What is a bouchon?

A bouchon is a type of small, traditional restaurant found in Lyon, France. These eateries typically serve local Lyonnaise cuisine, which is known for its hearty meat-based dishes and rich sauces. Bouchons have a cozy and intimate atmosphere, with small tables and often communal seating arrangements. The menu features classic dishes such as pork sausage with lentils, roast pork with prunes, and beef stew with potatoes. Bouchons also often offer local wines and spirits, such as Coteaux du Lyonnais and Chartreuse. The term 'bouchon' itself is thought to originate from the practice of using a cork to seal bottles of wine, with these small restaurants being likened to the cork in a bottle.