Lyon, France | A Little Riverside Café by the Rhône

I’d planned to try another iconic bouchon during my stay: Le Bouchon des Berges. I swung by before 6 PM hoping to walk in, but the staff said they were fully booked—proof that if there’s a specific spot you’re eager to try in Lyon, booking ahead is non-negotiable.❤️ With that plan dashed, I wandered nearby and stumbled on a charming café with a pleasant vibe. Perfect for an impromptu dinner. One of the best things about visiting during European summer time? The sun stays up late. By the time I finished eating, the sky was still bright, casting a warm glow over the Rhône River—a lovely end to the meal.😂 The menu featured classic Lyonnais dishes, though it leaned heavily on sausages and offal (typical for the region). Here’s what stood out:🤣 Salade Lyonnaise: A standout. Crisp greens, crispy croutons, a runny poached egg, and smoky lardons came together perfectly—bright, savory, and full of that signature Lyon flavor. Calf’s intestines with mustard sauce: Far better than similar dishes I’d tried elsewhere. The offal flavor was mild (no overpowering gaminess), and the tangy mustard sauce cut through any richness. A pleasant surprise for someone still warming up to Lyonnais offal.😂 Lyon sausage: Unfortunately, this was underwhelming. It tasted plain compared to the other dishes—nothing bad, but nothing memorable either. By the end, I realized: Sometimes, sticking to steak is the safest bet in Lyon. It’s rarely a letdown, even when more adventurous dishes miss the mark.😍 Then came the pork. And wow—completely unexpected. Tender, fall-off-the-bone tender, cooked until it melted in your mouth. The sauce? Spot-on: rich, well-balanced, elevating the meat without overpowering it. It was, hands down, the best main course we had during our few days in Lyon (though to be fair, options were limited over the May Day holiday).🤣 With that, my exploration of Lyonnais cuisine came to a close—full, satisfied, and already planning which bouchon to book in advance next time.👌 📍 Café du Rhône #France #FranceTravel #LyonFrance #LyonFood #TraditionalCafes #LyonEats