The last restaurant I visit during my stay in Pittsburgh was a spot that was on my radar from day one. This restaurant used to be something else, but then was reborn as a French restaurant a few weeks before my visit. It had nice outdoor seating, but my colleague and I decided to sit inside.
The inside was large and open, with high ceiling that created feeling of even larger space. The interior was decorated kind of “outside” feel to it, with fake windows and window plants on the walls. Almost like sitting alongside a lovely quaint street, even thought we were in the inside. They had plenty of seating, and with the front wall facing the street wide open, it was filled with natural light. Very relaxing and welcoming atmosphere. I really liked the decor and vibe immediately, I was happy I got to visit!
This restaurant offers “French comfort food”. Which to me is unique and unusual. When I think of “French cuisine” I think of fancy. Here, your opinion of French food can be changed a bit. I mean, there must be a comfort food in each country, the kind of food you grew up with. The home-cooked food that warms your body, heart and soul. The owner and the chef at Le Lyonnais is from Lyon, France and wanted to share simple, affordable, yet delicious dishes inspired by food that he grew up with. How wonderful! I was excited!
First, they brought us their complimentary bread, which was a nice baguette. It was soft, airy but yet dense and delicious. Off to a good start, I say.
I ordered a glass of French wine. Our lovely waitress, Lisa told us that the French wine is making its way back, with is flavor, quality, and with lower price. It could be common nowadays to find a great French wine that cost less than California wines. I ordered a Rosé wine, Fleur de Mer, Grenache/cinsault, Provence ($12/glass). It was smooth, easy to drink. It was beautiful peach-pink, elegant and nice notes of fruits.
For the main course, I wanted something light, so I ordered a salad. I went with Salade Lyonnaise ($11), which comes with Bacon Lardons, Poached Egg, and Croutons. Our waitress asked if I wanted add protein like chicken or salmon, and without thinking, I said “salmon” which added extra $4. Now, if I had known how huge this salad was going to be, and how huge the salmon was going to be, I would have said no to salmon… I mean, it was really, REALLY big!
Aside from the portion, it was super fresh and amazing. The egg was cooked a bit too much so that I didn’t quite get the egg porn, but that was ok. It had a generous amount of bacon, so you really didn’t need to anything else, like chicken or salmon, unless you really want to. Simple yet flavorful, the seasoning was just right, and super delicious! This was so filling that I packed half of it home (or to my hotel).
Even though I was going to more of the healthy side with salad, I could not resist ordering a side of fries…well, I think I could have resisted regular fries, but they had Parmesan & White Truffle Frites ($6)!!!! Come on! I love white truffle, and I already love parmesan & truffle fries, so there was not way I could pass that on… It came in a cute copper container, and it was indeed tasty. Great aroma of truffle and super comforting… I took half of it back to my hotel also.
Instead of getting completely stuffed with food, my colleague and I decided to get some desserts. We ordered Grand Marnier Crème brulée (7) and Mousse au Chocolat ($7).
Grand Marnier Crème brulée, the name alone is super enticing… I have never had such thing! it comes with Vanilla Bean Whipped Cream, Candied Orange Peel, and Chocolate Cigarette. Now that I think about it, we didn’t get chocolate cigarette…but hey, it was super delicious without it. Great orange aroma and flavor, creamy and velvety, it was awesome!
The mousse was going to be a serious test, as I was with a colleague who is super picky about chocolate mousse. It is made with 65% Dark Chocolate, Eggs, and topped with Almond Tuile. And guess what, it received the approval of my colleague! It was not overly sweet as it is made with dark chocolate. Rich, velvety, decadent and melt in you mouth… The almond tuile was really good too, nice almond flavor that went perfectly with the mousse.
I had a Cappuccino ($5) to go with the dessert, and it was a good coffee too. Great aroma and strong, flavorful. Nice way to end a lovely dinner.
I had a great time here, delicious food and drinks, warm and welcoming service. I wish if this restaurant was in NYC. Our waitress Lisa took a great care of us with a big smile, gave us nice recommendation and we were never rushed. A funny thing about their menu is that each items had its correct pronunciation next to it, like “LYONNAISE [Lee-Oh-Nez] ” which I thought was cool. If I ever go back to Pittsburgh, this would definitely a place I would love to visit again!
Le Lyonnais – 947 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222