What Food To Try in Lyon and Food Prices
How much does lunch and dinner cost
Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Lyon for 2024.
National currency: Euro, symbol — € (international currency code EUR).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Lyon cafes and restaurants
$16.4
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $10.92
$65.5
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $43.67
$10.9
Combo Meal
Starting from $9.83
What to Try in Lyon
Must-try Dishes
Quenelle de Brochet - Pike Quenelles (delicate dumplings) - These fluffy dumplings made from pike fish are typically served with a rich lobster sauce. Locals often order them at bouchons, especially during family gatherings, sharing stories over well-prepared bites.Salade Lyonnaise - Lyonnaise Salad (hearty green goodness) - This salad consists of frisée lettuce, crispy bacon, and a poached egg, drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette. It's a common lunch option enjoyed in casual cafés, often accompanied by a glass of wine—though make sure not to expect it as a light dish!
Tarte à la Praline - Praline Tart (sweet and nutty bliss) - A buttery pastry filled with deep pink praline cream and almonds, offering a sweet, crunchy contrast. Found in bakery windows throughout Lyon, this unique tart is a favorite for an afternoon treat, but don't try to order it too late; they often sell out quickly!
Gratin dauphinois - Potato Gratin (creamy heaven) - Sliced potatoes baked in cream and cheese, resulting in a comforting, creamy texture. Served at family dinners, it's a popular side or main for colder months, best enjoyed on a Sunday evening while chatting over the day.
Andouillette - Andouillette Sausage (robust and flavorful) - A chunky sausage made from pork and intestines, seasoned with a mix of spices, delivering a strong punch of flavors. Found in many local bistros, this dish is part culinary adventure and part test of boldness for visitors—don't be surprised if it's not to everyone's taste!
Lucullus - Local Specialty (stuffed delights) - These savory pastries are stuffed with meat and spices, fried until golden. Popular during festive seasons, they make for a quick and fulfilling street food bite while exploring the city; just try to get them fresh!
Chouchou - Seasonal Treat (crispy little fritters) - Delicately fried doughnuts coated in sugar, filled with seasonal fruits like cherries or peaches. Typically served at summer fairs and regional festivals, they're a seasonal favorite best enjoyed on warm evenings.
Pommes Sarladaises - Sarladaise Potatoes (potato perfection) - These sautéed potatoes are cooked in duck fat, with garlic and parsley, yielding a crispy yet tender finish. Often an integral part of hearty dinners in Lyon, they are a must when the weather turns to fall, warming the spirit as well as the belly.
Desserts & Drinks
Café au Lait - Café au Lait (milky coffee) - A comforting mix of brewed coffee and steamed milk, often enjoyed in large bowls at breakfast. Locals usually sip it leisurely at a café whilst people-watching in the morning sun.Périgord - Périgord (chestnut liqueur) - A sweet liqueur made from chestnuts and brandy, offering a rich, nutty flavor profile. It's often served as an after-dinner drink, especially in winter when the flavors feel like a warm hug (pair it with some chocolate for a delightful treat).
Glace à la Châtaigne - Glace à la Châtaigne (chestnut ice cream) - This creamy, rich ice cream is made from roasted chestnuts, perfect for cooling off in the summer. Locals love to indulge in this treat during the warmer months, especially at outdoor festivals, enjoying the unique twist on the classic gelato vibe.
Cyril - Rosette de Lyon (cured sausage) - A flavorful, air-dried sausage typically made from pork and aromatic spices, perfect as a starter with some bread. Often served at gatherings and local feasts, it’s a common error for newcomers to overlook its robust flavor when paired with just a simple slice of baguette.
