Lyon sits at the crossroads of French gastronomy and international influence, and its Japanese dining scene reflects that beautifully. While the city is world-famous for traditional bouchons and rich Lyonnaise cuisine, a growing demand for precision, freshness, and umami has elevated Japanese food to a prominent place in the local culture.
From discreet sushi counters run by master chefs to lively ramen shops perfect for a quick lunch, Lyon offers a surprisingly deep well of Japanese culinary talent. Many of these restaurants import fish directly from Tokyo’s Toyosu Market or craft their noodles by hand in-house daily.
The difference between a standard sushi takeaway and a truly exceptional Japanese restaurant often comes down to the rice, the knife work, and the sourcing of ingredients. In Lyon, several establishments have dedicated themselves to preserving these traditions while embracing the local French appreciation for high-quality produce.
Whether you are a resident looking for a new favorite spot or a visitor wanting a break from heavier regional fare, this guide will help you navigate the best options. We have evaluated these restaurants based on authenticity, ingredient quality, atmosphere, and consistency of execution.
You will find a mix of high-end omakase experiences, cozy izakayas, and specialized ramen bars. Each entry offers something distinct, ensuring that there is a perfect bowl or plate for every palate and budget in the city.
Below is a curated list of the finest Japanese dining experiences Lyon has to offer right now.
USHI - Japanese Food & BBQ
| Address | 5 Rue des Marronniers, 69002 Lyon |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:45 AM – 2:30 PM, 6:45 – 10:30 PM Tuesday: 11:45 AM – 2:30 PM, 6:45 – 10:30 PM Wednesday: 11:45 AM – 2:30 PM, 6:45 – 10:30 PM Thursday: 11:45 AM – 2:30 PM, 6:45 – 10:30 PM Friday: 11:45 AM – 2:30 PM, 6:45 – 10:30 PM Saturday: 11:45 AM – 2:30 PM, 6:45 – 10:30 PM Sunday: 11:45 AM – 2:30 PM, 6:45 – 10:30 PM |
| Phone | — |
The ambience of the restaurant was amazing.. the barbecue is the best. Very good quality & JEAN the one who served us was to friendly and very nice service… FOR SURE WE WILL GO BACK AGAIN..💫
An INCREDIBLE Japanese restaurant. We visited twice; once where we ordered regular dishes and once where we tried the BBQ experience. The staff are very kind and accommodating to provide a demonstration and instructions on how to get the best of your BBQ experience. I definitely recommend this for all Japanese cuisine lovers. 10/10!
Amazing place and atmosphere. Everything was just amazing, easily this restaurant become my favorite.
Excellent service with great explanations of the menu and instructions on how to cook. Excellent meat platter. Comfortable and cosy vibe.
We had an absolutely wonderful experience, one you won’t regret, but rather walk away saying ‘so glad we did this.’ On my Lyon adventures, it shot straight to the top of my list on our last evening, leaving all the local spots behind. Thank you so much. Everything was truly beautiful. 🙂
Kuro
| Address | 13 Rue Professeur Weill, 69006 Lyon |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 12:00 – 1:30 PM, 7:00 – 9:30 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 1:30 PM, 7:00 – 9:30 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 1:30 PM, 7:00 – 9:30 PM Friday: 12:00 – 1:30 PM, 7:00 – 10:00 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 1:30 PM, 7:00 – 10:00 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 1:30 PM, 7:00 – 9:30 PM |
| Phone | 04 72 71 82 77 |
The food was absolutely delicious, great spacious restaurant with very friendly staff. The service was a little slow but still highly recommend the restaurant.
I must start with saying that the service was great. Our waiter was very kind and respectful. However, the food was such a disappointment. The starters were not bad but not good. The duck tasteless, the salmon okey but the wagyu meet, terrible. Don’t order the 45€ ‘steak if wagyu’. No fat, badly cooked and a sad attempt to yakiniku sauce. The meat was well done and when we asked the chef he said that the small pieces in the middle was medium, we send it back. Even tho we told the chef and he agreed it was bad, I still have to pay all that money for a bad meal.
For the price and the expectations it just sad, but maybe we set our expectations to high. Once again, service and ambiance was amazing, thank you. The food and kitchen … hope you will improve.
It’s very delicious. All plats are well decorated with the interesting vegetables, serving with flavorful. Wagyu is excellent. Plus, the service is great, staff is very polite and kind.
Exquisite food and beautiful setting, as well as excellent service ! Highly recommend !
