Used to the lively streets of southern Lyon, I know that real African cooking is not found in the flashy storefronts of the city center, but in popular thoroughfares like Grande Rue de la Guillotière or Rue Garibaldi. Here, people eat with their hands, share dishes, and the smell of spices welcomes you as soon as you step through the door. This guide brings together my verified favorites, places where quality is there without breaking the bank.
AWANI RESTAURANT AFRICAIN LYON
AWANI RESTAURANT AFRICAIN LYON Address: 86 Gd Rue de la Guillotière, 69007 Lyon Google rating: 4.8/5 (1337 reviews) Category: Restaurant Website link View on Maps Hours: Monday: Closed · Tuesday: 12:00 – 22:30 · Wednesday: 12:00 – 22:30…
This is an institution in the neighborhood. The outstanding 4.8/5 rating, based on more than thirteen hundred reviews, is no accident. People come here for the consistency of the dishes and the warm welcome. The place is often packed, a sign of complete trust from local customers. Portions are generous, ideal for sharing with friends after a day at work.
La Saint Louisienne
La Saint Louisienne Address: 202 Rue Garibaldi, 69003 Lyon Google rating: 4.9/5 (725 reviews) Category: Restaurant Website link View on Maps Hours: Monday: Closed · Tuesday: 12:00 – 14:00, 19:00 – 22:00 · Wednesday: 12:00 – 14:00, 19:00 – 22:00…
Located on Rue Garibaldi, this address offers a refined culinary experience while staying rooted in tradition. With a score of 4.9/5, it is one of the highest-rated spots in the area. The atmosphere is calmer than in the heart of La Guillotière, perfect for a business lunch or a quiet dinner. The cooking is polished and the flavors are perfectly balanced.
Tam-Tam
Tam-Tam Address: 164 Gd Rue de la Guillotière, 69007 Lyon Google rating: 4.7/5 (707 reviews) Category: African restaurant Website link View on Maps Hours: Monday: Closed · Tuesday: 11:45 – 22:30 · Wednesday: 11:45 – 22:30…
A little farther down Grande Rue, Tam-Tam offers a varied menu that delights fans of grilled meats and saucy dishes. Open until 22:30, it is a good choice for a late dinner. The atmosphere is friendly and lively, typical of good neighborhood restaurants where people come to eat heartily.
La cuisine de Moudéry - Les saveurs du Sénégal
La cuisine de Moudéry - Les saveurs du Sénégal Address: 7 Rue Bellecombe, 69100 Villeurbanne Google rating: 4.7/5 (834 reviews) Category: African restaurant Website link View on Maps Hours: Monday: 12:00 – 14:00, 19:00 – 22:00 · Tuesday: 12:00 – 14:00, 19:00 – 22:00 · Wednesday: 12:00 – 14:00, 19:00 – 22:00…
For a specifically Senegalese touch, you need to cross the bridge toward Villeurbanne. Moudéry is known for its authentic thieboudienne. With 834 reviews and a solid 4.7/5 rating, it is a reliable choice. The address is a little out of the way compared with the station area, but the trip is worth it to discover family recipes passed down with passion.
Sepela
Sepela Address: 107 Gd Rue de la Guillotière, 69007 Lyon Google rating: 4.7/5 (615 reviews) Category: African restaurant Website link View on Maps Hours: Monday: 12:00 – 23:00 · Tuesday: 15:00 – 23:00 · Wednesday: 12:00 – 23:00…
Open fairly late, Sepela is ideal if you are looking to eat after 22:00. Located in the heart of the Guillotière action, it enjoys an excellent reputation with 4.7/5. It is the perfect place to end the evening over a hot, hearty dish. Note that on Tuesdays, it opens later, at 15:00, so plan your lunch break elsewhere that day.
Lyon Dakar
Lyon Dakar Address: 227 Rue de Créqui, 69003 Lyon Google rating: 4.5/5 (1275 reviews) Price: Moderate Category: Restaurant View on Maps Hours: Monday: Closed · Tuesday: 12:00 – 14:00, 19:00 – 22:00 · Wednesday: 12:00 – 14:00, 19:00 – 22:00…
On Rue de Créqui, Lyon Dakar confirms its status as a neighborhood classic. With more than twelve hundred reviews, it is a very popular address. Prices are moderate, making it an affordable option for a full meal. The atmosphere is energetic and the service keeps pace with the rush of peak hours.
Le Goût de Ça
Le Goût de Ça Address: 116 Rue Paul Bert, 69003 Lyon Google rating: 4.6/5 (234 reviews) Category: African restaurant Website link View on Maps Hours: Monday: Closed · Tuesday: 11:45 – 14:30, 19:00 – 23:00 · Wednesday: 11:45 – 14:30, 19:00 – 23:00…
Farther away, on the Rue Paul Bert side, Le Goût de Ça offers a pleasant alternative. Less well known than the giants of La Guillotière, it maintains a strong 4.6/5 rating. It is an intimate restaurant where you feel at home. Evening hours run until 23:00, letting you enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere at the end of the week.
La Mangue Amère
La Mangue Amère Address: 7 Rue du Jardin des Plantes, 69001 Lyon Google rating: 4.5/5 (403 reviews) Price: Moderate Category: African restaurant Website link View on Maps Hours: Monday: Closed · Tuesday: 19:00 – 23:00 · Wednesday: 19:00 – 23:00…
For a change of scenery, head to the 1st arrondissement near Jardin des Plantes. La Mangue Amère stands out for its slightly greener, more restful setting. Open only in the evening from 19:00, it is a dinner-focused destination. Prices are moderate and the 4.5/5 rating reflects steady customer satisfaction.
Practical Details
This food route is mainly doable on foot from Guillotière metro station (Line A) or Place Guichard - Bourse du Travail (Line B). For addresses on Rue Garibaldi or Paul Bert, allow around 10 to 15 minutes on foot from the metro. TCL transport serves these routes very well.
Watch out for closing days: most of these establishments are closed on Mondays. Be sure to check the specific hours, especially for Sepela, which opens late on Tuesday lunchtime, or La Mangue Amère, which opens only in the evening. Weekday lunches are preferable to avoid the biggest crowds, especially at Awani or Lyon Dakar, which attract many people.