La Chimère — Restaurant in Lyon

Cosy atmosphere and good food in the heart of Old Lyon.

Place: very centric in the old area of Lyon, close to the river. The place is cosy, decorated in old style with a cabaret style.

Service: Very attentive, offered sepcial food for the baby, despite not having kinder menu. Food came on time and they were always giving good recomendations.

Food: We went for the set menu. They have 2, the lyonaisse and the gourmande. We had Lyonasse salad for starters, very fresh with a well poached egg on top. Croutons and crunchy bacon made the rest. The pumkin soup was well prepared, a bit cold tho, it had a few minced chestnuts inside which gives it a nice touch. Mains were Filet mignon in mustard sauce. The meat was well cooked, a bit pinkish inside, just perfect. The sauce wasn't too mustardish and was a perfect companion for the filet. We also had beef babette in cheese sauce. Meat also perfectly cooked, however the sauce was a bit plain. Both dishes were served with some vegs, and fries (homemade). For desert we had puff pastry with a strawberry chantilly and a molten cake. Both well prepared...

We had an excellent dinner at La Chimère. I ordered the “Menu Gourmand” with Salade Gourmande, assiette végétarienne and Fondant Chocolat. My husband ordered the “Menu Lyonnaise” with pumpkin & vegetable soupe, poisson soufflé and poire pochée.

The salade gourmande had very fresh greens accompanied with good quality fois gras and smoked duck - the flavors were very well balanced, subtle yet rich, not over salted. The assiette végétarienne i got was a fresh mushroom risotto, with some of the freshest mushrooms I had in my life sautéed with shallots, on top of a very well made cream sauce, rich in flavor yet not too heavy. My husband’s soup was excellent - definitely made from real fresh vegetables. The fish soufflé in lobster sauce was well made, slightly on the salty side, came with a small side of rice garnished with fresh vegetables.

My fondant chocolat was fantastic - very melted on the inside. My husband’s poire pochée was great, cooked in spiced red wine. Would definitely go...

Our visit to La Chimère was nothing short of outstanding. The service was exceptional from start to finish. Although the restaurant didn’t have ice at the time, Natasha, our waitress, went above and beyond—she personally walked to another restaurant to get some. That kind of dedication is rare and truly impressive.

Chef Quentin delighted us with a superb meal: the gratin de ravioles du Dauphiné and escargots, both cooked to absolute perfection. Every bite was full of flavor and beautifully prepared.

But the real star of the day was Natasha. She wasn’t just attentive to our table—she took the time to engage warmly with every single guest in the restaurant, creating a welcoming and lively atmosphere.

A truly memorable dining experience. Highly...