We had a wonderful lunch with friends at Kuro. Everything about it shines - the ambiance, the food, and the service. Excellent Asian fare with a nicely-selected wine list. We will definitely return soon
Nishiki Ramen
| Address | 9 Rue des Marronniers, 69002 Lyon |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 7:00 – 10:30 PM Tuesday: 7:00 – 10:30 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 7:00 – 10:30 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 7:00 – 10:30 PM Friday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 7:00 – 10:30 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 7:00 – 10:30 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 7:00 – 10:30 PM |
| Phone | 04 78 60 69 32 |
love it! got the vegetarian ramen and the broth was so rich and flavorful, almost like meat-based bone broth 😵💫 the textures and flavors blended in really well - the seared oyster mushroom slices are chewy and smokey, woodear mushroom slices are crunchy yet spinach are soft, spring onion for the freshness and seaweed for the umami. and corns!!! (i love corns) the services was pretty quick even during busy lunchtime, and staffs were super helpful and considerate. def recommend
We went on a Friday evening without a reservation. The place was packed, but we still managed to get a table upstairs. The food was delicious. We took the menu for 16,50€, which included gyoza, ramen and a mochi or coffee. The food arrived quickly and the service was very friendly.
Disappointed.
Don’t understand the 4.9 rating.
Took an hour to get the main dish, since the moment we ordered.
Gyozas were good.
Ramens were below average.
Not spicy nor flavorful.
We asked for a chilly oil to add a bit of spice, but wow it was like ketchup.
Very very good ramen. The best noodles I’ve ever tried in Europe and the best price value for a bowl of ramen. Really recommend.
I was disappointed because it says "authentic Japanese restaurant" here but it's Chinese run and I can taste the influence. Overall, the ramen was average. The broth was ok, the meat was a bit dry and had a flavour that was weird but inoffensive. Overall, just average. Service was very pleasant.
Yuzuya Izakaya Bar
| Address | 226 Rue Duguesclin, 69003 Lyon |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 9:00 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 9:00 PM Friday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 9:00 PM Saturday: Closed Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 04 72 60 95 51 |
I found my new favorite Japanese restaurant in all of Lyon. Thank you for the fantastic service and the delicious food. We had a culinary experience like no other.
We had a disappointing dinner; the chairs are not comfortable and too low for the table height. The music was rock, not Japanese. Only 2 of the 5 dishes we ordered were good. The gambas were overcooked and dry. The salmon was overcooked and mushy, with a weird rubbery pancake underneath. The okonomiyaki was okay but only one of us liked it. The onigiri and the pork shoulder were very good. There was no interesting Japanese dessert. We spent 53.10€ and we would not recommend this restaurant.
One of the best Japanese restaurants I have been to in Europe! They offered great service, a variety of tasty food including many nice small dishes, authentic Japanese tea, and a honest price! Really enjoyed eating there!
The BEST Japanese (or asian for that matter) restaurant I've ever been to. Really nice bento style plates (or takeaway) during lunch, and smaller tapas-style plates at dinner service. Very interesting dishes of the day and everything was very tasty. The bento was well rounded and everything complimented eachother. They serve some Japanese drinks, beers, sake, tea etc.
And this all while not being very expensive!
The only con is that they use a digital card (scan a QR-code with your phone), but do not have a wifi network available. Still 5 stars.
Very nice decorated, friendly little place, nice service and most importantly great food! A real Japanese chef as well!
KAMON SHOTEN - Manga, Curry et Pâtisseries Japonaises
| Address | 16 Rue du Général Plessier, 69002 Lyon |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 7:00 PM Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 7:00 PM Thursday: 11:30 AM – 7:00 PM Friday: 11:30 AM – 7:00 PM Saturday: 11:30 AM – 7:00 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 6:00 PM |
| Phone | 09 74 97 29 68 |
SO GOOD! The atmosphere is very cozy and the decorations are really cool. The food is AMAZING, I highly recommend getting the curry, it tastes very authentic just like having a dish in Japan. The coffee is also really good and the desserts are so yummy and fluffy. The staff is very nice, polite and friendly! We have already came to this restaurant/cafe three times, we love it!
Excellent find for Manga and Japanese snacks fans in the heart of the city! Quiet, tranquil place, away from the heat and hustle bustle of urban life
The place is awesome and on top of that the people there are super gentle and friendly! I'm a foreigner and I went today to eat something, buy mangas and read a little and all the people were super! So, I totally recommend it and it deserves more than 5 stars, both for the people and how the place is very well organized
P.s. japanese drinks and food were also super
A truly authentic japanese flair.
