Opened in 1921 by Eugénie Brazier—the first woman chef in France to earn three Michelin stars and mentor to the late, great Paul Bocuse—La Mère Brazier is a Lyon institution. Today, another Lyon luminary, two-Michelin-starred chef Mathieu Viannay, runs the storied spot, serving modern twists on classic French fare. Come here for transcendent dishes like sole farcie with shellfish and caviar butter, roasted sweetbreads with crisped rice soufflé, and poached quail eggs with Corsican honey, sorrel, and hazelnuts—in other words, food you won’t find anywhere else in France.
Mathieu Vianney, chef from Michelin-starred Mère Brazier Restaurant, Sea urchin, Gambas Carabineros and Caviar Osciètre, Baguettine de Langues in the Butter of Herbs. Mathieu Viannay, chef étoilé du restaurant de la Mère Brazier, Oursin, Gambas Carabineros et Caviar Osciètre, Baguettine de Langues au Beurre d’Herbes.
Anne Guillot, courtesy of La Mère Brazier
Nicolas Villion, courtesy of La Mère Brazier
