Owner : Brigitte et Benoît Josserand

A traditional family bouchon, Le Café de Jura first opened in 1867. Its typical wood-panelled decor dates back to the thirties, and the vaulted cellar, where vintage Beaujolais have replaced the wine-barrels, combined with the quiet, discreet atmosphere, make this bouchon the perfect example of how to live the good life ‘à la Lyonnaise’, or, in the words of owner Benoît Josserand, the perfect example of Lyonnitude.

Brigitte and Henri Josserand took over the restaurant in 1974, and Brigitte, then only 19 years old, learned her trade from her mother-in-law, who used to cook for some of Lyon’s greatest families. Since then she has gone from strength to strength, and customers never leave the tiniest scrap, whether they order her chicken liver ‘gateau’ and ravioles or calf’s head in Hélène Neveu sauce (named after the bouchon’s former owner).

Meanwhile her son, Benoît, greets and advises his customers in proper Lyon fashion: between them this high-powered twosome displays amazing strength of character. Mum’s definitely in charge – but then they do say that if you spare the rod, you spoil the child.

Find this restaurant also on lyonresto.com