You can read manga here, play retro games and of course enjoy some high quality matcha ~
The staff are very traveller-friendly - actually they are just incredibly friendly in general.
Also the curry here is magnificent!
Very immersive experience! An enjoyable setup with kids who enjoy the Japanese culture. Left the shop with our bellies full and our bags full of Japanese goodies! Loved every bit of it! Yum!
Petit Osaka Lyon 1er Opéra - Restaurant Japonais, Sushis, Poké Bowls à Hôtel de Ville
| Address | 5 Rue Désirée, 69001 Lyon |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 7:00 – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 7:00 – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 7:00 – 11:00 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 7:00 – 11:00 PM Friday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 7:00 – 11:00 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 7:00 – 11:00 PM Sunday: 7:00 – 10:30 PM |
| Phone | 09 83 78 37 87 |
This was one of the best sushi meals I have ever had outside of Japan. The quality and flavour combinations were perfect. Also, there was a fried sushi that I was a little concerned about tasting greasy however, it was done perfectly and the flavours of the ingredients came through without being overpowered. I would highly recommend this place if you want some amazing sushi. I would recommend having a reservation as the place is fairly small and gets busy.
Been there several times. I love everything about it, food is amazing, service is lovely. Definitely worth it!
I hate leaving negative reviews. In fact, I think this might be my first.
I went with my sister and we placed an order and asked for water, and they snuck in an up-charged Voss sparkling water. I can't tolerate sparkling water and I'm not a tourist target. I'm a local.
The owner brought back another Voss bottle which I thought was another up-charge action, so I stopped him before he opened it. Instead of calmly staying that he just reused the bottless for tap water, the owner started screaming at us. I paid for the drinks we did have and left.
I feel bad for the employees that work for a guy like this because if he treats a customer this way I can't imagine how he treats people he has power over. The owner is one of the biggest jerks I've met in France.
This guy doesn't deserve your business and his employees deserve far better.
Worst place, not good food, we vomited after the food. The place was really nothing special. Avoid the Wakame salad
• Edit on the original review after restaurant's response
Thank's a lot for taking the time to answer even if it was automated 👀
First of all the restaurant was far from full we were the third table and it showed cause the space inside the restaurant was big ... and empty.
Secondly, how where we supposed to inform you that we had trouble after the food and vomited ? You know the human organism needs time to get food poisoning it is not spontaneous as your responses.
Next time try to be more professional and actually care and consider about the quality of the served food. And a llitle more creativity on the dishes doesnt hurt anyone.😘
Good sushi overall, but not exceptional. Quality is solid and the experience is pleasant, just not particularly memorable.
Service was friendly and welcoming, and prices are reasonable for the Hôtel de Ville area, which is a plus.
A good option in the area if you’re looking for something reliable.
Shiyo - Grand Hôtel-Dieu
| Address | Grand Hôtel-Dieu, 2 Cr Saint-Martin, 69002 Lyon |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:45 AM – 2:30 PM, 6:45 – 10:30 PM Tuesday: 11:45 AM – 2:30 PM, 6:45 – 10:30 PM Wednesday: 11:45 AM – 2:30 PM, 6:45 – 10:30 PM Thursday: 11:45 AM – 2:30 PM, 6:45 – 10:30 PM Friday: 11:45 AM – 2:30 PM, 6:45 – 10:30 PM Saturday: 11:45 AM – 2:30 PM, 6:45 – 10:30 PM Sunday: 11:45 AM – 2:30 PM, 6:45 – 10:30 PM |
| Phone | — |
Incredible!
Excellent experience, food is amazing too.
Highly recommended!
Shiyo at Hôtel-Dieu is by far the best in Lyon. Absolutely top-notch from start to finish. The menu is refined and creative, with every dish prepared to perfection. The sushi in particular stands out — beautifully crafted with that perfect thin layer of rice, exactly as it should be. A true culinary gem, both elegant and authentic. Highly recommended!
Food is delicious with qualitative presentation.
Such a clean and decent decorated restaurant.
After such a long time I get a highly quality experience of service in Lyon.
Price is perfect to spent a quality time.
Interior deco is perfectly suited for this atmosphere.
All over it’s a very decent restaurant with decent clients in Lyon.Highly recommended.
