Lyon, France, is world-renowned as a gastronomic capital. While traditional local cuisine (bouchons) often features meat dishes, in recent years, innovative and high-level plant-based restaurants have been emerging one after another, catering to those seeking vegan, vegetarian, and halal options.
This time, we’ve carefully selected exceptional vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Lyon that will make everyone ‘want to go out of their way to visit’ – from locals and long-term exchange students to short-term travelers looking to give their digestive system a break. From renowned falafel spots to surprising ‘plant-based sushi’ and reservation-only bistronomy, we bring you these spots with genuine local passion.
Like An Elephant
📍 Address: 11 Mnt Saint-Sébastien, 69001 Lyon, France
Tucked away on Mont Saint-Sébastien, a slope leading up to the Croix-Rousse hill in Lyon’s 1st arrondissement, ‘Like An Elephant’ is a bistronomy that has garnered immense support from local vegans since its opening in 2017. The interior is minimalist yet warm, offering a sophisticated and tranquil atmosphere for adults.
They serve 100% plant-based French bistro dishes, made with an abundance of seasonal organic ingredients. Each plate, like the delicate tomato appetizer or zucchini Parmigiana, enhances the umami of vegetables to its fullest, presented as beautifully as a work of art. The ‘Dark Chocolate Namelaka,’ a highly praised dessert, is also a must-try.
A note of caution: the interior is relatively small, and dinner sittings are often scheduled for 7 PM and 9 PM, making advance reservations absolutely essential. Even if you don’t speak French, the staff are incredibly kind and friendly, ensuring travelers can enjoy an exquisite dinner with peace of mind.
Green lab lyon
📍 Address: 13 Rue Hippolyte Flandrin, 69001 Lyon, France
If you’re looking for a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal in the heart of Lyon’s Presqu’île district, ‘Green lab lyon’ comes highly recommended. This spot specializes in falafel and hummus with Middle Eastern flavors. It’s an incredibly popular place, bustling daily with nearby students and local workers during lunchtime.
Their signature falafel sandwich features incredibly fluffy pita bread generously filled to the bottom with crispy, freshly fried falafel and fresh vegetables. Their monthly rotating homemade hummus and perfectly spiced fries are also exquisite. Combining taste, volume, and speedy service, it offers one of the best cost performances in Lyon.
The interior is small and can get crowded, so on sunny days, a local tip is to grab takeout and enjoy it in a nearby square or along the Rhône River. Even during busy periods, the staff, often managing solo, handle orders with impressive flair and a constant smile, radiating an energizing passion.
Furahaa – Vegan | Lyon
📍 Address: 5 Rue Pizay, 69001 Lyon, France
‘Furahaa’ (meaning ‘happiness’ in Swahili) is a vegan burger specialty shop that captivates everyone, vegans and non-vegans alike. Originating in Paris, this establishment is also known as an inclusive space primarily run by owners and staff who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Its greatest appeal lies in its outstanding cost performance and its powerfully satisfying taste that perfectly fulfills ‘junk food cravings.’ A hearty set menu can be enjoyed for around 10 euros, making it a lifesaver for students and long-term visitors in expensive France. The quality of the patties and the perfectly crispy sweet potato fries offer such satisfaction that you’d hardly believe no animal products were used.
Ordering is made easy with gestures and pointing, and staff may even teach you simple greetings in French Sign Language (LSF). The heartwarming communication and delicious burgers are sure to be a wonderful spice to your stay in Lyon.
Carré Jardin
📍 Address: 4 Rue des Trois-Maries, 69005 Lyon, France
Located in the cobblestoned Old Lyon (Vieux Lyon) area, rich in Lyon’s history, ‘Carré Jardin’ is a Chinese fusion vegetarian restaurant with a charming vintage interior. It’s a perfect hidden gem when you miss Asian flavors or want to give your digestive system a break while traveling.
The menu deliberately features a limited number of dishes, ensuring that each one encapsulates the chef’s dedication. Particularly popular is their richly flavored eggplant duo. The original seasoning, incorporating fermentation techniques, offers a unique depth of flavor that cannot be found elsewhere. It pairs exceptionally well with a refreshing fermented white tea.
You can observe the chef’s skillful movements from the glass-enclosed kitchen, and sometimes the chef himself delivers dishes as a waiter, adding to the charming, home-like atmosphere. Step away from the hustle and bustle of Old Lyon and enjoy body-friendly Asian fusion cuisine in a warm, familial setting.
Bloom Sushi Lyon
📍 Address: 27 Rue de l’Arbre Sec, 69001 Lyon, France
Situated near the Opéra National de Lyon, ‘Bloom Sushi Lyon’ is a specialty restaurant for ‘botanical sushi’ (plant-based sushi), which originated in Montreal and became a sensation in Paris. Stepping inside, you are greeted by a sophisticated, modern space exuding a Zen-like ambiance.
They offer an artistic array of sushi, made entirely without fish, utilizing plant-based tuna, crispy lobster substitutes, and various vegetable textures. The balance of flavors in each bite is meticulously calculated, and their creative side dishes, such as dumplings with apple and miso caramel, along with their enormous desserts, are also highly talked about.
The pricing is relatively high compared to other restaurants in Lyon, making the omakase dinner course suitable for special occasions. For those who ‘want to try it affordably first,’ the voluminous and cost-effective lunch bento menu is overwhelmingly recommended. The staff provide very detailed explanations of the dishes, offering a new form of Japanese cuisine experience unique to Lyon, a city known for its strong culinary dedication.
Local Tips for Enjoying Vegan Cuisine in Lyon
To further enhance your vegan and vegetarian dining experience in Lyon, here are some local tips worth knowing.
Firstly, Lyon’s vegan restaurants are concentrated in the area around the ‘Hôtel de Ville’ metro station (Line A) and at the foot of the Croix-Rousse hill (1st arrondissement). This area is great for walking, where you can discover stylish cafes and street art, making it perfect for a café-hopping or lunch crawl.
Also, French eateries often have strict operating hours, typically divided into ‘lunch’ (around 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM) and ‘dinner’ (from 7:00 PM onwards), with most establishments closed during idle times. Especially for popular spots like ‘Like An Elephant’ and ‘Bloom Sushi Lyon,’ walk-ins for dinner are unlikely to be successful, so always make a reservation in advance via their official websites or apps.
If you’re worried about language barriers, Lyon’s vegan community has a very open and international atmosphere these days. Many establishments are English-friendly, and menu ingredient labels are often detailed, so even those with dietary restrictions like halal can confidently explore the new charms of Lyon’s culinary scene.
