Söma — Restaurant in Lyon

SOMA is a transcendetal experience. I adore food and rarely have I been left speechless, but this place does it. We first visited in June 2024 and were blown away. We flew back in January 2025 to celebrate our anniversary and check if the place lived up to our memories, but it suprassed them with ease. In June we dined in their outdoor terrace, a temporary space that was lovely and allowed us to enjoy vieux lyon. In January we were inside. The resturant is cosy and with a view of the kitchen, so you can see as the magic happens. The team is made up of 3 people, and they make you feel welcomed and looked after without ever feeling overbearing, which is a feat in a small resturant. The food however is the real star of the show. The flavours are researched and surprising, with elements that work together out of the most unusal pairings. Both times we went we had the entire menu, and every dish was a surprise and a delight - my stand out is the current chicken dish, completed with a citrusy sauce and a vanilla touch and the only brussel sprouts I have ever enjoyed. I truly cannot overstate how every bite is an exploration of flavour and a journey into what well thought out food tastes like. I will go back every occasion I can as it is an inspiring experience. It unlocked a desire to experiment and...

Söma is a small, modern bistro in Lyon that stands out with its cool interior and the unique experience of watching the main chef, Sarah, cook right in front of you. The open kitchen adds a dynamic and engaging element to the dining experience. Given its popularity, making a reservation ahead of time is essential.

The menu at Söma is intriguing, featuring a variety of ingredients from around the world, creating interesting and innovative combinations. I appreciated the creativity and global influences. However, while the food was good, it didn’t quite reach the level of being extraordinary or unforgettable. It was enjoyable, but not the kind of meal that leaves you in awe.

Another aspect to note is the portion size. The portions are quite small for the high price, which is something diners should be aware of. This isn’t necessarily a negative, as the quality of ingredients and the dining experience are clear priorities here, but it's important to know that you might need to order multiple dishes to feel satisfied.

Overall, Söma is a solid choice for those looking for a modern bistro experience with a unique twist. I would rate it 4 out of 5. It's definitely a place I would consider returning to, with the hope that next time, the food might just elevate the experience to a...

My fiancée and I ate here last night and everything was impeccable! Probably the most interesting and exciting meal we’ve had dining out in Lyon so far.

Chef Sarah truly masters complementary and contrasting textures, bringing together ingredients from many different cuisines (Algeria, Brazil, France…) yet somehow harmonizing them all beautifully. The vegetarian option was delicious and not at all an afterthought, as in many other bistros. The stuffed dates were a revelation. If you’re an Ottolenghi fan you’ll love this place.

Thankyou Sarah + the team - we’ll...