Lyon Prepares for “Tous au Restaurant” Gastronomy Festival in June
Lyon, April 4, 2026 – The highly anticipated gastronomic event, “Tous au Restaurant” (All to the Restaurant), is making its return to Lyon and across France in June. This initiative, spearheaded by TheFork and acclaimed chef Alain Ducasse, aims to encourage diners to revisit local eateries with a simple yet effective offer: a ‘buy one, get one free’ menu.
A Boost for the Restaurant Industry
The announcement was made on Thursday, April 2, from the Rooftop Têtedoie on the heights of Fourvière, signaling a hopeful return to bustling dining rooms and clinking glasses. Stanislas Leblanc, the event organizer, emphasized the importance of this “national celebration of restoration” in the current economic climate. “Today, we are putting this national restaurant festival on the agenda,” Leblanc stated. He highlighted the challenging environment faced by the industry, citing inflation, reduced purchasing power, and declining footfall. “25 restaurants close every day,” he added, underscoring the urgency of such initiatives.
Despite the difficulties, the desire to dine out, share, and discover new culinary experiences remains strong. Leblanc noted that “80% of French people want to go to a restaurant.” “Tous au Restaurant” directly addresses this by making dining more accessible, often a barrier due to cost. The enduring principle, “your guest is our guest,” reflects the generosity of participating chefs.
Leading Lyon Chefs Join the Movement
Several prominent Lyon chefs have already committed to the event. Michelin-starred chef Christian Têtedoie is among them. “This operation aims to reach the general public,” he insisted. At Bistrot Têtedoie, the special offer will be extended to all patrons, including loyal customers. Têtedoie acknowledged the effort required, especially since June is typically a busy month for restaurateurs. “It’s a month that is already very strong for restaurateurs. It’s an additional effort,” he remarked, viewing it as a dedicated, almost militant, commitment.
Carla Kirch, chef at Alebrije, a Mexican gastronomic restaurant in the 4th arrondissement, echoed this sentiment. “When you are young or a student, this operation allows you to push open doors that you would never have opened,” she explained. Kirch plans to adapt her menu to offer a more accessible and quicker format, aligning with evolving dining habits. “Today, we need to make people want to come back to the restaurant.”
A Promise of a True Culinary Experience
Over two weeks, more than 2,000 establishments across France are expected to participate, ranging from neighborhood bistros to high-end gastronomic tables. In Lyon, Le Petit 6, Café Terroir, and M Restaurant are also confirmed to join. Each venue will curate special menus, signature dishes, and food and wine pairings designed to entice diners without intimidation.
Leblanc likened the preparation with the chefs to a “cinema festival,” but one that “doesn’t take place in theaters, it takes place in restaurants!” Reservations for the event will open on May 26th via TheFork website, where a comprehensive list of partner restaurants and their detailed offers will be available. This year, the event promises more than just a meal; it offers a glimpse into the team, the story behind each dish, and a fervent desire to welcome guests back.
The 11th edition of “Tous au Restaurant” will run from June 1st to June 14th, 2026.