Shiyo at Hôtel-Dieu is by far the best in Lyon. Absolutely top-notch from start to finish. The menu is refined and creative, with every dish prepared to perfection. The sushi in particular stands out, beautifully crafted with that perfect thin layer of rice, exactly as it should be. A true culinary gem, both elegant and authentic.
I’ve had bad meals before… but this unlocked a whole new level. One thing I know for sure: I’ll probably never eat something this bad again in my life. Do yourself a favor — don’t go.
Restaurant Kinoko Lyon 7
| Address | 34 Rue Bancel, 69007 Lyon |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 12:00 – 1:30 PM, 7:00 – 9:30 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 1:30 PM, 7:00 – 9:30 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 1:30 PM, 7:00 – 9:30 PM Friday: 12:00 – 1:30 PM, 7:00 – 10:00 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 1:30 PM, 7:00 – 10:00 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 1:30 PM, 7:00 – 9:30 PM |
| Phone | 04 78 69 39 50 |
We visited this restaurant after seeing its very high Google rating, but unfortunately our experience did not live up to the expectations.
The highlights were the beef tataki and the marinated cucumber salad, both of which were enjoyable. However, the other dishes were disappointing. The fried chicken was extremely dry and tough to chew, as though it had been overcooked or fried more than once, leaving very little moisture. The bao buns were also underwhelming, and we left most of them unfinished.
What surprised us most was the gap between the online ratings and the actual food quality. While the atmosphere was pleasant and the staff were friendly, the food itself did not justify the reputation or the €79 we spent for three people.
As people who enjoy exploring different cuisines, we did not find this to be an authentic Japanese dining experience. Everyone has different tastes, but we felt the reviews created expectations that were not met. We hope future diners read a range of reviews to get a balanced picture before visiting.
High price and low portions. The chicken and the fish portions are ridiculously small with no real taste. But there was a lot of rice (not sure if they are expecting to eat rice without any sides).
The person who welcomed us was super rude. She refused to give us tables inside even though it was all empty. After 10mins of contemplation, she said we have to leave by 21h30. It was only 19h00 when we arrived. We returned from playing for 2hrs and just was super hungry. We needed not more than 1hr. We wanted to eat and Carry on with our lives. But she was really give faces and eye rolls.
The next few set of people who came without reservation had free access without any questions asked.
I don't know how this resto has such high google reviews for the quantity and the service is so bad.
Never coming back again and never recommending it to my people.
We had a very tasty meal, everything was fresh and had lots of aroma. The staff is great. Only one downside is that the outsite chairs are next to the road and it can get pretty noisy. Would come back anytime!
Everything was great in this restaurant.
The owner was very nice, we had no reservation and he made us a place. We could ask for advice regarding the menu and that was no mistake.
They don’t have a lot of choices, but everything they have is amazing and finely presented.
We shared a gua bao, with Gochujang sauce a bit spicy but amazing and sweet potato fries, really crunchy and the sauce was next level. We also took the Tonkatsu, very savoury and not fat.
If you are hungry, ordering a starter can be a good idea.
We will definitely come back!🥰
A lovely evening shared in a charmingly decorated Japanese restaurant. Althought I could pick one or two asian dishes that are not specialy Japanese, the taste was just so good and everything we tasted was made with a lot of expertise.
The staff was efficient and helpful, giving us advice on the dishes and the different things that we could expect. I really appreciated that they never made us feel tardy even at the late hour we came.
Thank you for the nice experience
MOYO
| Address | 166 Av. Félix Faure, 69003 Lyon |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 7:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 7:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 7:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 7:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 7:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 04 72 34 01 02 |
friendly and conscientious staff; delicious authentic japanese food; locals drop in to get a donburi set to go & I sat at a table and enjoyed a pleasant lunch
Absolutely incredible. Perfect culinary fusion, delightful staff, the experience felt amazing all the way through. Thanks again
Very good food! Good selection of starters and mains. Very reasonable pricing.
Excellent !
Excellent !!!
KUMA - cantine japonaise
| Address | 93 Rue Masséna, 69006 Lyon |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM Tuesday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 7:00 – 9:30 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 7:00 – 9:30 PM Friday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 7:00 – 9:30 PM Saturday: Closed Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 04 72 74 13 12 |
Very cute little japanese place.
The gyudon rice was very good, very filling.
The teriyaki chicken as well.
Served with miso soup.
I also had a yuzu lemonade that was super refreshing!
Service is super friendly and good.
Delicioua food and good prices. Food here is amazing!! Definitely have to try the Japanese omelette.
