Concocté par Valentin
After their culinary adventures at Café du Jura, the Compagnons made their way this month to rue des Remparts d’Ainay, in Lyon’s second arrondissement, to explore another cornerstone of Lyonnais cuisine: Le Poêlon d’Or.
Once Upon a Time, at Le Poêlon d’Or
Before it was a restaurant, Le Poêlon d’Or was a wine counter, founded in 1860. And really, what better foundation for a future temple of Lyonnais feasting? It was during the interwar period that the establishment began setting tables and serving meals.
Later came Mère Marie-Danielle Rheuter, who left a lasting mark on the restaurant’s legacy, heading the kitchen for over 30 years. She has since passed the torch to Murielle and Yann Lalle, two Lyonnais food lovers who fell head over heels for the place — and for its history.
About Yann Lalle
Yann Lalle’s career is a worthy match for Le Poêlon d’Or. His culinary pedigree includes names like Bernard Constantin, Philippe Cavent, Alain Ducasse, and Christian Willer. His cooking has been shaped by both world-class mentors and years of experience abroad.
Now back in France at the helm of Le Poêlon d’Or, Yann Lalle works alongside Mickaël Lorini, his head chef, to carry on the house’s tradition and reputation.
That work hasn’t gone unnoticed: in 2017, the restaurant was awarded Best Bouchon at the Trophée de la Gastronomie et des Vins. It’s also officially recognized by the Les Bouchons Lyonnais label, which celebrates the gold standard of Lyon’s gastronomic institutions.
Le Poêlon d’Or: A Unique and Authentic Setting
The moment you walk through the door, you’re struck by the restaurant’s red and white Art Deco ceiling, a vestige of the 1930s. Add to that the cement tile flooring, the arched doorway, and the black wood facade, and it’s clear this bouchon is steeped in charm and history.
It’s more than just a point of pride — it’s officially classified as part of France’s national heritage.
Murielle Lalle has lovingly continued this legacy by shaping the current decor: red leather banquettes, vintage postcards and 1920s–30s photographs on the walls, and original Guignol theatre posters. A second dining room, featuring a wine cellar, pays homage to the building’s origins as a legendary Ainay locale.
Starting Off in Style
As is tradition, the Rognons were seated right next to the bar. And right away, as the meal kicked off, we were surprised by the finesse of the dishes. Le Poêlon d’Or doesn’t go for overwhelming, gut-busting servings — instead, it favors balanced, refined plates without excess.
The menu includes the eternal Lyonnais classics, with a few unexpected twists to keep things exciting.
Among the staples: chicken livers, served both in salad and as a pâté cake. The herring with warm potatoes, a bistro classic, was also there — alongside frisée lyonnaise, œufs en meurette, Saint-Marcellin salad, and a warm artichoke heart with foie gras, which brought back emotional memories of our visit to Café Comptoir Abel.
One unexpected delight: a green bean and house-made gravlax salad, served with a crispy potato waffle — fresh and satisfying.
No Resistance from the plat de Resistance
Though the long tables were bustling with diners deep in their feasts, plates flowed effortlessly from the kitchen thanks to the efficient service.
The Compagnons dove into wild mushroom ravioles with porcini cream, an andouillette with wholegrain mustard sauce, and a chicken supreme with morel cream sauce. The andouillette’s seasoning impressed, and the chicken’s tenderness was a joy.
Still hungry? We were too. We called in reinforcements: macaroni gratin with béchamel and Emmental.
Other highlights from the menu include: pochéed sausage with sautéed potatoes, Blood sausage with two kinds of apples, Pan-seared veal sweetbread medallion, and of course, the iconic quenelles, either with béchamel or crayfish sauce.
The Dessert Crossing
Two glasses of Beaujolais later, we shared our classic, well-earned Cervelle de Canut. Then came dessert, which, much like the rest of the menu, walked a fine line between tradition and creativity.
On the classic side, the menu offers a Valrhona chocolate mousse, Praline tart, Rum baba. And on the more daring side; Violet crème brûlée, Amaretto panna cotta with sour cherry compote
But the star of the show? A rum-soaked pain perdu with raisins, soft as a sigh and nestled under a silky crème anglaise.
Though this meal was surprisingly digestible for a bouchon, the Compagnie du Rognon still couldn’t resist a final épiscopale (mix of green and yellow Chartreuse) to round off this fine discovery of Le Poêlon d’Or.
Learn More
About Le Poêlon d’Or – A True Lyonnais Bouchon
Where is Le Poêlon d’Or located?
Address: 29, rue des Remparts d’Ainay, 69002 Lyon, France.
What’s on the menu at Le Poêlon d’Or?
Le Poêlon d’Or offers several lunch set menus:
- €18 menu
- €20 menu
- €25 menu
It also features a Lyonnais menu at €32, and a “Mère’s Menu” at €40 — a tribute to the traditional matriarchs of Lyon’s culinary history.
You can find all the menu details on the Poêlon d’Or website.
Where can I get more information about this restaurant?
Le Poêlon d’Or has a website where you’ll find everything you need to know about this iconic Lyonnais institution.
What exactly is a “bouchon” in Lyon?
A bouchon is no ordinary restaurant — it’s a Lyon institution.
These emblematic eateries celebrate Lyonnais cuisine with hearty dishes, including charcuterie, Beaujolais or Côtes-du-Rhône wine, and classic French desserts that are part of France’s rich culinary heritage.
Does this bouchon have good reviews?
Very good reviews — from diners and professionals alike.
Le Poêlon d’Or consistently receives over 4.5 stars on Google, and is officially certified by the Les Bouchons Lyonnais label.
What is the “Les Bouchons Lyonnais” label?
Since 2012, the Les Bouchons Lyonnais association has been passionately promoting Lyon’s culinary heritage.
The label identifies authentic bouchons — like Le Poêlon d’Or — that offer genuine Lyonnais cuisine, upholding the values of tradition, quality, and French gastronomic excellence.
Should I book a table at this Lyonnais restaurant?
Definitely. As with any renowned and historic establishment, it’s wise to book ahead, for both lunch and dinner — especially to enjoy a meal in this remarkable location in the heart of Ainay.
Good news: you can book online directly via the restaurant’s website.
What are the opening hours?
Le Poêlon d’Or is open Tuesday through Saturday:
- Lunch: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
- Dinner: 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Bonus: How do you spell “Poêlon d’Or”? With or without the accent?
With the accent! Just like poêle, the word poêlon takes a circumflex.
So no — it’s not “Poelon d’Or”, but proudly Poêlon d’Or.
Which other bouchons have been tested by the Compagnie du Rognon?
Here’s our running list of bouchons we’ve explored so far:
- Café Comptoir Abel
- Le Café du Jura
- Daniel et Denise Créqui
- Les Culottes Longues
- Bouchon Les Lyonnais
- Le Garet
- Le Café du Peintre – Chez Périer
- Bouchon Comptoir Brunet
- La Meunière
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