Lyon sits at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers, creating a dramatic urban landscape that begs to be viewed from above. While the city is globally celebrated for its bouchons and culinary heritage, its café culture has taken a vertical leap in recent years.
From the historic slopes of Croix-Rousse to the modern docks of Confluence, the skyline is now dotted with elevated terraces. Finding the perfect rooftop spot in Lyon is about more than just the view; it is about capturing a specific atmosphere.
Whether you are looking for a sun-drenched brunch spot, a romantic sunset cocktail bar, or a quiet place to work with a breeze, the city offers a diverse range of elevated escapes. The French concept of l’art de vivre reaches new heights when paired with a panoramic vista.
This guide curates the essential elevated terraces that define Lyon’s modern social scene. We have prioritized venues that offer not only stunning heights but also quality service, distinct beverage programs, and comfortable environments.
You will find a mix of hidden gems, luxury hotel bars, and trendy social hubs that locals actually frequent. Because Lyon experiences distinct seasons, the best rooftop experiences often shift throughout the year.
Many venues adapt with retractable roofs, cozy blankets, and seasonal menus to ensure the view can be enjoyed regardless of the weather. Knowing when to go and what to order can make the difference between a good outing and a great one.
We have organized this list to help you navigate the city’s best aerial terraces based on your specific needs. From the bustling Presqu’île to the artistic hills, there is a perch for every type of traveler. Read on to discover the venues that offer the most breathtaking perspectives of the “Capital of Gastronomy.”
The Lift – Rooftop
| Address | 60 Quai Perrache, 69002 Lyon |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 6:30 PM – 1:00 AM Thursday: 6:30 PM – 1:00 AM Friday: 6:30 PM – 1:00 AM Saturday: 6:30 PM – 1:00 AM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 06 35 10 01 01 |
Visited this rooftop over the weekend and would recommend making a reservation, as it’s quite a small place. It has a modern, international atmosphere, which is nice if you want a break from the more local Lyon vibe. The service was excellent.
The view from the main dining area isn’t the best, but the upstairs terrace has a lovely view of the river. Overall, a nice place for an evening out!
Incredible experience! This place is magical, as are the welcome, the service, and the food ✨
You feel transported somewhere else for an evening, and the view/sunset is magnificent… 🫶
A wonderful discovery! The setting is lovely, with a superb view of the Musée des Confluences and the Rhône River. The tapas were delicious, the cocktails excellent, and the service impeccable. A very positive first experience; I will gladly return.
Excellent rooftop bar with very reasonable prices considering the setting and the quality of the cocktails! The service was very pleasant and efficient 🙂 Of course, you need to book in advance, but once you do, there are no problems at all!
We booked a table at the Patio on a weekday evening (the Rooftop was fully booked) and were very disappointed with the service.
Upon arrival, we asked if a table on the Rooftop would become available soon. The waiter assured us that one would be available shortly, and we sat down on the Patio while we waited. The restaurant was very quiet: only the Rooftop tables were occupied, and we were alone in the Patio. The very dim lighting sometimes plunged us into darkness, with only a few glimmers of light from the hallway.
After 30 minutes, the waiter returned to tell us that the table would be ready shortly. We then ordered cocktails, but he never came back. We had to get up to demand service: almost an hour and a half after our arrival, we were finally able to order food. The tapas were decent without being exceptional; however, the slices of beef gravlax were quite thick.
Once again, we had to get up to ask for bread, water, and desserts. No server attended to us for nearly two hours.
We are very disappointed with this experience. It would be advisable to only open reservations for areas where they have sufficient staff.
Le Rooftop
| Address | 11 Rue du Bât d'Argent, 69001 Lyon |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 5:00 – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 5:00 – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 5:00 – 11:00 PM Thursday: 5:00 – 11:00 PM Friday: 5:00 – 11:00 PM Saturday: 5:00 – 11:00 PM Sunday: 5:00 – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | 04 81 13 21 90 |
The dishes are very small and expensive. Nevertheless my dish was amazing! Never had Pig Entrecote together with Sardines and capers. I love capers! The Service was okay. The view from the rooftop is very nice.
The food is good, however very small portions especially for the price that is paid. The bar made the drinks very well, we enjoyed those. The service by the ladies was good, however there was a gentleman that was very rude to our group especially when taking orders and throughout the night. At the end of the night when closing out the tab, they were trying to make one person pay the entire bill of hundreds of dollars, and very rude to that one person in our group. Eventually we all paid our own meals, however I don't understand the rudeness of the staff in this establishment. Also for those coming in the summer, try to avoid being seated next to the lamps in the back, they are full of flying bugs and many of them got in the food and wine throughout the whole night.