They have a nice selection of Japanese beers as well.
Is easy to reach by public transport. And very important to book in advance because it gets full!
Recommend to order the don (rice bowls) or the stir fried udon, they are much better than the ramen which we find a tad too mushy. Starters are good especially the takoyaki (octopus balls). Came in a big group so we tried almost everything on the menu. Great and prompt service!
Service was quick and great! Had 2 mains, the teriyaki donburi and the chashu-men. Although the seaweed topping on the donburi was slightly strong, both were delectable! Matcha Tiramisu filled with a little bit of red bean paste was a great finish.
The Katsu-don is WOW. Super tasty, with so many different high quality ingredients. The mix of flavours is out of ordinary and combines very nicely. Service is great and fast, there is a pleasant atmosphere. 💯 Do book a table before going as it gets full.
Ichiban
| Address | 167 Gd Rue de la Guillotière, 69007 Lyon |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 6:30 – 10:30 PM Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 6:30 – 10:30 PM Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 6:30 – 10:30 PM Thursday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 6:30 – 10:30 PM Friday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 6:30 – 10:30 PM Saturday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 6:30 – 10:30 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 04 78 69 18 00 |
Delicious food!! Taste like in Japan🔥
The owner was friendly, the interior of the restaurant is pretty and even in hot weather the restaurant was cool and smelled so nice. Really recommend the yakitori set!! 10/10 😙⭐️
The food was delicious, especially the skewers. There is a set menu which is a great deal. And the waiter was very friendly, thank you, I’ll be coming again!
It's such a wonderful japanese tematic restaurant!
The gastronomic is delightful and tasty!
The staff is very kind!
I plan to come here again!
such a great experience, the service was amazing, so kind and helped with recommendations. She definitely knows her stuff, we had a very nice evening with really good food🍜
Excellent restaurant. Food is tasty, dishes are generous, ratio price/ quality is correct. Recommend for families with kids.
Haiku
| Address | 138 Av. Félix Faure, 69003 Lyon |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 7:00 – 10:30 PM Tuesday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 7:00 – 10:30 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 7:00 – 10:30 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 7:00 – 10:30 PM Friday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 7:00 – 10:30 PM Saturday: 7:00 – 10:30 PM Sunday: 7:00 – 10:30 PM |
| Phone | 09 71 48 80 65 |
Friendly stuff, great Ramen and georgous Sushi. Food was prepared fast, so nice if you hungry like a bear.
Happy to have stumbled upon the most harmoniously flavourful ramen, cooked and served by the kindest people, in the most simplest way (sushi is also delicious enough to bring the sun back on any rainy day).
Thank you 🤍
This is an Asian fusion place, not strictly Japanese, run by Chinese people. I had M7 combo with sushi and sashimi with miso soup and Cole salad. The miso was very satisfying, and the fish very fresh. Not a fancy place, but a nice atmosphere. Recommended for a nice inexpensive
Jap fix!
The food was great , except the karate poulpe who was bit hard to chew . Restaurant was a bit middle of nowhere and not easy to find
Food was very good and the price is very reasonable. Great server as well.
BOCHI BOCHI
| Address | 53 Rue Duquesne, 69006 Lyon |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM Tuesday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM Wednesday: Closed Thursday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 8:30 PM Friday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 8:30 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 7:00 – 8:00 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM |
| Phone | 09 82 33 20 42 |
Unique Michelin class Japanese restaurant with creative dishes that worked very well together. Reasonably priced lunch menu at 28 euros for a delicious entree trio and plat of your choice among three selections. Nice ambience and service rounds out this 5 star experience.
This was an amazing japanese-french fusion restaurant. We have tried Medu de Degustation and sake degustation.
Chef came out and spoke about each sake that came with the course. They have LOTS sake. You wont be disappointed!
This was one of the best Japanese meals I’ve had outside of Japan, right here in Lyon, France. I recently returned from Japan, so my expectations were quite high, but the authenticity, quality of the food, and exceptional hospitality truly impressed me. Experiencing such genuine Japanese cuisine and service in France was simply amazing.
Incredible restaurant of japanese "western cuisine", a breath of fresh air from all the sushi and ramen you find in Lyon.
Apart from the egg over rice which was a bit bland, everything else was amazing and delicious. The server came and explained to me what all the options were (some just had the japanese name in the menu) and when the food came, the chef explained to me every dish. Great service!
