Exploring Lyon: A Foodie’s Delight
If I could bottle the essence of Lyon, it would be a rich, savoury broth—deep, comforting, and utterly unforgettable.
I arrived in Lyon with high expectations (after all, it is hailed as the gastronomic capital of France), but nothing quite prepared me for the sheer sensory overload this beautiful city delivers. From the moment I stepped into the narrow lanes of Vieux Lyon, I was swept up by the mingling scents of warm bread, melting cheese, and something tantalisingly meaty drifting out of the bouchons—those wonderful, time-honoured little restaurants that Lyon is famous for.
Taking in the golden hour in Lyon—where every sunset pairs perfectly with a glass of wine and a plate of something incredible.
One of my first stops was a cosy bouchon tucked down a side street, where I sat elbow-to-elbow with locals and devoured a plate of quenelles de brochet—pillowy pike dumplings smothered in a creamy crayfish sauce. It was rustic, rich, and exactly what you hope French food will be. I followed it with a glass of chilled white Burgundy and a silky slice of Saint-Marcellin cheese that honestly deserves a love story of its own.
Quenelles de brochet in Nantua sauce—Lyon’s comfort food at its finest.
Of course, no trip to Lyon would be complete without a pilgrimage to Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse. I wandered the aisles, eyes wide, like a kid in a sweet shop—but instead of sweets, it was the likes of glossy pâtés, buttery escargots, ruby-red slabs of charcuterie, and golden crusty baguettes. I couldn’t resist sampling oysters, freshly shucked in front of me and drizzled with a squeeze of lemon, perfectly paired with a crisp glass of white.
What I loved most about Lyon wasn’t just the food (although, let’s be honest, the food is phenomenal)—it was how woven into daily life it is. Food markets buzz from early morning, chefs greet you like an old friend, and even a simple café lunch feels like an occasion. There’s a reverence for ingredients here, a respect for tradition, and a quiet pride that makes every meal feel special.
I left Lyon with a very full stomach and an even fuller heart. It’s a city that invites you to slow down, sit a while, and savour every bite—not just of your meal, but of the moment. If you’re a foodie at heart, trust me: Lyon will steal your soul.
“ A city that surprises you with every bite—whether it’s on a plate or in a paper cone.”
A City Made for Food Lovers to Explore
Lyon isn’t just about sitting down for meals—it’s a city where food flows through the streets…
My Top Foodie Picks in Lyon.
Le Bouchon des Filles
A charming little spot run by two women who put a slightly lighter, more modern twist on traditional Lyonnais dishes. Expect fabulous salade lyonnaise and melt-in-your-mouth pork cheeks.
📍 Address: 20 Rue Sergent Blandan, 69001 Lyon
🌐 Website: lebouchondesfilles.fr
Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse
No foodie visit to Lyon is complete without getting lost in this covered market. Browse everything from artisan cheeses to truffles, charcuterie, fresh oysters, and gorgeous pastries. Perfect for grazing your way through a morning or picking up edible souvenirs.
📍 Address: 102 Cours Lafayette, 69003 Lyon
🌐 Website: halles-de-lyon-paulbocuse.com
Postcards from Lyon
At one bouchon, the table next to mine—a group of elderly locals—noticed I was alone and insisted I try their bottle of wine. They spoke no English, I spoke barely enough French, but we laughed, toasted, and passed the bread around like old friends. That’s the thing about Lyon: it invites you in, even when you’re a stranger.
Chez Hugon
One of the city’s most authentic bouchons—tiny, no-fuss, and bursting with flavour. Don’t miss the andouillette sausage if you’re feeling adventurous, and wash it all down with a robust Côtes du Rhône.
📍 Address: 12 Rue Pizay, 69001 Lyon
🌐 Website: TripAdvisor – Chez Hugon
Local Tips: Eating Your Way Through Lyon Like a Local
🍽️ Book Bouchons Early (Especially on Weekends):
Traditional bouchons like Chez Hugon and Le Bouchon des Filles are tiny and fill up quickly—make a reservation at least 2–3 days ahead, especially for dinner.
