The Best Japanese Restaurants In Lyon: Our Gourmet Selection

Lyon, the capital of French gastronomy, has seen a rise in Japanese cuisine in recent years. Melting sushis, comforting ramen, and other Japanese specialties are shaking up the traditional Lyon dishes. Discover these favorite spots for a true culinary journey to Japan, without leaving the city. Lyon, predominantly gastronomic, lends itself perfectly to exploring new cuisines. Terroir and traditions evolve, and the city now offers a wide range of Japanese eateries, from the most classic to modern concepts.

Sushi Shop, for a quick and creative sushi break.

Sushi Shop is a must-visit Japanese restaurant in Lyon, with more than six locations scattered throughout the city (Bellecour, Part-Dieu, Croix-Rousse, etc.). People come here for original sushi and maki platters (salmon-avocado, California rolls, poké bowls, special sauces...) prepared on-site. The ingredients are fresh, and the recipes are very diverse: revisited or classic rolls, generous sashimi... All popular Japanese cuisine is on the menu. The icing on the cake, sushi in Lyon is available for click & collect or delivery through their website. The prices remain affordable: a basic sushi platter often starts at around 10-15 euros for one person, making it a convenient and tasty option for a quick meal.

Wasabi, the essence of Japanese authenticity in the heart of Lyon

At 76 rue d'Anvers (7th), Wasabi offers a total immersion in a Japanese setting. Bamboo, cherry blossoms, and twinkling lights decorate this cozy place; it feels just like being in Japan! The intimate and subdued atmosphere further enhances the feeling of being truly transported to a small district in Tokyo. The cuisine focuses on tradition: sashimis, makis, and nigiris (salmon, tuna, sea bream...) are prepared with attention to detail. The chef will even suggest the ideal order in which to enjoy each bite. A lunch set for around 24 euros and evening menus between 32 euros and 53 euros justify the price: you'll get your money's worth with top-quality fresh fish.

Kuma Cantine, the modern izakaya of the 6th district.

For a change from sushi, Kuma Cantine (also known as Kuma Izakaya) in the 6th district offers a more varied and friendly Japanese cuisine. In a relaxed atmosphere, one can enjoy fragrant ramen, crispy gyozas, comforting donburi, and other stewed dishes. Everything is homemade with fresh ingredients: aromatic broths, handmade noodles, crunchy vegetables. At lunchtime, service is quick to accommodate those in a hurry, and in the evening, the dim lighting and a few bottles of sake lined up on the shelves create a cozy atmosphere. Kuma has thus become a popular spot, especially for a quick and friendly lunch in the heart of the 6th arrondissement.

Montchat Sushi, freshness and conviviality

Located in the heart of the 3rd district, Montchat Sushi focuses on quality and generosity. This simple eatery offers carefully prepared sushis, makis, and sashimis, as well as colorful poke bowls and homemade gyozas. Here, the freshness of ingredients is paramount (very fresh fish, perfectly seasoned rice) and you leave satisfied: the plates are generous. The lunch menus often include a miso soup and a cabbage salad, for a complete and balanced meal. The neighborhood decor and warm welcome complete the experience: great value for money too!

Tomo, French-Japanese fusion gastronomy

Finally, for those who appreciate refined experiences, Tomo (6th arrondissement) offers a subtle blend of French and Japanese cuisine. Chef Tomohiro Hatakeyama serves meticulously prepared dishes where traditional recipes (crispy tempuras, delicate sashimis) are combined with original creations. The setting is sleek and modern, with attentive service. One cannot resist the signature dessert, a tart yuzu tart that brings a touch of freshness. Each dish is presented with elegance: it's the perfect outing for a sophisticated dinner. Reservations are recommended to fully enjoy this experience without any jet lag.

Note well, a small glossary for finding one's way

- **Sushi** - A set of bites featuring vinegared rice, often topped with raw fish for nigiri, rolled in nori seaweed for maki, or in an inside-out roll for the california.
- **Sashimi** - Thin slices of raw fish served without rice, where quality and cutting technique are paramount, often enjoyed at the start of a meal.
- **Ramen** - A large bowl of rich broth with wheat noodles, assorted toppings, chashu, marinated egg, seaweed, with broth style chosen according to personal taste.
- **Donburi** - A rice bowl topped with ingredients like breaded katsu chicken, beef, salmon, a nourishing option that's easy to customize.
- **Izakaya** - A Japanese pub where you order several small plates to share, with a friendly atmosphere, ideal for evenings.
- **Tempura** - Lightly fried in a thin batter, vegetables or shrimp, the crispiness should remain delicate, never heavy.
- **Miso** - Fermented soybean paste, the base of miso soup, adds body and that famous umami flavor.

**Practical tip** - Start gently, with white fish sashimis or nigiris before moving on to more pronounced flavors, and finish on a fresh note, with citrus or green tea, to keep your palate engaged.