Lyon’s Westfield Part-Dieu Mall to Host ‘IT Villagio’: A Giant Italian Village Restaurant
Lyon, March 7, 2026 – Westfield Part-Dieu shopping center is preparing for its “project of the year”: the opening of “IT Villagio,” a colossal Italian village-themed restaurant by the IT – Italian Trattoria group. This unique concept, currently only available in Cap 3000 in Nice, promises an immersive culinary experience and is slated to open by the end of 2026, replacing the Food Society, which closed in June 2024.
An “XXL Format for Total Immersion in Italy”
The future establishment boasts an “XXL format for total immersion in Italy,” a concept that has already achieved “dazzling success” on the Côte d’Azur. According to the management of IT – Italian Trattoria, Lyon residents will be able to “wander through a multitude of thematic counters inspired by major Italian cities and specialties, including Pasta, Napoli, Firenze BBQ, Roma/Bar areas, as well as an IT Gelato kiosk.”
Jean-Philippe Pelou-Daniel, director of the Westfield Part-Dieu shopping center, expressed his enthusiasm for this exclusive revelation to actu Lyon. He stated that his teams have been working on bringing this concept to Lyon for “over a year and a half.” Pelou-Daniel emphasized the restaurant’s commitment to authentic Italian cuisine: “The food is made on-site with products directly imported from Italy. We needed a truly strong place centered around Italian cuisine.”
A Life-Sized Italian Village with Terrace and Dance Floor
IT Villagio will impress with its sheer size and amenities, offering dishes prepared right before customers’ eyes, highlighting fresh products and ingredients sourced directly from regional producers in Italy. Key features include:
- An interior customer area spanning 929 m² (approximately 10,000 sq ft).
- A spacious outdoor terrace measuring 440 m² (approximately 4,700 sq ft).
- A significant seating capacity with 434 seats indoors and 180 seats on the terrace.
- A 12 m² (approximately 130 sq ft) stage and convertible spaces for a dance floor (31 m² indoors and 24 m² outdoors).
To accommodate this new venture, the existing smaller IT – Italian Trattoria restaurant located next to the UGC cinema within the shopping center will close. While its replacement is already known, official communication regarding it is yet to be made, according to Jean-Philippe Pelou-Daniel.
This development is anticipated to be a significant addition to Lyon’s culinary landscape, offering a unique and expansive dining experience for residents and visitors alike.
Source: https://actu.fr/auvergne-rhone-alpes/lyon_69123/lyon-un-restaurant-italien-gigantesque-au-concept-rare-va-ouvrir-au-centre-commercial-part-dieu_63936590.html