Food and Groceries in Lyon
Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
| Bread | $2.41 |
| Bananas | $2.26 |
| Oranges | $3.47 |
| Potatoes | $2.32 |
| Apples | $2.71 |
Beverages
| Water 1.5L | $0.97 |
| 0.5L Local Beer | $2.59 |
| Imported Beer | $2.37 |
| Wine Rating >4.0 | $6.17 |
| Milk 1L | $1.07 |
Various Groceries
| Meat (Beef or Pork) | $21.48 |
| Chicken | $16.98 |
| Cigarettes | $11.46 |
| Rice | $2.21 |
| Local Cheese | $19.65 |
Overview of Cuisine and Specialties
The other day, while strolling through the bustling streets of Vieux Lyon, I caught a glimpse of a typical mealtime scene that speaks volumes about local dining customs. Just after noon, groups of friends and families gathered at terraces, enjoying leisurely lunches that stretched over an hour or two. In Lyon, it's not uncommon for locals to savor their meals, often starting around 12:30 PM and sometimes lingering until 2:30 PM. This laid-back approach sets the tone for a city that truly values the culinary experience.
Meal prices vary depending on the district, with a midday menu (typically a "menu du jour") ranging from €12 to €25, depending on whether you’re in a charming bouchon or a trendy spot near the banks of the Rhône. For instance, in the popular Croix-Rousse area, I paid €15 for a hearty dish of quenelles, while a similar meal in the bustling Presqu'île cost me €22. Each district has its own flavor and price point, making it a fun experience to explore.
Payment customs in Lyon tend to lean towards the traditional; cash is still widely accepted, but credit cards are also commonly used. If you’re dining out, especially in smaller, family-run establishments, it’s a good idea to carry some cash (€10-€20) just in case. Most places add a service charge to the bill, so tipping isn't mandatory, though rounding up the bill or leaving small change is appreciated.
One local dining habit that stands out is the "apéro" tradition. As many locals will tell you, it's perfectly normal to have a drink or two before dinner, sometimes stretching from 6 PM to 8 PM, which paves the way for a later dinner time around 8:30 PM. This custom makes for a vibrant social scene in the evening, particularly in the lively Confluence district, which comes alive with bars and restaurants adjacent to the water.
A common tourist mistake is trying to dine at the popular spots during peak hours—typically around 1 PM for lunch and between 8 PM and 9 PM for dinner. If you want to avoid the hustle and bustle, visit right before or after these times. Oh, and before I forget, reservations are a must at many places, especially on weekends when locals fill those tables quickly.
As the seasons shift, so do the local ingredients and meal offerings, which can affect pricing. Depending on the time of year, certain dishes may be more or less expensive (think fresh asparagus in spring versus hearty stews in winter). With this ever-evolving scene, Lyon continues to showcase a true celebration of culinary artistry, with each neighborhood offering its unique flair and flavor.
Meal prices vary depending on the district, with a midday menu (typically a "menu du jour") ranging from €12 to €25, depending on whether you’re in a charming bouchon or a trendy spot near the banks of the Rhône. For instance, in the popular Croix-Rousse area, I paid €15 for a hearty dish of quenelles, while a similar meal in the bustling Presqu'île cost me €22. Each district has its own flavor and price point, making it a fun experience to explore.
Payment customs in Lyon tend to lean towards the traditional; cash is still widely accepted, but credit cards are also commonly used. If you’re dining out, especially in smaller, family-run establishments, it’s a good idea to carry some cash (€10-€20) just in case. Most places add a service charge to the bill, so tipping isn't mandatory, though rounding up the bill or leaving small change is appreciated.
One local dining habit that stands out is the "apéro" tradition. As many locals will tell you, it's perfectly normal to have a drink or two before dinner, sometimes stretching from 6 PM to 8 PM, which paves the way for a later dinner time around 8:30 PM. This custom makes for a vibrant social scene in the evening, particularly in the lively Confluence district, which comes alive with bars and restaurants adjacent to the water.
A common tourist mistake is trying to dine at the popular spots during peak hours—typically around 1 PM for lunch and between 8 PM and 9 PM for dinner. If you want to avoid the hustle and bustle, visit right before or after these times. Oh, and before I forget, reservations are a must at many places, especially on weekends when locals fill those tables quickly.
As the seasons shift, so do the local ingredients and meal offerings, which can affect pricing. Depending on the time of year, certain dishes may be more or less expensive (think fresh asparagus in spring versus hearty stews in winter). With this ever-evolving scene, Lyon continues to showcase a true celebration of culinary artistry, with each neighborhood offering its unique flair and flavor.