lyon - the city of the red bridges

Lyon, the ultimate long weekend escape – where good food, fine wine, and history join forces to create a perfect trinity of awesomeness.

Now, when it comes to France, Paris usually steals the spotlight (yeah, yeah, judge away, but we're suckers for the city of light!). However, this time, we thought, "Why not spice things up?" Enter Lyon – the underdog of French cities, and boy, did it deliver!

Nestled between the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and the Sarône rivers, Lyon is like the cool kid on the block flanked by two hills – the Pouvière and the Croix-Rousse. And let's not forget the abundance of red bridges that make you go, "Did Lyon have a paint sale or something?"

Being the culinary maestro of France, Lyon's food scene is next level. From sweets to sandwiches, burgers to fine dining, it's a gastronomic Disneyland. But hold on to your taste buds, because the cheese and charcuterie boards are the real heart-stealers. Move over, romance; cheese has taken the lead!

Now, we're not the plan-everything-in-advance type of travelers – we like to keep things spontaneous. But, Lyon had us making exceptions. La Mutinerie, Armada, and Comptoir Abel were on our hit list, and we didn't want to risk missing out on those culinary masterpieces. For the rest, we threw caution to the wind, strolled around, and barged into any restaurant that radiated good vibes. Because in Lyon, the only thing we planned was to eat our way through the city – and that, my friend, is a foolproof plan.

La mutinerie

123 rue Bugeaud, 69006, Lyon, France

THE MENU

Menu Dégustation midi

Brioche maison et beurre noisette
Pizz de boudin noir
Lard de Colonnata, pomme et aneth
Tartare de biche, anguille, jaune d'œuf fumé
et champignons fermentés
Pommes de terre, haddock et caviar
St Jacques, fenouil Main de Bouddha, yuzu kosho
Omble chevalier Ikejime
Dashi et agrumes
Ris de veau de lait, topinambours
Café et échalotes noires
Chèvre, miel et pollen
Crème pas brûlée chocolat, sarrasin
Levure grillée
Choux noisette et miso

THE EXPERIENCE

Home-made Brioche

Blood Sausage Pizza

Deer Tartare

Haddock, Caviar

St Jacques

Omble Chevalier Ikejime

Sweet Bread

Chèvre

Crème pas Brulée

Choux

Where simplicity meets style and every dish is a masterpiece waiting to be discovered! Picture this – you step into a restaurant that feels like a journey to a chic country villa, adorned with earthy and light colours that wrap you in a warm embrace. The ambience alone is enough to make your taste buds tingle with excitement.

As you take in the surroundings, you can't help but notice the art that seamlessly blends into the walls, creating an atmosphere that's not just about the food but a visual treat for your senses. It's like dining in an art gallery, where every plate is a canvas and every bite is a stroke of genius.

But let's talk about the real star of the show – the food. This isn't your run-of-the-mill menu; it's a celebration of regional products, meticulously chosen and creatively crafted throughout the seasons. The chef isn't just a cook; he's an artist who draws inspiration from the producers, maintaining a close relationship with them to bring you the very best of nature's bounty.

And here's the twist – no à la carte drama here. We're talking about a tasting menu that goes by the name "à la confiance du chef," which means "in the chef we trust." So, leave your picky eater persona at the door and buckle up for a culinary rollercoaster that will take your taste buds on a joyous ride.

If you're ready to embark on a culinary escapade, where the atmosphere is as delightful as the dishes themselves, and the chef is your guide through a menu that's a work of art, then this is the place to be. Let the flavours speak for themselves, and trust the chef to take you on a journey you won't soon forget.

This tasting menu isn't just a meal; it's an experience, a journey through flavours and textures that will surprise and delight you at every turn. It's like putting your taste buds in the hands of a culinary magician, trusting the chef to guide you through a symphony of tastes that dance on your palate. Each dish is a revelation, a testament to the chef's creativity and instinct. It's not just about eating; it's about savouring, appreciating, and experiencing food in a way.

Cheers to good food, great vibes, and the joy of discovering new tastes!

This restaurant has one Michelin star.

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armada
16 Rue du Bœuf, 69005 Lyon, France

First things first, let's talk vibes. Armada is not just a restaurant; it's a whole mood. The moment you step in, you're greeted with a wave of coolness that's impossible to resist.

Now, let's get to the main event – the food. Brace yourself for a flavour explosion that will leave you speechless. Armada has mastered the art of combining the finesse of gastronomy, the guilty pleasure of street food, and the cosy vibes of a bistro. It's like they threw a foodie party, and everyone is invited!

The menu is not your run-of-the-mill affair – it's seasonal, baby! That means you can expect nothing but freshness and top-notch ingredients. And let me tell you, simplicity never tasted this good. Each dish is like a little surprise that unfolds in your mouth, leaving you craving for more.

But wait, there's more! Armada takes their wine game earnestly. Picture this: a cool selection of wines with a particular emphasis on organic and natural varieties. Sip, savour, and let the good times roll.

Now, let's talk about the golden rule of dining – sharing is caring. Armada takes this seriously, and so do we. We dove into around four plates, and guess what? Not a single disappointment in sight. The real MVP? The mussels. Those little sea treasures stole my heart and left me wanting to declare my love from the rooftops.

Oh, and a little birdie whispered in our ears to try the Abouriou Le Haut Planty. WOW is an understatement. The flavour profile was like a symphony in my mouth – a party for my taste buds that left me wanting an encore.

So, if you're in the mood for a dining experience that's not just cool but downright awesome, Armada is the place to be. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you, and you might just find yourself declaring your love for mussels in public.

Cheers to good food, good vibes, and the downright coolness of Armada!