Concocté par Valentin
No article had yet been devoted to it. And yet, this is where it all began. And this is where we fittingly celebrated the first anniversary of the Compagnie du Rognon. For us, it’s more than a bouchon. It’s home.
It all began at La Meunière in Lyon
On September 6th, 2022, the evening began with the promise of a good feast. It ended in an epiphany, where each of us felt like royalty. At La Meunière in Lyon, we sat enthroned around our round table, sharing starters, main courses, and desserts like so many grails and snails.
From this merry fat-fest was born an unbreakable bond between us. And the desire to shed light on this cuisine of Lyon and beyond—authentic and generous. La Compagnie du Rognon was born. As our companion Léonard puts it: “they entered as men, they left as Rognons.”
In Lyon, La Meunière doesn’t put on airs
If the bouchon lyonnais represents the essence of what the Compagnie stands for, La Meunière in Lyon represents the essence of the bouchon lyonnais.
In rereading all the articles we’ve written this year, it’s clear that La Meunière gathers all the qualities we’ve highlighted here and there among other bouchons lyonnais. Generous dishes that invite sharing. The elegance of the plates, which doesn’t detract from the precision of the flavors. And of course, a cheeky and convivial atmosphere typical of Lyon, led by a witty chef.
Olivier Canal revisits Lyonnaise cuisine his “Meunière” way
Well-established on rue Neuve since 1921, La Meunière in Lyon is one of the landmark addresses for good eating in Lyon. In 2014, Jean-Louis Gelin and his luxurious moustache passed the torch to Olivier Canal. Originally from Marseille, he trained at the hospitality school of Saint-Chamond, then with Guy Savoy at La Butte Chaillot, and alongside Matthieu Viannay at L’Alizé.
Thanks to this background, Olivier Canal’s cuisine oscillates between respect for Lyonnaise classics, skillfully executed, and the daring of daily specials crafted around the products he so cherishes. In the dining room, he can of course count on his lifelong partner, Annick Roman, who delivers impeccable service.
XXL Starters
La Meunière in Lyon offers a set menu featuring must-have Lyonnaise specialties. Lyonnaise salad, the chef’s terrine, or the famous saladier lyonnais—a medley of lentil salad, calf’s feet, museau salad, and cervelas.
The luckiest diners may even top off this introduction with a generous slice of Oreiller de la Belle Meunière—the house’s signature pâté en croûte, a cousin of the famous Oreiller de la Belle Aurore, and too rarely prepared by chef Olivier Canal.
The main courses
Mouth-watering, the menu at La Meunière in Lyon lines up the great classics of bouchon cuisine. The tablier de sapeur and eponymous veal rognons Porto sauce carry on the tradition, elevated by the creaminess of the macaroni gratin that accompanies them. As for the andouillette, it dons its finest garb, making us forget the crude imagery often associated with it.
Let’s not forget the generous list of daily specials that complete the menu. Among the meats, the faux-filet, bavette, or the 750g pork chop reminded us this year that we were dining at a table of meat lords who master fine flesh. Other more offbeat options—such as cow’s udder or lamb’s brain—demonstrated a level of mastery capable of converting even the most reluctant palates.
The desserts
In addition to its crème caramel and baba au rhum, the menu invites you to try one of the many desserts of the moment. Like the flan praline, which pushes Lyon-style indulgence to the next level. Or, of course, the unmissable Diggers molten chocolate cake, whose core could melt anyone’s heart.
Let’s also note that to accompany such a meal, a tailor-made wine list is essential. La Meunière offers a wide range of wines, both classic and bold. Beaujolais and the Rhône Valley claim a generous place on your table—by the bottle or in magnums.
At La Meunière, in good Compagnie
There were over 40 people on September 6th, 2023, to celebrate with us the first anniversary of the Compagnie. An unforgettable evening that saw the coronation of two new Rognons, Juliette and Paul.
Together, we savored memories of the past year—between epic Lyon bouchons and colorful culinary discoveries. And we drooled at the thought of our upcoming feasts and future gourmet projects. Many thanks again to Olivier Canal, Annick Roman, and the entire team at La Meunière in Lyon for their hospitality. They have made this exceptional house our adopted home.
About the bouchon La Meunière in Lyon
Where is the bouchon La Meunière in Lyon, emblem of Lyonnaise cuisine?
La Meunière in Lyon, this must-visit restaurant, is nestled in the 1st arrondissement of Lyon, in the heart of the Rhône (Rhône-Alpes Auvergne region of France). More precisely, it is located in the very heart of the Presqu’Île, in Lyon’s 1st arrondissement. Its exact address is 11, rue Neuve 69001 Lyon.
What about the menu at this restaurant, La Meunière in Lyon?
Available on the official website of the establishment, this menu reflects the rich culinary tradition of Lyon. Of course, nothing beats an in-person visit to discover the daily specials and savor the house specialties.
What typical house dishes can be enjoyed at La Meunière in Lyon?
Like many Lyonnais restaurants, La Meunière in Lyon offers a variety of typical dishes from Lyonnaise cuisine, considered a treasure of French gastronomy. Dishes such as lentils and calf’s feet salad, andouillette gratin, or cervelle de canut are must-tries.
Where can I find more information about the bouchon La Meunière in Lyon?
Easy—just visit La Meunière’s website. In addition to customer reviews, you’ll find details about its menu, service, and wine list.
What is a bouchon lyonnais?
It’s a jewel of Lyonnaise cuisine. Bouchons are restaurants synonymous with tradition in Lyon, offering homemade regional dishes, often accompanied by local wines like Beaujolais or Côtes-du-Rhône.
What do people say about La Meunière in Lyon?
The reviews are unanimous! La Meunière in Lyon is highly recommended by customers, who are delighted by its authentic cuisine and impeccable service. It boasts an impressive rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars based on more than 927 positive reviews.
Has La Meunière in Lyon received the “Les Bouchons Lyonnais” label?
La Meunière in Lyon is considered a benchmark of Lyonnaise cuisine. Unsurprisingly, it has been awarded the “Les Bouchons Lyonnais” label.
What is the mission of the “Les Bouchons Lyonnais” association?
Since 2012, this association has been committed to defending Lyon’s culinary heritage, distinguishing restaurants that embody the true Lyonnaise cuisine of the region.
Is it necessary to book a table at La Meunière in Lyon?
Yes, like all restaurants of this renown, it is advisable to book a table at La Meunière in Lyon, whether for lunch or dinner service.
When can one visit La Meunière in Lyon?
Open from Monday to Friday, the restaurant offers both lunch and dinner service—perfect for satisfying all lovers of Lyonnaise dishes.
Besides the restaurant, does La Meunière offer any other services?
La Meunière in Lyon, unlike some other establishments, is not a hotel. It is first and foremost a restaurant, though it also features a welcoming bar area.
What are the other bouchons lyonnais tested by the Compagnie du Rognon?
Here is the list of other bouchons lyonnais we have tested:
- Café Comptoir Abel
- Le Café du Jura
- Le Poêlon d’Or
- Daniel et Denise Créqui
- Les Culottes Longues
- Bouchon Les Lyonnais
- Le Garet
- Le Café du Peintre – Chez Périer
- Bouchon Comptoir Brunet
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