Looking at all the fine dining spots in Lyon, there’s no doubt about it: the city is fertile ground for the restaurant industry. And Yannick Alléno has understood this well. The chef—who has held the most Michelin stars in the world since last March—is bringing all his expertise back to Lyon to satisfy the appetites of its residents, who are well known for never being the last to sit down to a meal. It’s certainly a prestigious spot, but one that proves to everyone that the world’s stomach is, once again, in Lyon.
Pavyllon, the restaurant at the beating heart of Lyon and French excellence
By setting up shop on Place Bellecour, Yannick Alléno is following in the footsteps of a certain Paul Bocuse. Indeed, it is on the very grounds of Bocuse’s institute that Pavyllon is now firing up its stoves. We learn that as early as 1999, the young chef met “Monsieur Paul” at the Bocuse d’Or, where he would finish in second place that same year. Passing on the legacy was already the watchword. For in this new establishment, it is the students of the Lyfe Institute who will showcase all their talent and creativity, supported by the kitchen staff of about twenty people.
Inside, a huge counter opening onto the kitchen lends the space a unique sense of warmth and conviviality. Designed by Arnaud Behzadi, one of the most talented architects of his generation, the dining room is a clever blend of the simplicity of a bistro—of which Lyon has so many— and the sophistication of a fine-dining establishment. Layout, lighting, choice of materials—nothing is left to chance.
A three-course menu (appetizer, main course, and dessert) for €55
We’ll admit it—we’re in a different price range here than the set menus at our recent favorites, the Carpe Diem restaurant and La Virée bistro, which are priced at around €20. But Pavyllon simply isn’t in the same league.
His “Brèves de comptoir” menu, priced at €55, takes us back to the delights of our beautiful region. A soft-boiled egg starter is served with Rosette de Lyon; braised pikeperch is served in a Beaujolais sauce; and finally, an iced Bresse cream dessert tops it all off. All reimagined by the world’s most-starred chef, no less.
For (very) special occasions, the restaurant offers other set menus (a 4-course menu for €95, a 5-course menu for €115, and a 7-course menu for €150) as well as an à la carte menu to tailor your dining experience to your liking…