You want a place with superb view..?
You want a place to eat and you’ll never forget?
You want a place where the service is from great people?
Well..you are very lucky…YOU FOUND
Le RoofTOP..don’t miss it!
Special thanks to Thomas and all the service team!!!💪💪💪
We only had drinks at the bar and therefore cannot comment on the food. The view from the Rooftop was great and we really enjoyed the drinks we had there. Axelle, Camille and Fanny were welcoming, gave great suggestions of drinks and explained the local food culture which was illuminating.
Congratulations to the Manager of The Restaurant of the hotel, Mr Thomas!!!!
Rooftop 52
| Address | 52 Quai Rambaud, 69002 Lyon |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 AM Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 AM Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 AM Thursday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 AM Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 AM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 AM Sunday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 AM |
| Phone | 04 78 68 89 13 |
Good place for business events.
Nice place for Party !
Top
Amazing view
A beautiful rooftop bar with a warm atmosphere and a magnificent view of Lyon. Located on the 5th floor, it's very pleasant: despite the heatwave, there was a cool breeze that made you want to enjoy the terrace all evening.
The venue is ideal for summer events, with a large indoor room where you can listen to music and dance.
The only downside is the heat inside the room, which is quite intense and makes it difficult to dance for long periods. Despite this, we had a wonderful evening and will gladly return.
Les Muses de l'Opera
| Address | Opéra de Lyon, 1 Pl. de la Comédie, 69001 Lyon |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 6:00 – 11:30 PM Thursday: 6:00 – 11:30 PM Friday: 6:00 – 11:30 PM Saturday: 2:00 – 11:30 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 04 69 85 54 54 |
Great experience !
We wait a lot of time for have our food so they offered a drink tour.
The view is very amazing !!
Probably the only rooftop bar with a great view of Lyon..and that too on the top of the Opera House! Big choice of drinks to choose from with reasonable price. Well you pay for the view and ambience. Limited space and usually full. If you want the seat on the balcony, you got to wait. Usually it is 'first come first serve' basis.
BEST ROOFTOP BAR IN LYON... AMAZING VIEW, GREAT STAFF AND GOOD FOOD & DRINKS... 😍
Short story:
We went there mostly for the view and were quite surprised by how nice and welcoming the staff was.
No reservations needed but you're very likely to queue for some time on the ground floor of the opera outside for as it's usually full (also the room and terrace are both very small) so it's cold outside I recommend you wear something warm ^^
You can enter the elevator as more people leave the restaurant.
Once you are up there you can choose between sitting indoors or outside at the terrace (which is often full thanks to the cool view you get from there) but you can sit indoors and get a table outside when people leave.
🍱🍻 Didn't try the food yet but it looks delicious,
The beers and cocktails are quite nice and not too expensive
The view is amazing (especially for sunset) and you get a view over Lyon main sites: fourviere hill and cathedral, Lyon very own eiffel tower (the locals will know), the famous hotel de ville amongst others ^^
Way too overrated.
You wait outside to get a place, and it's extremely disappointing when you enter. Music is mediocre, the lighting is horrible, you have the spots in your eyes all the time, and the drinks are lower than average.
The only nice thing is the view.
I don't recomment at all!!
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What a view! When u ll arrive, maybe u ll think everything is closed and get disappointed... don't! Have a closest look, and u ll see there is a person as security near the elevator of the opera. Move on up to the 7th floor, and u ll get to the rooftop bar. Totally worth it. The wine was perfect and only 5-6€ per glass - the food choices many and value for money as well (till 10pm the food and at 11pm the bar closes). The service was very, very polite, and the view at the city hall was so breathtaking.
SkyBar
| Address | 26 Rue Hippolyte Flandrin, 69001 Lyon |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 4:00 PM – 1:00 AM Tuesday: 4:00 PM – 1:00 AM Wednesday: 4:00 PM – 1:00 AM Thursday: 4:00 PM – 1:00 AM Friday: 4:00 PM – 1:00 AM Saturday: 4:00 PM – 1:00 AM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | — |
nice bar but they were playing AI music 🙁 please just play real music made by people. sounds like a youtube tutorial video utterly soulless bro and very depressing
Thank you to Rémy and his team for a great night. The bar was very reasonably priced and the homemade food was delicious. We were a group of 9 and yet they accommodated us without a reservation and made us feel very welcome. I would definitely recommend.
Excellent spot to drink a beer. In the middle of the city but yet in a relatively calm part. Super friendly staff and owners. And I drank an amazing shot of amaretto, kahlua and pineapple juice.
