Le Val d’Isère: a beginner-friendly bouchon in Lyon
Concocté par Valentin
La Compagnie du Rognon is back for the new season. And to kick off this fresh round of bouchon reviews, we’ve chosen Le Val d’Isère. Time to swap out the summer body for an “œufs meurette body.” Let’s sharpen our knives—and our taste buds—and tie on our checkered napkins.
Le Val d’Isère, a Rhône-born icon
Despite its alpine name, Le Val d’Isère is very much an ambassador of Lyonnaise gastronomy, proudly located right across from Les Halles Paul Bocuse. When it opened in 1982, Jacques Dandel ran it as a café with a mâchon flair. In 2001, Serge Vuillermin shifted gears and established it as a full-fledged bouchon. Since 2019, young Édouard Baudin has taken the helm, and the restaurant is now officially certified by the Les Bouchons Lyonnais label. (Photo credit: lyonpeople)
Enter Edouard Baudin
Édouard Baudin is the grandson of André Lombard, a Meilleur Ouvrier de France in charcuterie (1958). No wonder Lyonnaise cuisine runs in his blood sausage. He’s the kind of guy who reveres jésus sausage and preaches the gospel according to Saint-Marcellin. His mission: to pass on the values of Lyon’s cuisine through a warm atmosphere and the generous cooking of his first apostle, Chef Nicolas Pierre. To spread the good word even further, Édouard Baudin also took over the Café du Jura, succeeding the revered Mère Josserand.A Stroll through time
Le Val d’Isère boasts two beautiful dining rooms, where modern and vintage styles blend into a welcoming, elegant decor. The pewter bar, perched atop its wooden platform, perfectly captures this fusion of eras. Some wall sections feel like time capsules, displaying a jumble of vintage ads, portraits of mères lyonnaises, mementos from chefs, and other delicious relics of Lyon’s culinary past.
Starters that open the slopes
The menu reads like a bouchon breviary. With its mix of Lyonnaise staples, Le Val d’Isère serves as the perfect starter pack for anyone new to cuisine des gones. Making an appearance: herring with warm potatoes, Puy lentil salad with cervelas sausage, a charcuterie platter, salade lyonnaise, and of course, œufs en meurette.
Traditional dishes, loud and proud
The same celebratory tone carries through to the mains. Here, the classics rub shoulders with the timeless, the traditional, the iconic, and the essential. From the veal, you can choose head with gribiche sauce or liver with parsley and garlic. For beef, it’s either hand-cut tartare or seared hanger steak. Also featured: gratin of Dauphiné ravioles with Comté, pike quenelle in lobster sauce, Bobosse andouillette with fraise de veau, and tablier de sapeur.
High-altitude desserts
Before hitting dessert, we summoned the holy trinity of the house’s cheese specialties: cervelle de canut, Saint-Marcellin, and rigotte de Condrieu. Once that ritual was complete, we tackled the sweets. The Lyonnais dessert bingo card was completed with flying colors: the winning numbers were brioche perdue, crème caramel, crème brûlée, Chartreuse green parfait, and coupe vigneronne.
About Le Val d’Isère, a Lyonnais Bouchon
Where is the restaurant Le Val d’Isère bouchon lyonnais located?
How can I view the menu of Le Val d’Isère bouchon lyonnais?
You can view the menu by visiting the official website of Le Val d’Isère bouchon lyonnais. However, to fully enjoy the experience, it is recommended to visit the restaurant in person, especially in the evening, to soak up the unique atmosphere.
What are the culinary specialties of Le Val d’Isère bouchon lyonnais?
This restaurant is renowned for serving emblematic dishes of Lyon’s gastronomy. According to reviews on TripAdvisor and Google, customers particularly appreciate the quality of the food and the attentive service.
Where can I find more information about Le Val d’Isère bouchon lyonnais?
To learn more, you can visit the restaurant’s official website, where you’ll find details about the ambiance, the menu, and customer reviews—a helpful way to plan your visit.
What do customers say about Le Val d’Isère bouchon lyonnais?
Le Val d’Isère bouchon lyonnais enjoys many positive reviews on platforms like TripAdvisor and Google, placing it among the most appreciated restaurants in Lyon for an authentic dining experience.
Is it necessary to book a table at Le Val d’Isère bouchon lyonnais?
It is highly recommended to make a reservation, especially for dinner, to ensure a table and enjoy the traditional Lyonnais cuisine without worry.
What are the opening hours of Le Val d’Isère bouchon lyonnais?
The restaurant is open from Monday to Friday, serving lunch from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. and dinner from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m.
Does Le Val d’Isère bouchon lyonnais offer hotel services?
No, Le Val d’Isère bouchon lyonnais focuses exclusively on food service. However, several hotels are located nearby in Lyon
What wines are featured at Le Val d’Isère bouchon lyonnais?
The restaurant highlights a selection of local wines, particularly from the Beaujolais and Rhône Valley regions, which pair perfectly with Lyonnais specialties.
Has Le Val d’Isère bouchon lyonnais received any distinctions?
Yes, Le Val d’Isère bouchon lyonnais is certified by the “Les Bouchons Lyonnais” association, recognizing the quality of its cuisine and its respect for Lyon’s culinary traditions.
What is the role of the “Les Bouchons Lyonnais” association?
The “Les Bouchons Lyonnais” association aims to preserve and promote Lyon’s culinary heritage by certifying restaurants that best uphold the values of traditional local cuisine.
What makes a bouchon lyonnais so special?
Bouchons lyonnais stand out for their warm atmosphere and menus that spotlight the region’s signature dishes, offering a genuine immersion in Lyon’s gastronomic culture.
How do bouchons lyonnais differ from other restaurants in France?
These Lyon-based restaurants are defined by their intimate settings and dedication to local specialties, making them must-visit destinations for lovers of authentic French gastronomy.
What typical dishes can be enjoyed at Le Val d’Isère bouchon lyonnais?
At Le Val d’Isère, you can enjoy traditional fare such as tablier de sapeur or andouillette à la fraise de veau, emblematic of the rich variety of Lyon’s cuisine.
How do bouchons lyonnais contribute to the city’s culinary tradition?
Bouchons play a key role in preserving Lyon’s gastronomic traditions. They allow both locals and tourists to explore and savor the region’s traditional flavors
Is Le Val d’Isère bouchon lyonnais open on Sundays?
No, this Lyon restaurant is closed on Saturdays and Sundays. It is open Monday through Friday for lunch and dinner services.
What is the price range at Le Val d’Isère bouchon lyonnais?
Prices are reasonable, reflecting the quality of the ingredients used and the culinary expertise of this Lyon-based chef. For more details, it is best to check the menu online or visit the restaurant in person.
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