🕐 Lunch is Sacred (and Often the Best Value):
Many restaurants offer a prix fixe formule du midi—a 2 or 3-course lunch for less than dinner prices. Locals eat around 12:30–1:30pm, so aim slightly earlier or later to avoid crowds.
🚶 Explore by Foot (and Stomach):
Lyon is compact and walkable—use the funicular to explore Fourvière hill, then walk down through Vieux Lyon to build up your appetite again!
🧺 Visit Marché Saint-Antoine Early
This riverside market is best before 11am, when produce is freshest and you’ll get the best pick of cheese, flowers, and charcuterie. Great for a picnic along the Saône.
Postcards from Lyon
I remember standing at a cheese stall, completely overwhelmed by the choices. I asked the vendor (in broken French) for something “local and soft,” and he handed me a wedge of Saint-Marcellin. I ate it right there on a bench by the river, with a baguette and some olives. It was, hands down, one of the best lunches of my life—and it cost less than €5.
🍷 Ask for ‘Un Pot’ Instead of a Bottle
Lyon locals often order a pot lyonnais—a 46cl carafe of local wine, served in a chunky glass bottle. It’s cheaper than a bottle and more fun than a glass.
🗓️ Avoid Mondays (Many Restaurants Close)
Plan your key meals for Tuesday to Saturday, as many bouchons and markets close Monday to recover from weekend trade.
Postcards from Lyon
Back in my own kitchen, I once tried to recreate the pink praline brioche I’d fallen in love with in Lyon. The result? Let’s just say the dough stuck to everything but the bowl. It still tasted good, though—especially with a bit of nostalgia folded in.
Bring Lyon Home: Simple Recipes for Everyday Foodies
Inspired by meals I had in tiny bouchons and market-side cafés, here are a few Lyonnais recipes I’ve attempted (with varied success!) in my own kitchen. They may not have that same French magic—but they come close.
Lyonnaise Potatoes (Pommes Lyonnaises)
Thinly sliced potatoes sautéed with onions and butter until golden and crisp.
“A comforting side dish I had almost daily in Lyon—so simple, yet packed with flavour. I now make this with Sunday roasts!”
Ingredients:
- Potatoes (Maris Piper or similar)
- 1 onion, finely sliced
- Butter and olive oil
- Salt, pepper, and chopped parsley
Method:
Boil potatoes briefly, then slice. Sauté onions in butter until golden. Add potatoes and crisp them up in the pan, tossing with seasoning and parsley.
Lyonnaise Lentil Salad (Salade de Lentilles Vertes)
Warm lentils with shallots, Dijon dressing, and bacon or goat’s cheese.
“I first tried this in a market café—it’s hearty, healthy, and surprisingly addictive.”
Ingredients:
- Puy lentils (or green lentils)
- 1 small shallot
- Bacon lardons or crumbled goat’s cheese
- Vinaigrette – Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, olive oil
Method:
Cook the lentils. Then in a bowl, whisk together the vinaigrette, .bacon lardons and goats cheese and then stir in the shallots, lentils, and serve warm or chilled.
Praline Brioche (Brioche aux Pralines Roses – Cheat’s Version)
A simplified take on Lyon’s signature pink praline brioche, using ready-made brioche rolls.
“This is my shortcut version—definitely not as perfect as the ones at the boulangerie, but still utterly charming served with coffee.”
Ingredients:
- Ready-made mini brioche rolls
- Pink pralines (or pink candied almonds, crushed)
- A little honey or butter for glazing
Method:
Warm brioche slightly, brush with a little butter or honey, and sprinkle with crushed pralines before serving.
💬 Over to You!
Have you been to Lyon—or is it still on your bucket list?
🍷 What was your favourite dish, market stall, or hidden gem?
🥖 Have you ever tried recreating a French meal at home? How did it turn out?
I’d love to hear your stories, your fails, your foodie wins, or your travel tips in the comments below! Let’s swap Lyon memories (or dreams).
Your thoughts might even inspire someone else’s next trip! ✈️
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