Great tapas! Wonderful atmosphere. Not many tourists, mostly locals. Good wine, great food. Servings are generous. Waiters are snappy.
One of the best terrace in Lyon ! TAPAS and drinks are great ! very nice atmosphere ! one of my regular place in Lyon ! Remy : the boss , is a great guy ! friendly . he can speak english ! will come again next time that i m in town !
LE ROOFTOP TETEDOIE
| Address | 4 Rue Professeur Pierre Marion, 69005 Lyon |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 1:30 PM, 7:00 – 9:30 PM 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 – 9:30 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 1:30 PM, 7:00 – 9:30 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 1:30 PM, 7:00 – 9:30 PM |
| Phone | 04 78 29 40 10 |
Stunning location with food to match. We watched the golden hour over Lyon slowly fade to dusk as each exquisite course was delivered and devoured. The staff were friendly and attentive, the chef a master.
Very close to our hotel and highly recommended was this restaurant. I will say first that there are MANY bad reviews about food and service and we did not experience ANY of that. Perhaps it was because we were on the early side of dinner as many tables were open when we were seated - > they later became quite full.
The service was not overly cordial but was pleasant and efficient. Our server had no problem with our English and described our options thoroughly. As in all of our experience in France service slower than United States but fully understand this cultural difference.
Wine and cocktails were delightful as was our selection of appetizers. I thought the Octopus was superb. Entrees were also enjoyed as was the desert selection.
Of course the view - SPECTACULAR - especially on a clear day/evening.
We would go back and take friends.
HORRIBLE EXPERIENCE
The online reservation process is unclear and I ended up reserved this restaurant part that we believe it was a one stared restaurant, which it is not.
I was upset with the table that the restaurant provided us despite our special request that we want to have a good view since it's our special occasion but we were shielded from the panoramic view by all the guest who were there before us. If the restaurant's policy is to give front row tables to the guests who arrive first, they should specify this on the reservation platform.
The food was good, I have nothing to complain about this (and it's the only reason that I gave two stars instead of one). Beautiful food presentation. The dessert was not really interesting, it can be better.
For the payment, the bill is unclear. The staff at the cashier thought that we took some coffee which we didn't. The former price was 145 euros, but after the person took out the coffee price from the bill, it left us to pay 135 euros. We took 2 menus (60 per pax) and two bottles of water, still and sparkling ones which I saw it cost 5 euros/bottle. And we had no idea why the finally price were 135 euros since we believed it should be 130 euros, and the staff didn't give us any bill showing the detail about this. We just realized this when we already left the restaurant.
For the ambience, apart from the hidden view, it's super cold and windy. We wanted to finish our meal as quickest as possible. So, apart from the food, we didn't have a pleasant time at this restaurant. Eating here was not a memorable moment for us.
We booked several weeks in advance. We had to wait quite long to place an order so we ordered full course at once (drinks to dessert). Small pot of wine was surprisingly good for 14€ price! All of us loved the food. View was great, we could see the whole lyon from this rooftop. Definitely recommended++
Our go-to place for visitors from out of town in Lyon. A truly excellent experience with a million Euro view! We have been nearly a dozen times and never been disappointed. The new roof makes is good if it rains as well! Highly recommend.
Les Terrasses du Fort
| Address | 1 Rue Bodin, Pl. Bellevue, 69001 Lyon |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 2:00 – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 2:00 – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 2:00 – 11:00 PM Thursday: 2:00 – 11:00 PM Friday: 2:00 – 11:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | 04 28 29 16 19 |
Extremely disappointing visit to Rousse - Terrasse Perchée. The waiter was completely uncooperative and dismissive. We waited patiently in line while others walked in and were seated just by claiming they were from the hotel — no organization, no fairness.
Once we got in, it only got worse. We were a group of four, and they gave us just one chair to sit. When we asked for more, we were met with shrugs. No ice, no food, no Aperol — how does a place call itself a terrace bar and have nothing to offer?
If you’re not equipped to host people, stop promoting yourselves. This was hands down the worst experience we’ve had in Lyon. All hype, zero substance. Avoid at all costs.
Being Hotel professional and attending this place since the opening, I need to say that they really need a Maitre or proper Dir F&B to manage this place well. The waitress just care about having fun with other friends while you are unattended. You need to ask for basic service steps as they are not able to provide (like napkins). Drinks not greatly done but this is for me a small detail if they are attentive. There were enough waiters but total disorganization.
