While the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon is celebrated for its fine art collection, ranging from antiquities to modern art, Lyon itself has a rich culinary history that extends to the museum's vicinity. The city is known as the gastronomy capital of France, with a tradition that dates back to the silk weavers (canuts) and the Mères Lyonnaises - the mothers of Lyon cuisine. These female chefs pioneered Lyon's food culture in the 19th century with their home-cooked meals, which later evolved into the renowned "bouchon" bistros. The area surrounding the museum, including the 1st arrondissement and the presqu'île district, reflects this legacy through its diverse offerings of traditional Lyonnais eateries and international cuisine, although the museum itself primarily focuses on visual arts.
20 Rue Sergent Blandan - Traditional Lyonnais cuisine with a variety of options for non-vegetarians. (Non-Veg/Veg)
34 Rue Chevreul - Known for its modern approach to both sweet and savory dishes, ideal for brunch. (Non-Veg/Veg)
16 Rue Hippolyte Flandrin - Offers a creative and modern menu, with beautifully plated dishes. (Non-Veg/Veg)
4 Rue Professeur Pierre Marion - A Michelin-starred restaurant that boasts panoramic views of Lyon and exquisite gastronomic experience. (Non-Veg/Veg)
7 Rue du Bât d'Argent - The restaurant features a menu with a heavy emphasis on fresh and aromatic herbs. (Non-Veg/Veg)
8-10 Rue Major Martin - A classic bouchon that serves traditional Lyonnaise bouchon fare, including many pork-based dishes. (Non-Veg/Veg)
Many restaurants in Lyon provide a mix of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, though the traditional bouchons are more oriented towards meat-heavy dishes. Vegetarian visitors are advised to check menus in advance or speak with servers about meat-free options.