

This 19C château, which houses the Institut Lyfe (the international hotel management school formerly known as the Institut Paul Bocuse), serves the first-class cuisine of Florian Pansin, who is supported by a large team both in the kitchen and front of house. You will appreciate the finesse, precise presentation and well-balanced flavours: scallops with walnut, beurre monté with Rancio wine; beef tenderloin with Kampot pepper flambéed in rum, pommes soufflés... The cuissons are spot on, and there are flashes of creativity. Put simply, tasty seasonal cuisine at its best!

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.

A 1920s mansion transformed into a chic brasserie by the Bocuse group. With its terrace surrounded by 100 year - old trees, it is the epitome of peace and quiet. The food is tasty and generous and squarely in the tradition of the areas around the River Saône, with frogs' legs and quenelles etc.

On La Croix-Rousse plateau of Lyon, this restaurant, overlooking a square popular with boules players (hence the name), specialises in authentic cuisine with a twist and casseroles to share in winter. Meals are served in the bistro interior or on the alfresco patio, which is taken by storm as soon as the temperatures begin to rise.

Daniel and Denise Croix - Rousse – the third in the series, after locations on rue de Créqui and in the St Jean quarter – is enjoying the same success as its older siblings. Fill up on hearty Lyon cuisine in a traditional bouchon (tavern) setting.

This authentic neighbourhood institution, decked in an understated façade, has been going strong for over 30 years in a relatively little-known part of Croix Rousse. A warm vibe with a retro feel sets the scene courtesy of a Formica bar, vintage wallpaper and a quirky collection of old clocks and other paraphernalia. Chef Junzo Matsuno deftly crafts polished traditional Gallic fare, to which he may add the odd low-key Japanese twist, together with a strong focus on veggies (which he grows himself). The lunch menu is a steal.