When they were about to close, one waitress told us 15 minutes (as we had still some wine bottle to enjoy) and suddenly another one came and started to take our glasses filled with wine. I asked her if she could not wait 5-10 minutes as her colleagues told us 15 and she said no as they were closing. Very unprofessional and rude.
It is one of the best spots but unfortunately due to these circumstances, we will not be back. Write me for more details if you wish.
Best terrasse of Croix-Rousse!
Great view over Lyon
Best coffee snd great servive!
Perfect place to be. Thanks to Matilde.
Super spot 🤩
Le Melhor
| Address | 20 Quai du Dr Gailleton, 69002 Lyon |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 6:00 PM – 1:00 AM Tuesday: 6:00 PM – 1:00 AM Wednesday: 6:00 PM – 1:00 AM Thursday: 6:00 PM – 1:00 AM Friday: 6:00 PM – 1:00 AM Saturday: 6:00 PM – 1:00 AM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 04 72 41 20 34 |
One of the best views of all Lyon. Great atmosphere, amazing cocktails, top service. The bartender was super friendly and professional. I will definitely go again. One of the highlights of my experiences in Lyon.
Been a few times to Le Melhor and I think it’s really one of the best place to chill and meet friends. The drinks are creative and special. The service is always great-the manager I forgot to ask for his name but he’s really professional and the whole team is so friendly. I’d like to bring my friends here because it offers a view, a good drink and most importantly a perfect service.
Really deserve 5 star.
We arrived right when they opened at 6pm and could choose a great spot right at the window. The vegetarian appetizer with hummus etc was good, the non-alcoholic cocktails were great!
Disappointing and inconsistent experience.
Arrived around 9:50 pm on a Saturday and was turned away because I was not a hotel guest, despite the bar advertising itself as open to the public. There were clearly open seats at the bar, but I was told they were “reserved for hotel guests who did not reserve.” I specifically asked if I would be allowed to sit if I had a room at the hotel, and the answer was yes, which made the policy feel arbitrary rather than capacity-based. This lack of transparency and preference given solely to hotel guests is frustrating for a venue that positions itself as an upscale cocktail bar. Lyon offers many high-quality bars that welcome guests more professionally — unfortunately this was not one of them.
What a shame! Very bad experience they had a place next to the window view but couldn’t let us in as we should wait for 20 minutes outside of the bar when there are only 2-3 people seated inside. Do not recommend AT ALL.
7 Rooftop
| Address | 100 Rte de Paris, 69260 Charbonnières-les-Bains |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 6:00 PM – 1:00 AM Wednesday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 6:00 PM – 1:00 AM Thursday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 6:00 PM – 1:00 AM Friday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 6:00 PM – 1:00 AM Saturday: 7:00 PM – 1:00 AM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 04 26 78 18 20 |
Excellent
This is my fourth time back here, and there's really nothing to complain about: the service, the atmosphere, and the food are always top-notch!
The terrace is very pleasant, especially in the summer, and the menu is excellent. I particularly recommend their famous kebabs, which are delicious. The appetizers and desserts are also impeccable (their ice cream in particular, which I highly recommend, is made by a Meilleur Ouvrier de France and is perfect for summer).
Our servers were lovely and very attentive. The service was quick, and we especially appreciated the presentation of the kebabs: wheat alcohol is poured over them and then flambéed right in front of the customers, which adds a spectacular touch to the experience.
Whether you're looking for a drink, a beer with friends, or a good meal, this is a great place to have in the neighborhood. I'll definitely be back with both large and small groups! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Avoid this place if you appreciate real food. We're not talking about chefs here, but mere "plate-setters."
For an establishment located right above the Halles de l'Ouest market, this is an insult to Lyon's culinary heritage.
The low points of our evening:
Unacceptable hygiene: We found already-eaten olive pits in the bowl offered as an appetizer. This is the absolute nadir of restaurant standards.
Low-cost cuisine at exorbitant prices: The beef tartare was limp, a white mush swimming in mayonnaise, without pickles or Tabasco. The lemon tart for dessert was tasteless, soggy, and clearly defrosted... The tart wasn't even finished.
Misleading advertising: They sell you a kebab for almost €30, enticing you with photos of a spectacular cooking demonstration at the table... The result? A simple kebab with no real demonstration whatsoever. Outrageous value for money.
Amateurish service: A waitress (probably a temporary worker) was completely lost and unable to tell us which dishes were out of stock before we ordered.
The decor is nice, but you can't eat the walls. The old establishment was much better in terms of the essentials: the food. Lyon deserves much better than this kind of tacky tourist trap.
To top it all off, they charge for parking, which you pay in cash, on top of the price of the kebab. I would have liked to have a free parking space.
