Le Simple Goût Des Choses

My family and I had the dinner together at le Simple on 9-Feb-2024. Overall was a good experience. We made advanced reservation, the restaurant sent reminder to confirm the reservation (which was really good). Since there're 4 of us, we ordered everything from the available menu. Most dishes are outstanding, except the vegetarian options, mushroom entree and risotto is not so tasty for us (could be chef wanted to make it healthier). The desserts were absolutely outstanding. I would recommend friends to give it a try when in Lyon.

It is truly frightening how this food is considered the gastronomic capital of not just France, but the world. I attended dinner at this location with a large group to garner the "true experience," but was met with an excessively small area where the waiters do not even dress elegantly and look like vendors or computer specialists. But I am expected to look classy? Moreover, they have no place to sit hidden from view, so they stand and stare at you. While the place is charming, the food is a dishonor. The food combinations, meant to display brilliance and sophistication, simply seemed laughable. My entree consisted of eggs with peanut butter, popcorn, and a tortilla chip. Seriously? Does this merit ingenuity? Do I go to an elegant French cuisine restaurant for popcorn in my food? At least it was edible because my plat was not. I have medical issues that do not allow me to eat high fat, so when the waiter told us their "steak" had no fat and was very clean, I was more than happy. However, after eating a few pieces, I could tell it was laden with fat that was difficult to chew. It made me nauseated, so I could not eat it. My group members were equally disgusted. One member also had swordfish which he claimed was completely bland and tough to chew. I will give credit for their wine and dessert though, although their strawberry dessert was slightly too acidic. I left the restaurant hungry and in search of other food. Please do not get caught up in this trap and treat yourself better.

If this is what the French consider "fine dining," then I am worried about the state of their culture. Raw salmon on cantaloupe and yoghurt as a starter? Did anyone taste test this? The "steak" was a cut of beef from the neck - and there's a reason why I had never consumed neck meat before this night. It is filled almost entirely with fat and tendons with very little actual meat. The dessert was the only redeeming quality of the meal, but I'd hesitate to even call that above average. The staff behaved incredibly unprofessionally and were dressed like an average joe picked off the street. I am aware that Lyon is considered the "culinary capital" of France, so if this is the best they have to offer I think I'll take myself down the street to any one of the lovely international restaurants I have tried while in Lyon. This business as a concept needs to be rebuilt from the ground up, because in its current state it is a sad excuse for dining. Imagine how mad I would be if I was the one who was paying!

The location was 10min wall from the park of the tête. I booked the dinner on Monday through google. Easy booking. The welcome was good. Overall service was professional and not at all pushy. We got English explanation of the menu, and they showed understanding of Chinese culture and offered hot water. Menu is small but regularly updated. I believe their fresh ingredients are procured on daily basis. Presentation of the dishes are well thought and beautiful. All white porcelains. Each plate uses at least 4 different ingredients and whether the texture or the palate were good mix. The wine menu looks expensive and I ordered house wine. Glasses were clean and shiny. Interior design of the restaurant was modern and bright. Wooden colour tables. Good place for a casual family or friend gathering.

Simply stunning. I couldn't fault anything. Beautiful food, perfect service and lovely decor. Do simple things well and you have sucess

Nice little restaurant with cute plates and nontypical flavors. Would try again

One of the little hidden gems in Lyon. We love everything about this place, the quality of the food and service are excellent! Highly recommended

Merci bien. Fantastic dinner with nice tastes