I had a lovely glass of umeshu and some pretty good green tea. They have a pretty good selection of drinks considering the size of the restaurant.
I chose the daily/weekend set, but you can also order individual dishes. I'd just go with the set, though, it made a great meal.
Overall excellent restaurant, highly recommend
We came for food, and we left well-fed and happy. The food was amazing; from appetizers to desserts, everything was delicious. The chef came to our table to serve the food and chat a bit. We appreciated that a lot. His wife was so lovely too. We will definitely come back!
Orizzo
| Address | 64 Rue Mercière, 69002 Lyon |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 9:30 PM Tuesday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 9:30 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 9:30 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 9:30 PM Friday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 9:30 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 9:30 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 9:30 PM |
| Phone | 06 67 56 27 42 |
Lovely random dinner place, good food and service. Very busy, great atmosphere
Everything was absolutely delicious! I’ve never had Asian food this tasty before. The flavors, atmosphere, and service were all amazing. Highly recommended! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Incredible lunch for a very good value. The service and ambiance were excellent. Highly recommend.
So good that we went back again 3 weeks later... and didn't disappoint the second time either.
Generous portions with good service, nice to see the food cooked in front of you in the open kitchen. Modern fusion style Japanese food, lots of flavour and nicely presented. Price for the quality and portion size is very good. Nice aperatifs and drinks too.
It's very popular with locals, and a young demographic, so you will probably need to book or arrive early and hope.
Go there, you'll enjoy it.
Excellent food at reasonable price, modern Japanese cuisine, excellent service
Kaki Bistrot
| Address | 88 Rue Bechevelin, 69007 Lyon |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 07 69 30 11 14 |
Very cosy and clean, the atmosphere is very relaxing and the cakes are very delicious. One of the best cheesecakes I had.
It s also very good for a date or for studying.
I recommend it!
The riz au curry avec tofu frit was so good!! The portions are also generous enough. The atmosphere is cozy and warm 🫶 I had a great time enjoying my warm meal in a cozy ambience.
The food is delicious! They took the time to explain everything, what was very nice! The drinks are also a 10/10🥰
Very cute Japanese bistro with amazing food! The owners are very friendly, kind and helpful:) I tried the Yakisoba Légumes and they were excellent 🍜 I also liked the decor, it’s a very cosy place to enjoy your meal! Will definitely come back to try the desserts 🍡🤍
Charming place with a lovely menu.
How to Choose the Right Japanese Restaurant in Lyon
Selecting the perfect spot depends on what kind of experience you are craving. A formal kaiseki dinner is vastly different from a casual bowl of tonkotsu ramen, and Lyon has excellent options for both. Knowing a few key indicators of quality will help you avoid tourist traps and find the places where locals actually eat.
1). Look for Japanese-run kitchens
While not an absolute rule, restaurants with Japanese owners or chefs often pay closer attention to traditional techniques, especially regarding rice seasoning and fish aging. This authenticity usually translates to a cleaner, more precise flavor profile.
2). Check the rice quality
In sushi, the rice is arguably more important than the fish. Great restaurants use short-grain Japanese rice, season it with a balanced rice vinegar mixture, and serve it slightly warm or at room temperature. If the rice is cold, hard, or overly sweet, the sushi will suffer regardless of how fresh the fish is.
3). Ask about sourcing
The best establishments will openly tell you where their fish comes from. Many top-tier spots in Lyon receive deliveries from Rungis Market or directly from European ports several times a week. Daily specials boards are a good sign that the chef is buying seasonally rather than relying on frozen stock.
4). Consider the specialization
Restaurants that try to do everything—sushi, ramen, tempura, and yakitori—often spread themselves too thin. The most memorable meals usually come from places that focus on one discipline, such as a dedicated ramen-ya or a sushi counter with a limited omakase menu.
5). Read the room
The atmosphere tells you a lot about the intent. A minimalist space with a counter facing the chef suggests an interactive, ingredient-focused experience. A loud, crowded izakaya signals a place for sharing plates and drinking. Match the venue to your desired evening.
Lyon’s Japanese food scene is no longer just an alternative to French cuisine; it is a destination in its own right. The city’s chefs have managed to respect Japanese culinary philosophy while subtly incorporating the high standards of the French market.
Exploring these restaurants is a rewarding journey through texture, temperature, and technique. Whether you are sitting at a quiet counter in the Presqu’île or slurping noodles in the Croix-Rousse, you are participating in a beautiful cultural exchange that continues to evolve with every passing season.