A fantastic find! The concept is truly original: you simply pay for your drink and/or dessert, then enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet of excellent quality. Everything was fresh and delicious. The atmosphere is friendly, the welcome is warm, and we had a wonderful evening. What's more, this offer is available every day during the summer. A truly great place that I highly recommend!
I celebrated my birthday at this establishment and everything was perfect!
The place is welcoming, the food is high quality, and the unique feature is being able to flame your own meat in the form of a skewer. The DJ (DJ Will Wick) was fantastic!
And the waitress, Soraya, was incredibly attentive. Smiling, available, with a real sense of service and efficient. Very professional.
I highly recommend this establishment.
L'Officine
| Address | 3 Cour Saint Henri Grand Hôtel-Dieu, 69002 Lyon |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 6:30 PM – 12:30 AM Wednesday: 6:30 PM – 12:30 AM Thursday: 6:30 PM – 12:30 AM Friday: 6:30 PM – 12:30 AM Saturday: 5:00 PM – 12:30 AM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 04 72 41 84 96 |
Cockatail / Jazz rooftop bar hidden in beautiful Hotel Dieu in Bellecour. When you get there, go inside Hotel Dieu, look for the Intercontinental Hotel and then just across is the entrance of L’Officine.
Once a month on Fridays they host a “Jazz Apero” so we came to enjoy! Dimmed lights and an exciting cocktail menu!
We tried the “Peach Please”, “Montenegroni” (with a beautiful logo stamped ice cube) and finally a Royal Monkey (this one won!). Prices were around 15€.
The jazz was beautiful! And we went out to enjoy the terrace for a while (they have warm covers so you don’t freeze in the cold season). The only remarks I would make is that we wanted to tried a Mezcal cocktail in the menu, but there was no mezcal that night. The appetizers menu didn’t look crazy so we ended up not ordering. And one of our glasses had the border quite chipped, something that in this kind of place you would not expect. It finally a fancy place to enjoy a night out with friends or couple.
A truly beautiful experience. The setting of L’Officine, nestled inside the stunning Grand Hôtel-Dieu, is both elegant and historic, creating the perfect atmosphere for an evening of refined drinks and conversation.
The cocktails are exceptional – full of creativity, perfectly balanced, and beautifully presented. The Royal Praline was a standout: floral, fragrant, and uniquely Lyonnais in character.
A heartfelt thank you to Judith, our wonderful server. She was warm, welcoming, and spoke excellent English, which made our visit even more enjoyable. Her friendly energy and professionalism turned a lovely evening into a memorable one.
L’Officine is a must-visit in Lyon – not just for the cocktails, but for the hospitality and class.
Highly recommended!
best cocktail bar in Lyon. quiet. splendid view. great finger food and amazing cocktails. love it.
This bar amazed me. Very chill and uhh nique vibe, inside they show old movies ok the fall while bartender was listening to my specific requests for the drink. Nikos, he did a great job! I loved my drinks and will come back with family and friends. It's a place to be
Really classy cocktail bar in a neat location. The cocktails were delicious and well made, and the wine recommendations were on point.
Rooftop Jardin Suspendu
| Address | 156 Rue Garibaldi, 69003 Lyon |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Phone | 04 72 15 25 95 |
The rooftop above the car park has a nice garden in the summer, perfect for eating or having a coffee with a view of a good part of the city between the two tallest towers...
I loved the calm and beauty of Lyon from above a parking lot!
Pleasant spot for a break away from the street. Deckchair and table for a light snack or reading. The view isn't amazing, but it's nice and well-maintained.
Nice place to relax and get a bit of a view.
The view is very nice between the two large towers of Lyon.
Nice for a quick break, but not great cuisine.
LES 3 DOMES
| Address | 20 Quai du Dr Gailleton, 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 – 3:00 PM |
| Phone | 04 72 41 20 97 |
The food was underwhelming - not bad but also not great. We ate here during our stay at Sofitel, and probably should have gotten a reservation. Without a reservation, they place you in an inner seat away from the windows, which is a shame as there were many vacant seats that were not taken during our entire meal.
The flavor profiles of the dishes aired on the sweet side. The scallops with butternut and chestnut almost bordered on a dessert with how sweet the sauces and sides are. I somewhat enjoyed it, but the sweetness was a bit overpowering - it needed something to balance out the dish. The bread is quite good. The octopus yuzukosho was nice and a refreshing starter.
