A page of Lyon's gastronomy is turning. After 45 years of dependable service, Le Cazenove, an iconic establishment in the 6th arrondissement, is set to close its doors for good on February 28, 2025, according to information from Progrès. And along with it, a monument of cuisine is hanging up the apron: Pierre Orsi, 85 years old, is ending a 70-year career in the kitchen.

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A bistro turned Lyon institution

Originally, Le Cazenove, opened in 1979, was just a waiting bar for the customers of Pierre Orsi's starred restaurant in Place Kléber. However, it quickly transformed into a beloved spot of its own, frequented by regulars and public figures alike. Raymond Barre, François Mitterrand, and even Charles Hernu enjoyed their meals here in a simple manner, away from the opulence of high-end gastronomy.

Pierre Orsi, a career alongside the greatest

Pierre Orsi has nothing left to prove. Trained since 1955 by Paul Bocuse, he honed his skills in Paris and the United States before returning to Lyon. In 1979, he took over Le Châteaubriant, located in Place Kléber, and turned it into a starred restaurant alongside his wife Geneviève. A few years later, he opened Le Cazenove, which became a favorite spot for lovers of fine dining.

A Well-Deserved Retirement

With the closing of Cazenove and the ongoing sale of his historic restaurant, Pierre Orsi is turning the page without regrets: "I loved the contact with my customers, the sound of pots and pans, the sauces simmering… If I had to do it all over again, I would choose the same journey", he shares with Progrès.

A great chef is leaving, but their mark will remain etched in Lyon's culinary history. Thank you, Chef!