The Best Breakfast and Brunch Spots in Lyon, According to a Local Food Blog

Bartholome, in the first arrondissement, caters particularly well to the brunch crowd. “It’s all about fresh products, colourful dishes, and super quality – and price!” says Lyon Foodies. Plus, Bartholome is in a great spot, as it’s “ideally located in the city centre”. Pancakes are fluffy and stacked high, and french toast is sprinkled with pistachios and homemade whipped cream. Be sure to order the golden latte made with curcuma (turmeric), ginger and cinnamon.

“If you want a healthy (but gourmet) brunch, try Estanco,” says Lyon Foodies. “We’d love to give a special mention to the charcoal bagels and cold-pressed juices.” The café focusses on fresh ingredients with plenty of healthy and nutritious dishes on the menu. The small space is especially adept at vegan and vegetarian fare, like chia bowls and detox soups.

Traboule is described by Lyon Foodies as “a food court a la Lyonnaise.” The Lyon food blog explains that “they start their brunches on Sunday with an all-you-can-eat menu.” Serving poke bowls, caramel rice puddings, falafels, frites de quenelles (a local dish of dumpling fries), beef tartare, and of course the brunch staples of eggs, bacon, and waffles: they have it all. Opening their doors in 2018, Traboule is a perfect spot for an indulgent brunch.

As the name suggests (it translates to ‘lunch’ in French), Le Desjeuneur serves American brunch classics, with a French touch. Nestled in the Croix-Rousse, expect banana pancakes, hot apple cider, granola sprinkled with hazelnuts, and huevos rancheros. All week long expect boozy, languid brunches and friendly servers. This breakfast spot is particularly packed on weekends so be sure to arrive early to avoid disappointment.

With an interior filled with chic minimalist Scandinavian design, Kaova Cafe is a peaceful, pleasant place to dine on a lazy weekend morning. It lacks the vivacious, packed nature of a boozy brunch, but the casual, take-out or dine-in menu shines a light on simple quiches and pastries made with love. Brewed drinks of lattes and espressos are particularly exemplary.

The menu at the cosy and casual Café Anne changes frequently, so repeat visits will always come with surprises and new dishes to try. For €20 (£16.80), diners can dig into plates of salty sausages, eggs, ham, cheese fondant sandwiches, granola, and brioche pulled fresh from the oven. Be sure to order one of their velvety coffees and fresh-pressed juice.

27 Madeleine is particularly popular with a hip younger crowd, who flock to this decadent, Champagne-laden brunch spot every weekend on a quiet street in Victor Bach-St Louis. Try the eggs benedict accompanied with creamy salmon hollandaise, and hard boiled eggs, topped with a spoonful of truffle shavings and served with ham, butter and brioche. Head here when the sun shines as there is a spacious backyard patio fit for larger groups.

Vegetarians rejoice: this airy Croix-Rousse spot serves up the best vegetarian brunches in town. For €25 (£21) you will get a savoury plate, a sweet plate, a cold drink (which includes their fresh juices) and a hot beverage (choose between coffees and teas). Spreads include a variety of creative tartines including avocado, garlic potato, courgette, or carrot purée. Be sure to leave room for their sweets treats, which include lemon cake and coconut tartes. Menus accommodate and embrace vegans and the gluten-conscious as well.

A visit to Sur le Bout de la Langue is akin to a masterclass in pastries. They serve beautifully presented tarts, crisp ganache, and, of course, Lyon’s favourite dish of lemony bugnes (a doughnut-like sweet treat). For a main meal, expect breakfast plates of orange juice, homemade bread, tartlets, fresh cheeses, bacon, granola bowls, kiwi and chocolate tarts. The airy outdoor patio is perfect for whiling away a sunny French morning.