"A red-checked bouchon open since 1872, plating quenelle de brochet and andouillette the old Lyon way — book it for the real thing."
About Café des Fédérations
Café des Fédérations has been a bouchon on rue du Major Martin since 1872, and it remains one of the temples of the form — the red-checked tablecloths, the sausages hanging from the ceiling, the no-fuss procession of Lyonnais classics. It marked its 150th anniversary in 2022 and was voted best authentic bouchon in 2019-2020, run today with chef Abdou Faridi.
It sits among Lyon's classic bouchons. Compare the canteen cooking at Le Garet, the family-run Chez Hugon and the historic Café Comptoir Abel, or browse the wider French picks.
The Kitchen
The cooking is bouchon to the bone. The signatures are the quenelle de brochet — a feather-light pike dumpling under langoustine or Nantua sauce — and the andouillette, the offal sausage that separates bouchon regulars from tourists, often served with a tablier de sapeur close behind. You start with a spread of saladiers lyonnais and finish with tarte à la praline, the lurid pink Lyon classic.
It is honest value: set bouchon menus run roughly €29 to 39 and a la carte classics around €18 to 26, washed down with pots of Côtes du Rhône in the heavy-bottomed bouchon bottles.
The Room
The room is the picture-book bouchon: tight tables under red-checked cloths, cured sausages strung overhead, zinc and old photographs on the walls, and a din of conversation. Service is brisk, warm and unsentimental in the bouchon way. It is small and convivial — you will likely be elbow-to-elbow with neighbours — and that closeness is exactly the appeal.
Best for a convivial, traditional Lyon lunch or dinner
Café des Fédérations suits a convivial, traditional Lyon meal — the warm, elbow-to-elbow room makes it a characterful first-date table and an easy spot for solo dining at the counter, while the long communal feel suits a group dinner. For more of the city's bouchons, see Le Garet or browse the full Lyon dining guide.
Not for
Not for vegetarians or anyone after light, modern cooking — this is offal, pork and cream bouchon fare in a cramped, noisy room, served without apology.
Frequently Asked
What is Café des Fédérations known for?
Being one of Lyon's most authentic bouchons, open since 1872 — red-checked tablecloths, sausages overhead and classics like quenelle de brochet, andouillette and tarte à la praline.
What should I order at Café des Fédérations?
The quenelle de brochet and the andouillette are the signatures, opened by a spread of saladiers lyonnais and closed with the pink tarte à la praline.
How much does Café des Fédérations cost?
Honest bouchon value: set menus run roughly €29 to 39 and a la carte classics around €18 to 26, with pots of Côtes du Rhône to drink.
How old is Café des Fédérations?
It has been a bouchon on rue du Major Martin since 1872, marking its 150th anniversary in 2022, and was voted best authentic bouchon in 2019-2020.
Where is Café des Fédérations?
At 8-10 rue du Major Martin in the Terreaux quarter of Lyon's 1st arrondissement; the dining room is small, so booking ahead is wise.
Reserve a Table
Reserve at Café des Fédérations
Book via the Café des Fédérations website or by phone; the room is small and fills quickly.
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Practical Information
Address8-10 rue du Major Martin, 69001 Lyon
NeighbourhoodOn rue du Major Martin, in the Terreaux quarter of the 1st arrondissement
CuisineFrench (Lyonnais bouchon)
PriceSet bouchon menus roughly €29–39; a la carte classics around €18–26
Dress CodeCasual
SeatingSmall, tightly packed dining room; booking advised
ReservationBooking advised; the small room fills at lunch and dinner
