Lyon, April 12, 2026 – The Guillotière district in Lyon welcomes a new establishment, Coolé, a bar-restaurant that officially opened its doors at the beginning of April. Located on the quays of the Rhône, Coolé takes the place of the well-known Mondrian, which closed after more than 15 years of operation. The new venue promises to be a popular spot, offering a large terrace with picturesque views of the Rhône River and the Fourvière hill.
Coolé: A New ‘Friends’ Spot with All-Day Dining
Coolé is the brainchild of three friends and colleagues, Adrien, Corentin, and Sébastien. Corentin and Sébastien are already known in Lyon’s culinary scene as the owners of Dikkenek Café in Croix-Rousse, Vieux Garçons in Perrache, and Café Edmond in Place Voltaire. Their vision for Coolé is to create a true ‘friends’ spot’ that caters to patrons throughout the day.
The restaurant’s menu features homemade sandwiches and pancakes, available non-stop from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, seven days a week. The founders emphasize offering accessible prices without compromising on quality, aiming to provide a welcoming and unpretentious dining experience.
A Fresh Concept While Retaining a Hint of the Past
Sébastien stated, “Even though we loved Mondrian’s traditional cuisine, we completely broke the concept. We wanted to integrate more into an ‘all-day food’ offering with a nice café menu and homemade drinks. Simple things, but well done.” This approach signifies a shift from the previous establishment’s focus, embracing a more flexible and contemporary dining model.
While the interior has undergone a significant renovation, the general layout and some decorative elements, such as the large whale hanging on the wall, have been retained from the Mondrian era. This nod to the past helps preserve a bit of the former establishment’s spirit, with the whale even inspiring the ‘maritime’ name of the new venture.
Terrace with a View: A Key Attraction
One of Coolé’s most appealing features is its expansive terrace, which offers stunning views of the Rhône and Fourvière. This prime location in the heart of Lyon’s 7th arrondissement is expected to draw both locals and tourists looking for a relaxing spot to enjoy a meal or a drink. The establishment also boasts a carefully crafted cocktail menu, complementing its diverse food offerings.
The opening of Coolé contributes to the growing number of new establishments in the Guillotière district, particularly as the summer season approaches. With its convenient location, all-day service, and inviting atmosphere, Coolé is poised to become a significant addition to Lyon’s vibrant culinary and social landscape.
Source: actu.fr