Very nice and extremely friendly staff. The relation value to money is still acceptable. The menu doesn’t change very frequently and hasn’t very many positions. A recommendation of the day, even at evening would be helpful. However, there was a new seasonal menu with the beginning of October. The vine menu is comprehensive but offers primarily almost expensive Wines. Very nice atmosphere and nice views onto Lyon from this rooftop restaurant.
I would visit this place for its view and service. The food is not bad, not great. We had a set of 1 appetiser, 2 mains and a dessert. The portions were substantial and generous but when I saw Pumpkin puree was served accompanying two different dishes, scallops and beef, in huge portions in both mains, the alarm bells rang. I asked why? They said it was seasonal, but surely there are other root vegetables that are seasonable too?
The service was impeccable.
Located on the top floor of the Sofitel Lyon, this is an amazing restaurant with a great view and even better food. The scallops were perfectly cooked and the langoustines were excellent. Service was impeccable. I recommend trying to book a table by the window.
Visitors must have a lunch here!
It is the best view of Lyon. The service and the food was impeccable.
The menu can be pricey, but the menu du jour is within reach, and delicious.
Bulle - Restaurant de Fourvière - Guy Lassausaie
| Address | 9 Pl. de Fourvière, 69005 Lyon |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:30 AM – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 10:30 AM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 10:30 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 10:30 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 10:30 AM – 9:00 PM Saturday: 10:30 AM – 9:30 PM Sunday: 10:30 AM – 9:30 PM |
| Phone | 04 85 92 00 13 |
From the moment we sat down, it was clear that this restaurant was something truly special. We came for the food and wine — and on both fronts, it absolutely delivered. The dishes were wonderfully prepared, each one thoughtfully crafted and bursting with flavor, reflecting the kind of culinary care and attention that you rarely find outside of the finest dining establishments. The menu struck a perfect balance between sophistication and approachability, and every bite was a reminder of why Lyon is so rightly celebrated as the gastronomic capital of France.
The wine list was equally impressive — extensive, well-curated, and complementing the food beautifully. What truly elevated the experience, however, was the wine service was attentive, and refreshingly unpretentious. But if the food and wine brought us in, it was the ambience and the view that made us never want to leave. Perched with a breathtaking panorama of the city of Lyon stretching out before us, the setting was nothing short of magnificent. The restaurant manages to be simultaneously cozy and warm — the kind of place where you feel instantly at ease — while maintaining an air of professionalism that speaks to a team that takes real pride in what they do.
This was our final lunch after six wonderful days exploring Lyon, and it could not have been a more fitting finale. A meal that captured everything we had come to love about this remarkable city — its passion for food, its elegance, and its effortless charm. We are already looking forward to returning.
My wife and I chanced our luck as walk ins without reservation on Saturday lunch time and Gaelle made a huge effort to find us a shaded spot on the the terrace and served us lunch as if we were valued regulars. The food was exceptional and service multi lingual - took pity on me
and my dire French and could not have been more attentive. The views are spectacular - take the funicular up the hill, be amazed at the jaw dropping church next door and come here for lunch. I’m planning on bringing a bunch of friends back - from England - just to show them this place - bravo Gaelle and Merci Beaucoup
Great atmosphere and good food
One of the best date restaurants in Lyon. On Fourvière hill next to the Basilica of Notre Dame with a great view of the city and Saône river.
The food is good and the wine list is decent but it’s really more about the ambiance.
There is a bar upstairs with the same view in case you can’t get a reservation at the restaurant.
Absolutely unforgettable evening at Restaurant Bulle in Fourvière. From the first glass of wine to the final gesture of hospitality, everything was executed with precision and genuine warmth. The wine selection was exceptional—perfectly curated and beautifully paired—while the service struck that rare balance between attentive and effortless. What truly stood out was the generosity in every detail, making the entire experience feel both refined and deeply welcoming. A place that doesn’t just serve food, but creates a moment.
Bulle: A Panoramic Gem with Technical Precision
Bulle delivered an exceptional lunch experience that justifies its reputation as one of Lyon's most compelling bistronomy venues. Seated on the terrace perched on Fourvière hill with unobstructed views across the city, the setting is genuinely spectacular, it's the kind of vantage point that makes you understand why they chose this location.
Strengths:The starters and main course were genuinely excellent. The vegetables were treated with real skill and perfectly cooked, bright, and served with refined sauces that enhanced rather than masked the produce. Each element had purpose, and the seasoning was precise without being heavy-handed.The view is honestly spectacular, particularly on a clear day. The restaurant maximizes it without making the space feel cavernous or impersonal.
Areas for refinement:
Service was competent but slightly understated, although nothing wrong with it, just not quite anticipatory. The team were efficient and professional, though a bit more warmth or engagement would've elevated it further.
