Among the many restaurants on Rue Mercière, Bistrot de Lyon holds a special place. Its turn-of-the-century decor and Lyonnaise cuisine make it a favorite among both locals and visitors. Here's its history, what's on the menu, and what you should know before you go.
A story that begins in 1974
The restaurant opened in 1974, at the initiative of Jean-Paul Lacombe. He is presented as the creator of the first "chef's bistro", in a street that was then disreputable but which he helped to make gourmet.
At the time, Rue Mercière was anything but a culinary destination. Le Bistrot de Lyon was created from scratch in the 1970s, with Pullman-style banquettes and a 1900s decor, on what was then the city's most disreputable street. It subsequently acted as a catalyst: seven years after its opening, the street boasted some fifteen restaurants. The story was even the subject of a book, published in 2014: "Le Bistrot de Lyon, 40 ans rue Mercière" (Le Bistrot de Lyon, 40 Years on Rue Mercière).
An Art Nouveau decor that is part of the experience
The atmosphere is one of the place's strengths. Its Art Nouveau decor is considered exceptional, and the restaurant is presented as part of the city's heritage. The tourist office sees it as a "bistro for friends," where the decor is as appealing as the food.
What to eat at Bistrot de Lyon?
The menu remains in the style of traditional Lyonnais bistro cuisine. According to the sources consulted, it includes, among other things:
- THE chicken liver cake and the eggs in red wine sauce, highlighted by the Lyon Secret guide; ;
- THE spoon dumplings, which the Teritoria platform presents as an essential part of this Lyon institution; ;
- there calf's head, mentioned in the Gault&Millau listing; ;
- L'’Baked Alaska, photographed in the review by critic Gilles Pudlowski; ;
- THE French toast with a Romans-style bread as a dessert, as indicated on the Teritoria card.
The menu changes, so confirm the current dishes on the restaurant's official website before coming.
Budget and critic reviews
Gault&Millau 2026 indicates a budget of approximately €21.50 to €28.90 per person, excluding drinks, and describes the restaurant as a reliable and well-balanced choice on Rue Mercière. The guide awards it 11.5/20. Local press outlet Le Bonbon cites Bistrot de Lyon as one of the restaurants contributing to the street's current reputation, offering an immersive experience in traditional Lyonnaise cuisine.
Practical information
- Address : 64 rue Mercière, 69002 Lyon (corner of rue de la Monnaie)
- Phone : 04 78 38 47 47
- Access : Metro line A, Cordeliers station, Saint-Antoine parking lot
- Accessibility: wheelchair accessible with assistance
- Languages spoken: German, English, Spanish and French
- Schedules : Check them before you come; the sources consulted do not all give the same information.
Our opinions
More than fifty years after its opening, the Bistrot de Lyon remains a landmark on Rue Mercière, renowned for its decor, its Lyonnaise cuisine, and its role in the street's transformation. Make a reservation, especially on weekends, and be sure to try the quenelles.
