We’re told via our earpiece that the Michelin Man would have feasted here… Indeed, just like the bouchon La Meunière, it’s one of the spots the Michelin Guide favors and recommends for going all out on the plate without making us regret our visit when the bill comes. It’s delicious and well-balanced—a balance that makes all the difference.
Racine, Bib Gourmand, and oh-so-delicious
In the family tree of Lyon’s restaurants, Racine is, paradoxically, not the oldest. But then again, who can rival century-old institutions such as Brasserie Georges, Café des Fédérations, or Brasserie des Brotteaux? So, even though Racine, which opened in 2017, isn’t the oldest, it has climbed the ranks to become one of Lyon’s top restaurants in less than ten years—a true feat. The restaurant offers a menu that changes daily. A focus on seasonal ingredients and adaptability: the hallmarks of great chefs. The menu isn’t extensive (four appetizers, five main courses, three desserts) but demonstrates perfect mastery in the kitchen.
Chef Gabriel Delhomme, a native of Burgundy, has a particular fondness for ingredients from his home region, both on the plate and in the glass. Since he hails from Charolles—known for producing some of the world’s finest meats—it’s impossible not to be won over by his menu. Here, the Pavlovian reflex kicks in full force—your mouth waters just by glancing at the menu: “truffled ham, perfect egg, whipped goat’s milk cheese, Parmesan, fig” or “roasted cauliflower, feta, cumin-spiced skyr, shallot vinaigrette, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh herbs.” Don’t be fooled by the disjointed tone—the dishes are simply unbeatable. The set menu (appetizer-main course or main course-dessert) is available for €23 at lunch and €27 in the evening. Add €5 for the full set menu with appetizer, main course, and dessert.
The “chef’s special,” a Racine specialty
If you want to pull out all the stops, Racine offers the “Chef’s Menu,” an event held on the first Saturday of every month. How does it work? The kitchen team creates a menu centered around a specific theme or ingredient. In the past, lucky diners have enjoyed menus like “A Trip Down Memory Lane,” “Citrus,” and “Mushrooms.” September will be all about tomatoes.
Expect to pay €46 for the setmenu ( excluding drinks), which includes an amuse-bouche, a starter, a fish course, a meat course, and a dessert. We obviously recommend coming on an empty stomach. You’ll leave completely… delighted!