The dessert was where things didn't quite land for me: the lemon zest was generous to the point of overwhelming the plate's other elements. It read more as "lemon dessert" than as a balanced finale. A lighter hand on the citrus would've allowed the other components to shine through. That said, the technical execution of the dish itself was flawless.
Overall:Bulle punches well above its price point. The food quality, presentation, and attention to seasonality feel closer to a 1 Michelin kitchen, yet the vibe remains relaxed and unpretentious. If you're in Lyon and want excellent cooking without the ceremony, this is the place.
La Barge
| Address | 15 Quai du Général Sarrail Face au, 69006 Lyon |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 4:00 PM – 1:00 AM Tuesday: 4:00 PM – 1:00 AM Wednesday: 4:00 PM – 1:00 AM Thursday: 4:00 PM – 1:00 AM Friday: 4:00 PM – 1:00 AM Saturday: 3:00 PM – 1:00 AM Sunday: 3:00 – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | 06 27 02 15 38 |
Nice place to have a cocktail on the water in Lyon.
A little bit on the expensive side, but you pay for the location.
Perfect place to chill during the day, great view on the river and central part of the Lyon.
Guys that are working there are great, great service and great people, all speak English and all are super helpful and friendly. I had great time there, was during the day, then left to check out the rest of the city and came back later at evening, it was packed 😁, although it was Wednesday.
Will definitely stop by again when I visit Lyon.
A great outdoor boat themed restaurant located right on the river. Good appetizers and bar food. Can order from the table or from a desk and have the order delivered when ready. Also they have reservations which is great for visiting family or friends. I highly recommend this location
Limited food menu but very good food, good drinks, and all for a good price! The concept of eating on the water is cool and nice views. Lively atmosphere and gets quite busy. Nothing to fault the business model, but interesting how you go place the order and they deliver to your table. A recommended place to visit.
Nice boat bar but you pay for the fun location with a mediocre quality of food and drinks. Cocktails are incredibly sweet and we all watered them down to make them drinkable. Everything's quite pricey given the quality. Also if you're sensitive to smoke, not a great place as everyone is smoking.
Restaurant Gastronomique Christian Tetedoie
| Address | 4 Rue Professeur Pierre Marion, 69005 Lyon |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 7:30 – 9:30 PM Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 12:00 – 1:30 PM, 7:30 – 9:30 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 1:30 PM, 7:30 – 9:30 PM Friday: 12:00 – 1:30 PM, 7:30 – 9:30 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 1:30 PM, 7:30 – 9:30 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 1:30 PM, 7:30 – 9:30 PM |
| Phone | 04 78 29 40 10 |
It is our first time to try this famous restaurant. We order the set menu (only got two choices). It looks like only 4 dishes, but it is total 11 dish experience. The food cook all perfect with lovely presentation. It is definitely next level food experience compare to most of restaurants I tried. And you got to enjoy the lovely full view of the Lyon city. It is more like you are have table service with Michelin star chef at a lovely movie theatre. I think the most memory dish was the shrimp, the sauce of shrimp with perfect seafood umami, veg in the dish also could taste a bit shrimp flavour. We enjoyed every moment at this place.
We celebrated my birthday here, and unfortunately the experience didn’t live up to expectations.
The food was visually beautiful and creative, but overall quite bland, more focus on aesthetics than flavor. Service was also underwhelming from the start, with staff avoiding eye contact and coming across as distant rather than welcoming.
Midway through the evening (after about four courses), something seemed to go wrong internally with the staff, and the whole experience unraveled. Service essentially stopped - not just for us, but for several tables around us. We waited over an hour for dessert with no updates, no water refills, and no offers for additional drinks. It genuinely felt like we had been forgotten.
This was the first time I’ve been in a restaurant where I was actively hoping to leave. When the desserts finally came, the experience had already been overshadowed.
To top it off, as we were literally walking out the door, they realized it was my birthday and offered a small cake, but by then it felt like an afterthought, and we didn’t stay.
Overall, a disappointing experience, especially for a special occasion.
Booked the restaurant through the Villa Maia hotel where we were staying. Very nice view of the city, we had a table for two right by the window. However, we were given a table with an obscured view even though a better table was open right beside us. We asked to move right after sitting down but they said it was not possible because we might have touched the serviettes or glass ware, which we didn’t.
We chose the four course tasting menu, foie Gras, arctic char, pigeon and dessert. My wife substituted the pigeon for tete de veau and lobster.
First the good, beautiful view of the city and comfortable seating. Each course was well presented as expected from a Michelin stared restaurant.
