A place full of history in Old Lyon
Before becoming Paul Basta, this iconic place was known as Savanah, a tea room for over 3 decades. Ludovic Lacroix and Laurent Mathieu transform the place into a welcoming restaurant starting in July 2022.
Let's look forward to experiencing the charm and history of this special place in Old Lyon!
Picture this: Friends gathered, enjoying each other's company, when suddenly the name "Paul Basta" is mentioned! It all began with a casual conversation, aiming for a relaxed atmosphere. Originally, the idea was to name the venue "Basta," but it felt a bit too Italian for the French cuisine being served. So, to infuse that French charm and pay tribute to Lyon's history, the name "Paul" was added. And just like that, Paul Basta was born! Here's to good times and delicious food!
Situated on the famous Place du Change (facing the Big White, owned by the same owners), the restaurant has been completely redecorated, showcasing exposed stones and warm colors. The place is full of charm, especially with an intimate vaulted room, a legacy of a former puppeteer. Each corner of the restaurant tells a story, with floors at different levels, remnants of its former occupants: a jeweler, a bookstore, and a puppeteer.
A French cuisine where homemade dishes prevail
In the kitchen, two talented chefs: Vivien, trained at Bocuse, and Idriss, who adds exotic touches from the Comoros to his dishes. In pastry, Dalila who designs and prepares all the sweet delicacies of the house. The evolving menu highlights fresh and seasonal products. Depending on the season, the menu offers homemade terrine or salmon gravlax as starters; croque-monsieur in three versions (vegetarian, classic, Lyonnais), cod fillet, Lyon sausage, roasted seasonal vegetables, octopus, and the famous quenelle with lobster sauce as main courses; and finally lemon meringue pie, pavlova, crème brûlée, chocolate fondant, strawberry tart, or blueberry tart for desserts. We know, it's mouthwatering especially since the products mainly come from the neighborhood or the region, guaranteeing freshness and quality.
Paul Basta is famous for its amazing selection of wines handpicked by Ludovic and Laurent. They offer wines from the Macon, Beaujolais, and Rhone Valley regions, as well as some special bottles from Côtes Catalanes and Cahors. The best part is that the prices are affordable, so you can enjoy a fantastic bottle without breaking the bank. The atmosphere at Paul Basta is cozy and inviting, perfect for a delicious meal in Vieux-Lyon. It's a place where you can experience a warm and welcoming environment, homemade dishes, and reasonably priced wines that come together to create a truly magical dining experience that delights both locals and tourists in the heart of Lyon's most iconic neighborhood.
Paul Basta
4 place du Change - Lyon 5th
Phone: 4 87 77 41 72
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