A brief history of Paris's top restaurants: Aux Lyonnais, a true bouchon lyonnais in Paris

For over a century, Aux Lyonnais, located on rue Saint-Marc in Paris's 2nd arrondissement , has paid tribute to the generous, convivial cuisine of the Lyonnais region. With its earthenware friezes, wood panelling and Beaujolais wines, this charming restaurant is the perfect embodiment of the capital's bouchon tradition.

A historic cork decor

Aux Lyonnais was opened in 1890, in the heart of Haussmann's Paris. The Bourse district was buzzing with activity at the time, and the address quickly became a landmark for bon vivants. Right from the start, the restaurant set itself apart by its determination to bring the classics of Lyonnais cuisine to Paris, a cuisine that was down-to-earth, warm, popular and demanding.

As you step through the door, you enter an unchanged setting where time seems suspended. The varnished woodwork, ceiling moldings, red skai benches and flowery earthenware on the walls recall the spirit of Lyon's authentic bouchons. A place where conviviality is as much in the dishes as in the atmosphere.

Straightforward, gourmet Lyonnais cuisine

On the à la carte menu, traditional Lyon dishes take pride of place, with an emblematic selection of pâté en croûte, pike quenelle with crayfish, black pudding, andouillette, oeufs cocotte with cream, not forgetting the famous pink praline tart. Each dish is designed to reflect the authenticity of the terroir, while being crafted with exacting precision. Wines from the Rhône and Beaujolais regions accompany this straightforward cuisine, carefully selected to enhance every bite.

• To be read
• A brief history of Paris's great restaurants: Au Petit Riche, Belle Epoque table de terroir
• A brief history of Paris's great restaurants: Benoit, the soul of the Parisian bistro
• A brief history of Paris's top restaurants: Auberge Pyrénées Cévennes, canaille cuisine

A recent renaissance

Faithful to its mission of preserving France's bistro heritage, the Dumant Group, new owner of Aux Lyonnais, ensures that the soul of the capital's emblematic places is revived, with respect and modernity. Under this impetus, Aux Lyonnais continues to be a favorite with lovers of traditional cuisine, local regulars and curious visitors alike.

A true embassy of Lyon in Paris , where generosity of dish and respect for the product remain the watchwords, Aux Lyonnais is the ideal address for rediscovering the authenticity of a gourmet and convivial France.

Our review of Aux Lyonnais:

Aux Lyonnais, Alain Ducasse's Parisian "bouchon lyonnais" brilliantly taken over by the Dumant brothers
Canaille, the Aux Lyonnais bistro has been one since its early days, and will remain so. After nearly 25 years under the direction of Alain Ducasse, this true Lyonnais bouchon in the heart of Paris is changing hands. While the multi-starred chef keeps a watchful eye on his beloved restaurant, it is now the unstoppable Dumant siblings who have taken over the reins with brio. [Read more]