The aroma of sizzling meat, the gentle hum of conversation, and the vibrant decor of traditional Japanese lanterns now fill Rue des Marronniers in Lyon. Ushi BBQ, the city’s inaugural Japanese barbecue restaurant, has opened its doors, promising a unique culinary journey that transports diners straight to Tokyo.
A Vision Brought to Life: The Genesis of Ushi BBQ
Stéphane Dayot and Vanessa Shi, the visionary minds behind Ushi BBQ, saw a gap in Lyon’s diverse gastronomic landscape. “There wasn’t yet a Japanese barbecue in Lyon, unlike the Korean barbecues,” explains one of the founders. Their latest venture, launched in June 2026, adds another gem to their growing empire, which already includes Shiyo, an all-you-can-eat Japanese restaurant at Hôtel-Dieu, and the Chikin Bang Korean street-food chain.
We had the opportunity to experience this new establishment firsthand. Located in a bustling area near Place Bellecour, historically known for its traditional Lyonnaise bouchons, Rue des Marronniers is now embracing a wider array of international cuisines. This shift marks an exciting evolution for the district, offering residents and visitors fresh dining options.
An Immersive Journey: Design and Atmosphere
From the moment you step inside Ushi BBQ, the decor captivates. Dozens of suspended lanterns cast a warm, inviting glow, drawing the eye upwards. The interior is a meticulous blend of wooden elements, partitions inspired by traditional Japanese shoji screens, and signage directly imported from Tokyo. The restaurant’s design is an unapologetic embrace of Japanese aesthetics, creating an immersive visual experience.
This carefully crafted ambiance perfectly complements the central concept: the Japanese barbecue grill integrated into each table. “We completely redid this restaurant; we even changed the decoration twice,” the manager reveals with a smile. “We were completely inspired by Japanese culture. In Japan, barbecue is very widespread in cooking.” Ushi BBQ now occupies the space that once housed Louloutte, a traditional Lyonnaise bouchon, symbolizing a culinary transition for the area.
The Yakiniku Experience: Convivial Dining and Premium Meats
Despite the scorching 38°C heat outside during our Saturday lunchtime visit, the restaurant’s efficient air conditioning ensured a comfortable dining experience. The heat from the “yakiniku” grill at our table was surprisingly subtle, allowing for a pleasant meal. The staff were attentive and knowledgeable, guiding us through the perfect cooking techniques for our meat – just a few seconds for rare cuts, and only one flip to achieve optimal doneness.
But before diving into the main event, a generous platter of meat for two, we sampled the appetizers: chicken Gyoza and Fried Ebi. Soon, our table was adorned with an impressive selection: low-cut sirloin, flank steak, thinly sliced entrecôte, beef tongue, and the star of the show, Australian wagyu. The quality of the meat was exceptional, easily enhanced with a sprinkle of salt and a choice of three accompanying sauces. The wagyu, in particular, lived up to its reputation, melting in the mouth with its inherent richness, subtly elevated by the miso sauce.
Ushi BBQ is now open daily, serving both lunch and dinner at 5 Rue des Marronniers. This new addition promises to be a vibrant hub for food enthusiasts seeking an authentic and interactive dining experience in Lyon.
Source: https://actu.fr/auvergne-rhone-alpes/lyon_69123/nouveau-a-lyon-un-premier-restaurant-de-barbecue-japonais-a-ouvert-on-a-teste-le-concept_64447421.html
