Savoring Lyon’s Hidden Gems

France’s third-largest city and gastronomic capital is known across the globe for its world-class restaurants. However, if you stray from the haute cuisine of the trendy Presqu’île area, you will find another side to culinary Lyon: Some of the city’s best restaurants, markets and cafés must be sought out within secret passageways, hidden alleys, and secluded courtyards. Tucked behind the impressive façades of the finest hotels in Lyon (like, for example, the Best Western Crequi Lyon Part Dieu and the Park & Suites Prestige Lyon Part Dieu) are what really compel traveling gourmands to return to the city.

Chokola

If you love chocolate (and really, who doesn’t?), you should definitely pay a visit to Chokula in Lyon. The recently opened shop/laboratory, helmed by Sébastien Bouillet, is practically a shrine to the beloved confection. Upon their arrival, visitors are greeted by a wall of liquid chocolate—and this use of chocolate as décor does not stop there. Of course, the main reason to visit Chokola is to buy chocolate—and the store carries a mind-boggling assortment of the sweet stuff! From traditional bars to one-of-a-kind novelty items, you will find something for every sweet tooth you know. And if you don’t, head to Bouillet’s famous patisserie; it is located within easy walking distance.

La Cave Valmy

Its close proximity to the vineyards of Côte du Rhône and Beaujolais makes Lyon a great destination for any wine connoisseur. The city is filled with well-stocked wine bars and merchant shops; among them, La Cave Valmy still manages to stand out. Co-owner Marie-Jo acts as an expert guide to help you select the perfect wine. For the ideal outing, cap a tour of the neighboring wineries with a visit to this fantastic store. Pick up a bottle or two to enjoy that evening—or many months later, while you are back home, fondly remembering your holiday in Lyon.

Le Poêlon d’Or

Lyonnaise restaurants have long been hailed for their excellence. However, a new movement is now competing with the city’s world-class culinary pioneers: Bouchons—small restaurants known for serving traditional, rustic dishes like bone marrow, tripe and donkey snout—are experiencing a bit of a revival in Lyon today. No trip to France’s gastronomic capital would be complete without a meal in one of its twenty-odd authentic (and officially certified) bouchons. One of these is Le Poêlon d’Or, where the most beloved recipes have been passed down through generations. Try the ground fish dumplings (quenelle) or the chicken liver cake.

Supermarché Asie

While Lyon’s thriving culinary scene is predominantly French, it also incorporates cuisines from other countries. The Supermarché Asie, a gigantic market filled to the brim with exotic fruits and vegetables, beautifully showcases Asia’s influence on Lyon’s palate. It is located in the city’s Chinatown area, which is the third largest Chinatown in France (the first two are in Paris.) The epicenter of the neighborhood is a few blocks around rue Pasteur and rue Passet, in the Guillotière quarter. Eateries and shops offer a refreshing—and delicious!—change of scene in Lyon.

Bahadourian

Fancy another trip around the world while in Lyon? Then head to Bahadourian, one of the city’s more unusual (and fragrant!) food stores. The family-run delicatessen and wholesale caterer has been in operation since 1929. To this day, it remains a culinary landmark. The original owner created this legendary reputation by traveling across the globe in search of the finest exotic spices, aromatic herbs, fresh fruits and flowers. Bahadourian is still stocked with rare teas and spices that bring the flavors of the Middle East and Asia to France. The colorful souk atmosphere adds to the shopping experience.