This petite guide visits rue des Marronniers, a cobble-stoned street that hosts a number of restaurants, most offering traditional French food. Grab a friend and join the locals for a glass of wine as dishes of delectable food get prepared in the kitchen.
Budget Dining
For less than $20 guests can enjoy a three-course meal at Le Caveau, a modern looking restaurant located at 7 rue des Marronniers. The menu offers from conventional fare like grilled meat and steamed fish to more adventurous concoctions, such as frog legs fried in butter and parsley flakes. Skip the steamed fish which tends to be a little bland. Go instead for tartiflette, a rustic winter French dish with cheese, minced ham, chunks of potatoes, and a generous serving of whole cream, all baked together and served extremely hot. The service is good and the waiters are friendly and attentive.
Mid range
Unlike Le Caveau, La Mère Jean focuses almost uniquely on meat dishes. Diners come here for the food and also for the charming old-fashioned ambience of this small eatery. Sit down to a basket of fresh bread and thin slices of sausage while the waiter brings over menus and water. Three-course meals start at $ 22 and go up to $29. Try the house salad with grilled chicken liver or the onion tart for appetizer. The two best main dishes are boudin, a type of French sausage made with pork blood, and chicken in thick, rich mushroom sauce. For dessert, guests get to choose from a variety of tarts displayed by the restaurant’s front window. The tarte à la praline is a special Lyonnais sweet and may not be available in other parts of France. It will be hard to put down the fork after the first bite of this sugary and buttery tart.
The Savory Treat
While it lacks the homey feel of La Mère Jean, Le Comptoir des Marronniers, at number 8, easily wins in quality and tastiness. The restaurant’s set three-course meal costs $32 and is worth every single penny. Appetizer recommendations include gazpacho soup and vegetables terrine. As for main course, the house grilled white fish is flavorful and healthy. For those who like meat, the honeyed duck is an absolute must-try. The chef marinates thin slices of duck in honey and spices then cooks until the meat reaches perfect tenderness. Select any of the restaurant's five desserts for a perfect conclusion to this perfect French meal.
 |
