I cannot even express to you how incredible Alyssaar is. You really just need to go to experience…read moreit. All my other dining experiences in France (and probably even in America) pale in comparison. By "Mediterranean," Yelp means to say "Syrian." I had never had Syrian food before, but after my trip to France, I had had it twice (both times at Alyssaar) and enjoyed both times immensely. My five friends and I came to Alyssaar after seeing that it had good reviews on Yelp, but we couldn't possibly have expected how attached we would get after just one trip. We were first greeted at the door by Abboud, the one man serving tables who was genuinely excited to meet us. One couldn't possibly fake his friendliness and hospitality. He is absolutely a pleasure (très charmant!) and went out of his way to make everyone feel comfortable, despite having only learned English from movies. He started out by explaining to us that this meal would be an experience of discovery, which it most certainly was in the most enjoyable way possible. Everything I tried here was incredible. I suggest coming with a friend (or a large group of friends) and ordering one of the fixed-price menus, because you'll be able to share with each other. Abboud paired our group up and taught each pair what order we should share our appetizers in to maximize the pleasure in our meals. Each appetizer was wonderfully flavorful. All the main courses we tried were phenomenal, but the one that especially stood out to me was the "boeuf à la cerise" (beef cooked in a cherry sauce, wrapped with herbs--subtle flavor, just the right amount of sweet and tart and savory). But really, you can't go wrong with anything on the menu. It's perfect. Same with the desserts, although if you want to try something you've never had (and probably never will again), try the Syrian cheese dish--it's this lovely, soft cheese served with cream and a sweet sauce. Amazing. The baklawa also puts all other baklava I've ever had to shame. After dinner, try the house digestif--again, absolutely lovely. Expect to spend three hours here and to enjoy every second of it! I certainly did.

This place is wonderful! Warm and inviting plus delicious food. What more can I say? The host is…read morefriendly, helpful and funny. As the only one working the busy tables, I don't know how he keeps up with everything and do it with such charm! I was lucky enough to go with a Syrian friend who recommended various things to me so my experience was extra special. Highly recommended.

Amazing falafel sandwiches! My wife and I are vegetarian/sort of vegan so finding places to eat in…read moreFrance isn't always easy. The staff was super friendly and spoke English since we only know the basics in French so that was nice. The food is ready super fast and it's amazing. It's like a big loaded burger without the guilt. I had the The Original and my wife had the Redneck (we liked the name since we're from southeastern US ). Both were fantastic, I didn't even ever think you could have so many options for a falafel but this place knows how to do it. Highly recommended.

We came into Lyon late and were looking for something quick to eat. This place was perfect since it…read morewas fast, had relatively healthy options (salads) and a nice selection of different kinds of falafels, including vegan ones. For under 10€ per person, you can get a pretty filling meal. You have a choice of a sandwich (i.e. falafels in a pita pocket) or a salad (this will cost just a tiny bit more). My husband got the sandwich and I got the salad - I have to admit I had a little bit of food envy as they were starting to make his sandwich and stuff it, and my salad looked like just a lot of cabbage and carrots. Both were really excellent, the falafels were fresh, tasty, and not dry, and despite my initial first impression, I actually liked the salad more than the sandwich. The salad does come with two little pita breads so you can still feel like you're eating a pita sandwich without all of the carbs and with more vegetables. I would definitely get the salad again, but you can't go wrong with either. Overall, inexpensive, fast, fresh and tasty and a nice way to get something a little healthier (especially if you get the salad) if you're tired of heavier Lyonnaise food. They open pretty late and on Sundays too. I would come back here again if I were in the area.

This is a wonderful one-man operation in Croix Russe. The vegetarian plate is a delicious…read morecombination of flavors- both subtle and complex. The meat options are fantastic as well. Menu changes a bit day to day. The host is very friendly and knows how to season his dishes perfectly. I had a sausage and rice plate and for example the rice had a seafood broth flavor to it which was delicious. The vegetables are beautifully fresh and i could eat vegetarian if i lived here. So happy to have found this restaurant and ate here multiple times on our trip. Cannot wait to return!

Authentic meditterenean food! We were visiting Croix- Rousse and saw this restaurant. Smelled the…read morearomatic cooking outside and decided to have lunch here. Amazing chef doing a one man show! He is the only guy in the litlle restaurant; took our orders, cooked, prepared, served and accepted our payment. He is very cool and a pro! We are a group of 5, ordered fish, beef, pork and vegetarian. All were delicious but according to my nephew who tasted all said beef was the best! I like my fish- this was cooked in a puff pastry with sweet chili sauce on top. Each dish comes with 7 small sides which were all delicious- dont know exactly what they were. We also tried the 4 different desserts. They all look interesting- chocolate, coconut orange, chestnut and date. For me, the first two were my fave. Do come here if you are in the area. You will not regret!

Great atmosphere, We found this hidden gem on the corner of…read morea street, they were open for only 3 days, the place was packed, we had no reservation. But the couple who owns this place gave us a warm welcome! Great cocktails, great decoration, great ambiance and nice playlist choice (chill, electronica) The food direction is really inspiring, makes you want to try everything. Definitely a good spot for the Lyon food/drink scene!

From the owner: Cuisine méditerranéenneread more

From the owner: Restaurant dans une petite rue discrète avec beaucoup de charme et une cuisine Algérienne préparé…read morepar le chef Ahmed Rouan une cuisine aux saveurs et senteurs du Maghreb des plats simples et avec des prix très correcte le plat du jour en semaine à 10 euros et même les desserts sont fait maison. A découvrir.

From the owner: La Camargue dans l'assiette Ce restaurant aux couleurs et à la déco provençales se fait remarquer…read morepar la viande qu'il propose : ici, on peut manger du taureau. Cuit, en charcuterie ou en abats, cette viande méconnue en France n'est pourtant pas forte et pleine de saveurs. Elle est accompagnée de beaux légumes et de riz camargais. La cuisine du soleil proposée par l'Aromate s'inspire des régions de Nîmes et de la Camargue.

My niece and I visited for a nightcap. While sitting in the covered veranda, it became cold, and we…read morerequested the heating lamp be turned on. We were informed it was broken. Despite being offered to move to another table, we opted to stay put. A few minutes later, the waiter informed us he needed to close our tab as his shift was ending. However, shortly thereafter, he seated a newly arrived couple, took their order, continued serving drinks to another table, and provided food to a couple sitting outside. Even if we wanted to order another round, we felt unwelcome. When asked why he closed our tab and continued to serve others, he curtly responded, "to think what we wanted to think." We believe his behavior might have been racially motivated. This is particularly disappointing given the influx of international guests for the Bocuse d'Or event in Lyon, of which we are a part. It's regrettable that such an institution makes patrons feel unwelcome. We are of a minority race but have never faced such blatant discrimination. Save your money and take your business elsewhere

At the end of a nice pedestrian mall is this spot. A spot where distinguished looking locals and…read moretourists of all ages stop for a Moet or a pop and either sweet or savoury snack. Patio, terrace and indoor seating. White table cloths and wonderful service. We had the "crevette" sharing plate - just right for two people. It wasn't cheap but it was just what I was looking for. So good, we went back a second time. :)