Epona, Fine dining restaurant in 2nd arrondissement of Lyon, France
Epona occupies the ground floor of the InterContinental Lyon Hotel Dieu, featuring stone floors, wooden ceilings, and large windows that face Cour Saint-Louis. The dining space serves both à la carte selections and set menus prepared daily using fresh ingredients from morning markets.
The site occupies what was once the Grand Hotel-Dieu complex, where a medicinal garden provided herbs and plants for the hospital. The transformation from healing to hospitality marks a significant shift in how the building serves the community today.
The restaurant is named after a Gallo-Roman goddess associated with travelers and protection, a choice that connects the dining experience to the region's heritage. Local ingredients sourced from nearby markets form the foundation of each dish, grounding the cuisine in the area's agricultural traditions.
Access to the restaurant is through the hotel lobby, and tables are available for both hotel guests and outside visitors without accommodation. The stone floor can become slippery during wet weather, so appropriate footwear is recommended for comfort and safety.
The chef presents dishes tableside using gueridon service, where meats and fish are carved and plated directly in front of diners. This traditional presentation style creates a theatrical element that transforms the meal into a more engaging experience.
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