Le lion d'or sur Messigny-Et-Vantoux

The setting is lovely, but the food isn't memorable and the service was a bit slow. The welcome was very cold.

The telephone and in-person reception was very average. The setting is magnificent, but the food is disappointing in terms of value for money.

Le Lion d’Or in Messimy (21) – A verdant haven with a discordant rhythm There are places that captivate you at first sight. Nestled in the charming village of Messimy, Le Lion d’Or cultivates a promise of Italian-French bistronomy in an absolutely idyllic setting. It was in the shade of its terrace, bathed in soft light and enveloped by lush vegetation, that the four of us sat down. A truly successful "chic bistro" atmosphere, a veritable haven of visual freshness. Unfortunately, while the setting sets the stage for a memorable evening, the rest of the experience quickly revealed the flaws in a malfunctioning logistical system. A rhythmic score in dissonance The welcome, courteous but purely standard, gives way to the first jarring note of discord: the aperitifs barely begun, the starters are already being served. A rushed start that suggested formidable efficiency... It was quite the opposite. What followed was an impressive 1 hour 15 minute wait before the main courses arrived. A glaring organizational problem—exacerbated by the visual impression of high turnover among a visibly overwhelmed team of servers—forced us to repeatedly call the staff to ensure our table hadn't simply been forgotten. On the plate: precision, but frustration From a culinary standpoint, the offering oscillates between technical satisfaction and disappointment regarding portion sizes: The meat: The ribeye steak (priced at €37) proved excellent, beautifully tender, and perfectly cooked. The side dish concept: This is where the problem lies. For 80% of the dishes, the side dishes are "to share." Serving a meager portion of potato and a single slice of eggplant to accompany a piece of meat at this price is a bitter pill to swallow. The generosity of bistronomy has clearly been lost here. Sweets and drinks: For dessert, the two small scoops of ice cream (€7), charged at a premium, evoke the refinement of a great artisan ice cream maker, but the portion is still stingy. As for the final Limoncello, although well-made, it was served lukewarm and without the ice cube that was specifically requested. A small detail, certainly, but indicative of a service that has lost its way. The Verdict Rating: 3/5 The highlight: An absolutely superb, verdant terrace, ideal for a visual escape. The low point: A major lapse in the service's pacing and a frustratingly low quantity-to-price ratio for the side dishes. Conclusion: Le Lion d’Or possesses undeniable charm thanks to its exceptional setting. Unfortunately, the food isn't solely based on its surroundings. Lacking well-organized logistics and a more generous approach to sharing the dishes, the overall experience remains disappointingly average. It's an address where one is captivated by the ambiance, but one won't return to. However, the place reveals real potential and could improve with time; they have a gem in their hands that they need to refine.

What a fantastic experience Saturday night was! The service was exceptional, perfectly complementing an equally exceptional meal! I highly recommend the focaccia and profiterole for dessert, especially for those with a sweet tooth. The setting is lovely, especially during the summer months. The prices are very reasonable.

Excellent experience at this traditional restaurant! We went for a stag do and everything was perfect: generous portions, delicious dishes, and quality ingredients. The wine was also excellent, and the value for money is truly outstanding. A fantastic place that I highly recommend!

Excellent restaurant with a really lovely terrace. The food was delicious, the service friendly, and the atmosphere perfect for a great time. I highly recommend it! 🙂

At the Lion d'Or, one can only appreciate the shaded terrace and the tastefully decorated dining room. In the kitchen, the quality of the ingredients, whether meat or vegetables, is excellent. The cooking is well executed. In short, it's a delight. However, one can lament the quality of the service, which doesn't live up to the menu. The telephone reception when taking the reservation was unpleasant, the welcome from a blonde person who almost made us feel like we were bothering them, and the lack of communication between the different servers. The high prices are regrettable. For some dishes, this is justified by both the quality and the quantity. In my case, a duck breast with pears, described as "to share," priced at 50 euros, which resulted in four slices on the plate and a small plate of potatoes for two, is clearly excessive. In summary, the food is excellent, the place is very beautiful, the service is average, and the prices are high, sometimes justified, sometimes excessive for certain items.

A restaurant just the way we like them! The food is delicious and carefully prepared, and the service is top-notch: quick, friendly, and efficient. We were able to eat next to the cooking fireplace, which adds a cozy touch. The outdoor terrace with its pétanque court makes you want to come back on a summer evening. A restaurant you absolutely must try!

A wonderful discovery! The place is superb, especially the shaded courtyard, the decor is bohemian chic, and the food is delicious, excellent, and beautifully presented! The service was impeccable.

A wonderful time with friends! The service, the food, and the atmosphere were all excellent. The tiramisu-style French toast was a real treat! 🤗