Sofitel Lyon Bellecour

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

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

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

The name of this restaurant pays homage to American rapper Mac Miller, as well as to the circle of friends and co-workers running the show here! Chef Bastian Ruga has perfected his concept. Playing out to a soundtrack of American rap music, his youthful, no-holds-barred cuisine charts a course between bold creativity, North African and Asian influences, and a healthy dose of affection for traditional cuisine – this is Lyon, after all! The original food-and-drink pairings are an integral part of the experience, encompassing beer, herbal teas and a natural wine list. A shining example would be t

After stints in the kitchens of top establishments and the French embassies of London and Bamako, Nicolas Guilloton has turned his ‘workshop’ into a stylish, contemporary venue. The African masks decorating the spacious dining area are a nod to the chef's time in Mali. With Thomas Belval, his steadfast right-hand man, he delights diners with surprise menus that showcase his flair for balanced flavours and his commitment to locally sourced ingredients. The resulting repertory is original, high-flying, filled with flavour and demonstrates a savvy style when it comes to veggies. The lunchtime men

One cannot help but be impressed by the trajectory of Takao Takano's career. Originally from Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan, he quickly dropped his law studies to devote himself body and soul to his real passion: cooking. Since 2013, he has been plying his trade in this elegant, pared-back restaurant located in the 6th district of Lyon. It has been a hit with diners since day one thanks to original, deftly crafted dishes, which delight and surprise at the same time. They certainly fulfil the chef’s pledge to himself: "Keep it simple – keep it good". Let's linger for a moment over the quickly sear