Local Delights in Lyon

Rhone River and Lyon

Stopping off in Lyon for just a couple of nights on our way to Austria, we were pleasantly surprised by this quiet city. Enjoying summer vacations like the rest of France and Spain, we found many shops to be closed in Lyon. That just added to the quiet appeal. After arriving and finally settling in at our Air B&B apartment at 9pm, we were famished and ready for a big meal. Our host recommended Le Comptoir du Vin, a restaurant just around the corner, but was apprehensive on how well we’d do without knowing any French since it was a local hot spot run by an older French man. We decided to take our chances knowing a few French food terms.

Mouth water aromas of garlic, butter, bread and spices let us know we were getting close as we walked down the block. Entering, we took stock of the modest restaurant- a short bar, a handful of tables and chalkboard menu. The lively crowd and and friendly jeers let us know this was a local favorite. We sat int the corner next to an older gentleman eating alone. Struggling with the menu we looked at the plates on the tables and politely asked the gentleman what he was having and what was on the plates of some of our neighbors. To our delight, the man replied in perfect, albeit quiet, English. After helping us order the two specials of the day- liver with potatoes and chicken with cream, he explained that he was an interpreter and translator. Perfect for us as the waiter didn’t speak any English.

We were in heaven upon tasting our first bites of each dish. Both classic Lyonnais cuisine, we could see why this restaurant was so popular. Huge portions of delicious food was half the price of most restaurants and so perfectly cooked and seasoned that it melted in your mouth. We stuffed ourselves silly as there were no doggie bags to take leftovers home and we couldn’t give up any unfinished bites. Washed down with the house Burgundy wine, happy and full. We practically rolled ourselves back to our apartment and happily fell asleep dreaming of the incredible meal. Definitely in our top three thus far.