Le Bistrot Abel, a gastronomic Lyonnais bistro: Abel rings a bell!
Concocté par Valentin
This month, the Compagnie du Rognon have the Abel in their court. More precisely, Le Bistrot Abel, located near Place de la Bourse. The promise? A modern take on Lyonnais cuisine that still respects the sacred institution of Maison Abel. So, will we leave conquered once more?
A Family Affair
Le Bistrot Abel is the younger sibling of the famous Café Comptoir Abel in Lyon. They may not be from the same generation, but they certainly share the same family spirit. By delivering authentic cuisine inspired by the legendary Mères Lyonnaises, Le Bistrot Abel pays homage to its elders. At the same time, with its modern twists and playful, regressive touches, it embodies the boldness of youth. When will we see the opening of Abel epoque ?
Big Names at Abel
In the kitchen, we find Chef Bastien Depietri, a former recruit of the iconic Brasserie Le Nord from the Paul Bocuse group. With his sous-chef, Clément Dufournet, the duo faces the challenge of creating a menu that honors Café Comptoir Abel’s heritage while forging Le Bistrot Abel’s own identity—a cuisine that is fundamentally traditional yet strikingly contemporary, infused with childhood memories rather than the classicism of Lyonnais gastronomy. (Photo Credit: Le Bistrot Abel)
The Bistrot Abel is the belle of the bal
Visiting the Café Comptoir Abel is like stepping into an institution—a museum piece of Lyonnais culture. Walking into Le Bistrot Abel, however, feels more like entering the elegant dining room of a bourgeois home. The ambiance is intimate yet chic, blending baroque and modern elements: plush red velvet curtains, exposed-beam ceilings, and eclectic vintage furniture. The décor was designed by Alain and Dominique Vavro, the duo who collaborated with Paul Bocuse since the 1980s. Speaking of which, a youthful Paul Bocuse smiles from one of the many framed photos adorning the walls—family memories everywhere you look.
Sharing Without a Miss
The main courses hit the same high notes. The beef bavette, with its pepper sauce and indulgent macaroni gratin topped with Emmental, is the ultimate tribute to simple, hearty home cooking. The Dombes farm chicken in vin jaune, with its creamy morels and fragrant pilaf rice, is a bold reinterpretation of Abel’s signature flavors. And the hits keep coming: a slice of veal roast with porcini cream, followed by a hake fillet with parsley-root mousseline, sautéed porcini mushrooms, and champagne sauce enriched with caviar.
Abel and Canut
After the obligatory Saint-Marcellin and cervelle de canut, dessert time arrived—and there was something for everyone. Lucky for us, we’re the type who wants to try it all. From the whole-milk crème caramel with langues de chat biscuits, to the baba au rhum served with Bresse cream and rock sugar, to the dark chocolate ganache with fleur de sel, seasonal fruits, and a cocoa tuile—every dish was executed to perfection. Excellence ruled supreme in this family-style feast.
About Le Bistrot Abel – Lyon’s Gastronomic Bistro
Where is Le Bistrot Abel located?
How can I view Le Bistrot Abel’s menu?
You can check out the menu online on the official website of Le Bistrot Abel. This bistro is well-loved for its friendly atmosphere and excellent service. For a truly immersive dining experience, we recommend reserving a table for dinner—one of the most popular times to visit.
What are the culinary specialties of Le Bistrot Abel?
Le Bistrot Abel serves classic Lyonnais dishes such as pike quenelles and ris de veau, specialties that have made the city’s bouchons world-famous. Reviews on TripAdvisor confirm the high quality of the dishes and the warm ambiance of this iconic Lyon establishment.
Where can I find more information about Le Bistrot Abel?
For more details, visit the bistro’s official website. You’ll find information about the menu, the décor, and customer reviews—ideal for planning your visit to Lyon.
What do reviews say about Le Bistrot Abel?
On platforms like TripAdvisor, Le Bistrot Abel consistently earns excellent reviews, placing it among the city’s top bouchons. Guests praise the authentic Lyonnais cuisine, the welcoming service, and the cozy, elegant setting. To truly appreciate it, nothing beats experiencing it for yourself!
Is it necessary to book a table at Le Bistrot Abel?
Yes. This is one of Lyon’s most popular restaurants, so reservations are highly recommended—especially for dinner—if you want to enjoy a seamless experience with authentic Lyonnais specialties.
What are Le Bistrot Abel’s opening hours?
The bistro is open Tuesday through Saturday, serving lunch from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM and dinner from 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM (until 10:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays). The restaurant is closed on Sundays.
Does Le Bistrot Abel offer accommodations?
No, Le Bistrot Abel focuses exclusively on dining and does not provide lodging. If you’re planning an extended stay, there are plenty of hotels nearby in Lyon’s central districts.
What wines does Le Bistrot Abel offer?
The wine list features regional selections, particularly Beaujolais and Rhône Valley wines, perfectly complementing the Lyonnais dishes on the menu. This pairing creates a truly authentic culinary experience in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.
Does Le Bistrot Abel hold any certifications?
Yes, the restaurant proudly bears the “Les Bouchons Lyonnais” label—a guarantee of quality and authenticity for establishments that uphold Lyon’s gastronomic traditions.
What is the role of the “Les Bouchons Lyonnais” association?
This association works to preserve and promote Lyon’s culinary heritage by certifying restaurants that adhere to traditional Lyonnais cooking values, helping visitors discover authentic bouchons during their stay in Lyon.
Do Lyon’s bouchons play a role in preserving the city’s gastronomic tradition?
Absolutely. Bouchons like Le Bistrot Abel are essential in maintaining Lyon’s reputation as France’s gastronomic capital, showcasing local flavors and perpetuating an age-old culinary heritage.
Is Le Bistrot Abel open on Sundays?
No, the bistro is closed on Sundays. It welcomes guests from Tuesday to Saturday for lunch and dinner—ideal for planning your culinary journey in Lyon.
What is the price range at Le Bistrot Abel?
Le Bistrot Abel offers high-quality Lyonnais cuisine at a fair price. For specific pricing, check the online menu or visit the restaurant for the full experience.
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