Food was under seasoned for my liking. Even with the sauces, I felt it needed more salt.
The service was inconsistent, seemed like there were too many wait staff and not communicating. I asked the first waiter to substitute a wine in the pairing but when delivered it was not what I asked. Water was not replenished and I had to serve it myself. One server was dismissive and aloof.
The pacing of the dinner was off. There was a mix up on the first course, we waited at least 35 mins after the amouse bouche appetizer for the first course, and finally after a long wait they accidentally brought another appetizer instead. They said, we can eat it again? I think not and had to send it back.
As for the food, the tete de veau was mostly lobster and hardly any veal. The Arctic char was rich and buttery, but lacked flavour.
For the price paid, I felt we did not get the value for food and service.
I honestly felt we were given poor service because we were not local or French and a tourist from Canada.
We hosted a family dinner here the evening before our wedding weekend and could not have been happier with the experience.
Our group of 11 was accommodated in a private dining room, and the team was incredibly attentive, including with gluten-free and other dietary restrictions.
The food was beautifully presented and excellent from start to finish, the service was warm and professional, and the atmosphere felt elegant while still being welcoming. A memorable evening for our family and absolutely worth the visit.
We celebrated my husband's birthday at this Michelin-starred restaurant, expecting an exceptional dining experience. Unfortunately, the food fell short of our expectations. While the presentation was visually stunning, it seemed the chef prioritized aesthetics over flavor. We encountered strange flavor combinations, dishes that were under-seasoned, and a lack of texture and depth that left us disappointed.
On a positive note, the staff were attentive and friendly, which added a nice touch to our experience. However, the food did not align with what we anticipated from a Michelin-starred establishment. We opted for the four-course menu, and I’m thankful we didn’t choose the six courses, as we would have struggled to finish.
Additionally, the ambiance could use improvement; the lighting was overly bright, and the artwork felt out of place. Overall, we were not satisfied with our experience, and I regret choosing this restaurant for such a special occasion.
Tips for Enjoying Lyon’s Rooftop Cafes
To truly maximize your time above the city, a little local knowledge goes a long way. Rooftop culture in Lyon is slightly different from other major European cities; it often blends the formality of French dining with the relaxation of a café.
Understanding the local etiquette, timing, and reservation policies will ensure you secure the best seats in the house and enjoy a seamless experience from the moment you step out of the elevator.
1). Reserve Ahead, Especially for Sunset
The golden hour is prime time in Lyon, and rooftop tables with a view of Fourvière or the river are in high demand. Most popular venues require reservations for the terrace, particularly on Thursday and Friday evenings. Do not assume you can walk in at 7:00 PM and find a front-row seat; booking a day or two in advance is the best way to guarantee a spot.
2). Understand the “Café” vs. “Bar” Distinction
In France, a café often implies a license to serve coffee and light snacks, whereas a bar focuses heavily on alcohol. Many rooftops listed here operate as hybrid spaces, but some may have a minimum spend or require you to order food if you are seated at a dining table. If you only want drinks, ask the host for a spot in the “bar area” or “lounge” rather than the restaurant section.
3). Dress in Layers
Even on a warm summer day, the elevation and the breeze from the Rhône can make a rooftop terrace feel several degrees cooler than the street level. As the sun dips behind the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, the temperature drops quickly. Bringing a light jacket or sweater will allow you to linger comfortably long after the sun has set.
4). Check the Seasonality and Weather
Many of Lyon’s best rooftops are seasonal and close during the colder months or during heavy rain. Before heading out, check the venue’s social media or website for “ouverture de la terrasse” announcements. Additionally, because Lyon can experience sudden summer thunderstorms, having a backup indoor plan in the same neighborhood is wise.
5). Explore Beyond the Presqu’île
While the city center has fantastic options, don’t be afraid to venture to the Confluence district or the hills. Rooftops in the 7th arrondissement often offer more space and a more local crowd, while venues in Croix-Rousse provide a unique angle looking down on the city’s red-tiled roofs. The best view isn’t always from the most central location.
Lyon’s rooftop scene offers a unique way to appreciate the city’s architectural harmony, where the old meets the new in a stunning visual tapestry. Whether you are sipping a local Côtes du Rhône while watching the sunset or enjoying a morning espresso above the waking streets, these elevated terraces provide a memorable sensory experience.
The true magic of a rooftop café in Lyon lies in the pause it provides. It is a chance to step away from the bustling traboules and busy quays to appreciate the city from a new perspective. As you plan your itinerary, make sure to leave an evening free to simply sit back, look out over the rivers, and enjoy the view.
