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This Michelin-starred restaurant in the heart of Lyon offers a chance to eat ants

undefined undefined 12 février 2025 undefined 12h30

The Editor

© Miraflores

In a city where gastronomy rhymes with quenelles and bouchons, Carlos Camino breaks the mold. At the helm of Miraflores, Michelin-starred since 2017, the Peruvian chef takes us on a unique culinary journey between Lyon and Lima. Here, forget about veal stew and pâté en croûte: the menu flirts with the Amazon, the Andes, and... roasted ants!

Carlos Camino is the story of a passionate chef who swapped the kitchens of Peruvian embassies for the bouchons of Lyon before earning his star. After learning the basics in his hometown of Lima, he arrived in Lyon in 2003 and soaked in the French gastronomic tradition, as explained by the website Masculin.com. Ten years later, he opened Miraflores in the 6th district, a gem where Peru meets France in an inspired and bold culinary dialogue.

A total immersion, from decor to plate

Right from the entrance, you know you’re in for a treat. There’s no classic menu here, just a true "boarding pass", as if you’re about to take off for South America. The decor also plays with the theme of travel: emerald green banquettes reminiscent of the Amazon jungle, a wall of volcanic bricks, and a colorful rug inspired by the Vinicunca mountains... Everything here breathes Peru, without falling into clichés.

A menu that teases the taste buds

The experience kicks off with a stunning visual trick in the shape of a red chili pepper replacing the traditional buttered bread. Then comes an avalanche of flavors with dishes that have evocative names like : Huancaina sauce, chuño bite, Amazonian ceviche…

And it’s this ceviche made with lean fish, dressed in leche de tigre with charapita, that marks a turning point. Why? Because it’s sprinkled with roasted ants. Yes, yes, ants! They add an unexpected crunch and a touch of surprise that etches this dish into the memory of flavor adventurers.

The journey continues with a delightful quinoa risotto and a “childhood memory” turkey, a playful nod to the chef's roots. Next comes the dessert, a tribute to Lake Titicaca where cocoa mingles with chaco clay in a final burst of flavors. It's a restaurant where eating ants feels as natural as enjoying a praline tart, and every bite is a surprise... Will you dare to embark on the Miraflores adventure?

Address: 112 Boulevard des Belges, 69006 Lyon, France

Source: Masculin.com