Top of the best Italian restaurants in Lyon

Mimo

Feeling like a one-way trip to Italy without leaving Lyon? Head to MIMO, one of the best Italian restaurants in Lyon, located in the 7th district. This hybrid spot, part restaurant and part cocktail bar, boldly reinvents Italian cuisine with creativity and a true commitment to zero waste. Here, the dolce vita is experienced in a whole new way, with fried truffle gnocchi, half-portioned risottos, and delightful desserts crafted by a pastry chef who loves unexpected flavor pairings. But MIMO also boasts one of the most innovative cocktail bars in Lyon, where each drink is a liquid work of art. From house-made kombuchas and fermented iced teas to unique creations like the Elixir of Youth (made with green tea, mint, and caraway), the menu delights both mixology enthusiasts and curious adventurers seeking originality.

Lello

Watch out, dear 6th arrondissement, the 3rd is peeking through… Just a stone's throw from the Esplanade du Dauphiné, Lello restaurant cooks up dishes guided by a clear and simple motto: “la vita è troppo corta per mangiare male” (“life is too short to eat badly”). And who could argue with that… It's needless to say that the ingredients served here are of the highest quality. When it comes to the dishes, the Sardinian chef decides based on what’s fresh and in season. To assist him, he has teamed up with the best Italian producers, from truffle hunters to winemakers, not to mention pasta makers. A delightful feast awaits you.

Carmelo

Opened in Lyon since the beginning of 2020, Carmelo is none other than the first Lyon restaurant from the Big Mamma group. Naturally, the decor is incredible, and the dishes are prepared using carefully sourced ingredients from all corners of Italy. The entire team is Italian and speaks with that beautiful melodic accent. It's a total immersion in the land of great food and delicious cocktails, all at an unbeatable price-quality ratio!

Casa Nobile

At the lovely Place de l’Hôpital, La Casa Nobile is a little slice of Sicily right in the heart of Lyon. Authentic and traditional, the restaurant’s decor sets the stage for delicious dishes that carry the sweet scent of Italy. On the menu: sharing platters of mozzarella and a variety of typical dishes such as veal with Mediterranean veggies and spaghetti with clams. You definitely get your money’s worth and leave with a full belly, thanks to the generous portions. And what a joy it is to strut about on that charming terrace…

La Scala Siciliana

Head over to the 3rd district for the lovely family story of La Scala Siciliana. Having earned the prestigious "Ospitalita Italiana" label of excellence, this restaurant run by two welcoming Sicilian brothers offers traditional cuisine from their island. Delicious charcuterie plates, super generous salads, pappardelle with truffle cream, polpette alla Siciliana... The menu is full of culinary wonders that are a delightful surprise for our French taste buds. While we absolutely love everything, special mention goes to the pizzas and the homemade tiramisu, which are truly irresistible... To top it all off, there's a charming little terrace on a nice, calm street.

Casareccio

Spread over two floors, Casareccio Trattoria is one of the most famous spots in the 6th district. Over the years, it has become a must-visit, offering classic dishes with a huge selection of pasta and wood-fired pizzas, along with many local specialties like osso buco and Milanese scallops. And of course, everything is fresh, homemade, and absolutely delicious.

Antonio e Marco

At Antonio & Marco, you'll find all the treasures of Italy: panozzos, antipasti, arancinis, and Sicilian cannoli, all made with products imported directly from Italy. Don't forget their Neapolitan pizzas, featuring homemade dough crafted with their very own sourdough (72-hour fermentation) and organic flour. Beyond the amazing flavors, the experience is a full immersion in the lively atmosphere, thanks to their 100% Italian staff and an electrifying ambiance from evening to morning. In short, it's the true vibrant Italian energy in all its glory!

Neroliva

We are in food heaven for Italian cuisine, so why change neighborhoods? Still in the 6th, Neroliva restaurant has specialized in recipes from the south of the country. In the kitchen, Chef Pippo (from Puglia) whips up a delightful array of dishes, including the must-have pastas and pizzas, as well as specialties from his region like parmigiana di Melanzane or gnocchis alla sorrentina. With this exceptional expertise, the restaurant has proudly held the "Ospitalità Italiana" label for several years.

Chez Carlo

Stepping into Chez Carlo, you enter a big piece of Italian history in Lyon. In 1958, Lyon welcomed its very first pizzeria: Chez Carlo. More than 60 years later, this spot continues to shine in the Presqu’île and on Palais Grillet Street, offering a warm atmosphere with authentic decor and a majestic mythological mural. If Chez Carlo is one of the best Italian restaurants in Lyon (with its antipasti, homemade pasta, and risotto served in every delicious way, as well as specialties like osso bucco in a pizza dough crust and veal Milanese with tomato pasta), the place also boasts some of the most delicious pizzas in the city. It's a true little Italian paradise in Presqu'île that keeps delighting even the most discerning taste buds.