L'Institution — Restaurant in Lyon

To start we came here on a regular bases.Normally it was a great restaurant even though the prices are quite high for what you actually get, but this time I don’t know what happened.

Last time we went I had the ‘Truffle Gnocchi’ I don’t know what it was, but I wasn’t Gnocchi. The ‘Truffle Gnocchi’ was totally dry and tasty less. It’s a shame to the Italian culture. I’m not exaggerating, but I nearly had to consume a liter water to digest it. (That probably how they earn there money)

I’m not a huge fan of complaining about food, but this was ridiculous. The amount we paid and my time of my evening was totally wasted. A total anticlimax.

We shared our thoughts about the food and they did nothing! The comment we’ve got back was; ‘the waitress raised her shoulders and said for me it wasn’t dry so maybe it’s just your taste’. This part felt like scene from Carol Beer a type from the TV serie Little Britain. Not particularly welcoming I would say. Finally they even let us pay for the dinner! Which I find ridiculous. No drink offered etc.

Besides all that there is a lot of waiting time between the dishes and it’s quite cold inside, probably cause they open the door regularly for new guests.

Talking about new guests we ended the evening without a got friendly thank you or goodbye from the staff upon leaving the restaurant. Concluding that they were more busy with welcoming new incoming people than looking after there guest/customers. I do not like that attitude at all. I mean a thank you or friendly goodbye after all is just a small respectful and free manner. This gave me the feeling more like a money making place than a good restaurant. If that’s what I wanted I also could’ve spent my time at McDonald’s.

Honestly I’ve been to way better restaurants with a much better quality-price and service. Next time (if there is going to be a next time) thinking twice to comeback here to be honest!

Conclusion I’m not here to put the restaurant in a negative daylight. It’s just the truth and truth may hurt. Maybe the terrace and interior are nice, but you have to offer more than only that. A waste of my time and money! I’ll stop recommending the...

We had a terrible experience at this restaurant on Sunday the 24th of April 2022. We prebooked a table to celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary. I asked the afternoon manager on duty in person to ensure the table, food and service that evening will be special. Arriving at the restaurant at 19h30, the evening manager on duty showed us a standard table – no flowers, candles or anything special. I thought this might arrive later but it never did. We ordered our food with high expectations since they claim to be in business since 1864. The Black Angus steak I ordered was like chewing rubber. Easily the worst steak I have ever had. My wife’s veal steak was also nothing special. The response from the waiter and the manager on duty when I complaint about the quality of their food was equally shocking. They did not offer to correct the situation at all and were very arrogant and disrespectful. Almost like, how dare you complaint Mr. tourist…. The waiter did however hand me the totally overpriced bill with no deduction for the bad food in a hurry and was visibly upset that I did not leave him a tip. The cook (cannot call him a chef) who served this terrible food, the waiter and the duty manager, ruined what was supposed to be a special evening. Suggest you...

We visited L’Institution which is situated on Rue Republique, only a 10 minute walk from Mercure Beaux Arts. We booked through The Fork (Europe’s version of Open Table) with 30% off the a la carte menu food. To start we had the most amazing gin fizz which was presented in a large gin balloon glass with berries. It was the best one I have ever tasted( €13).

The starters are priced at €15.90 and the main dishes are €24.90. The latter are split in meat, fish and vegetarian dishes. The fish included salmon steak and roasted cod but we opted for the meat. We had an Entrecote black Angus with béarnaise sauce and French fries and a Veal escalope with fresh green beans Unfortunately my steak with a little tough and overdone. However, the béarnaise and thin fries were fantastic! We were impressed with the veal which was a large portion and very tender.

For dessert we shared a crème brûlée which was absolutely amazing and very light and creamy. We were impressed with the service at the restaurant and they have a gorgeous terrace area at the front. They also have a brasserie menu which is slightly cheaper than the à la carte menu offering a starter and main course for €28.50. Definitely look out for the deals on The Fork to make your visit a...