Lyon addresses. Xaia, L'Alibi and Ikone

From a wine bar beside the church overlooking the Rhône, to sakura and rose lattes and peanut butter and caramelised peanut cookies, this week brought new addresses in Lyon that I adore.

L’Alibi

I had been passing by this wine bar for almost two years (come December), patiently saving their posts in my Lyon folder. But it was only this week that I finally went with a friend to sit in the gentle afternoon sun, gazing at the Rhône, watching dogs trot past and cars slowly drift back into the city after a weekend or longer holidays. Although right in the centre and almost at the heart of the old town, the Parisian-run L’Alibi is a peaceful and well-hidden spot locals treasure. It serves natural wines and a few simple dishes—just enough to savour every moment.

Xaia

In contrast, the other place I “tasted” this week lies very much in the heart of Lyon. Barely a month and a half old, Xaia Café offers flavours as yet unseen in the city: sakura, peanut or black sesame lattes alongside a range of matcha lattes (strawberry, pineapple, mango, coconut, and more), as well as specialty coffee and a surprisingly generous selection of teas. Everything is served in ceramic cups crafted by local artists, or presented in ways just a little different from elsewhere.

Ikone

And last, though certainly not least, we finally tried the much-talked-about Ikone cookies. To be honest, they do look rather plain, but they taste wonderfully generous and moist—almost perfect, and unique in their own way. The peanut butter and crunchy peanut cookie had everything one could hope for: soft, moist, not too sweet, yet rich and satisfyingly crunchy.