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The heart of the Lyonnais bleeds at the announcement of the closure of Pizza Papa, an iconic restaurant that has cradled their memories for over 35 years. Located on rue Tupin, this place has always been synonymous with Italian conviviality and authenticity. The doors closed in mid-October, but hope is revived with the arrival of Valentina, a new restaurant that aims to inject a more festive atmosphere while preserving the quality of Italian dishes.

Why did Pizza Papa close its doors?

The Italian restaurant Pizza Papa, established for over 35 years on rue Tupin in Lyon, bid farewell in mid-October. Aimed at lovers of authentic family cuisine, it was ultimately forced to close, probably due to market evolution and increased competition. The brand had managed to attract many customers with its traditional recipes, offering a warm ambiance that made this place famous.
The reasons given for this closure are many. First, financial difficulties weighed heavily on the establishment’s operations. Additionally, the clientele has evolved, and new gastronomic trends have changed consumer expectations, making it difficult to maintain a traditional restaurant in this dynamic.

Moreover, the Pizza Papa network still has restaurants in Montpellier and Nîmes, but that was not enough to save the one in Lyon. Instead of giving a boost to Pizza Papa, these closures signal a culinary era change in the region, marking a transition to a restaurant sector increasingly focused on innovation.

What will be the successor of Pizza Papa?

Frequent visitors of this restaurant need not worry, as a new restaurant will rise in its place. Named Valentina, this future establishment promises to renew the culinary experience by offering a more festive atmosphere. The creators’ goal is to attract a younger clientele while continuing the tradition of Italian cuisine.
Restaurateur Anthony Simonian has indicated that Valentina will focus on iconic dishes such as Neapolitan pizzas, pasta, and antipasti. Additionally, the menu will also include a selection of cocktails, adding a modern touch to the dining experience. In this way, Valentina aims to establish itself as an original Italian brasserie for the youth of Lyon.

The restaurant also plans to host evenings with DJs to enhance this dynamic atmosphere. Thus, customers can expect memorable nights while savoring dishes that remind them of the rich Italian tradition. The combination of these visual and gustatory elements will surely attract new customers as well as those eager to discover another facet of Italian cuisine.

What will the atmosphere of Valentina look like?

Valentina aims to create an environment that resonates with the expectations of today’s young consumers. The promise of a festive and friendly atmosphere is central to this project. The new restaurant will integrate modern design elements that could surprise.
Envisioned characteristics include:

• A lighting decor with industrial and contemporary touches.
• Fluid spaces to encourage exchanges among friends.
• A layout allowing for different types of customers, whether alone or in groups.

This friendly atmosphere should promote not only on-site consumption but also the organization of private events, reinforcing the idea of Valentina as a meeting place in the heart of Lyon.

What type of cuisine will be served at Valentina?

In terms of cuisine, Valentina is committed to offering a varied range of dishes while respecting the traditions of Italian practice. The recipes will be crafted from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. At the same time, limitless creativity regarding dish presentations is also envisioned.
Among the standout dishes on the menu, you will find:

• Neapolitan pizzas cooked in a wood-fired oven, topped with fresh ingredients.
• Homemade pasta, enhanced with various sauces inspired by Italian regions.
• Varied antipasti, allowing guests to discover a range of flavors before the main course.

This attention to detail regarding the quality of raw materials and preparation techniques aims to offer an authentic experience, while immersing them in a lively and cheerful ambiance.

What is the cost of a culinary experience at Valentina?

In terms of pricing, Valentina aims to cater to a varied clientele. The dish prices will remain affordable, which could attract students and young workers. The average ticket is estimated at around 20 euros for lunch and 30 euros for dinner, a perfect positioning for the target audience.
This appealing price-to-quality ratio could help the restaurant quickly build a loyal clientele. Moreover, to energize the customer experience, a seasonal menu will be regularly offered, providing new flavors tailored to each time of year.

These prices, combined with a friendly and warm environment, are designed to ensure that each visit is an event in itself, transforming a simple meal into a memorable shared experience.

When will the new establishment open?

For lovers of Italian cuisine, the good news is that Valentina will open its doors on Friday, November 15th in the evening. This day will mark the beginning of a new adventure for Italian cuisine in Lyon. Opening events are also planned to welcome the public in style, introducing the specialties that will be served throughout the year.
The first days of opening will of course be marked by many surprises and special promotions, allowing the curious to discover this unprecedented gastronomic ambition. Information about the opening events and the menu will be available online on various platforms and social media, thus providing visibility for this new culinary chapter in the Cordeliers district.

Some of these will even feature exclusive <>offers> to gather the public around enriching culinary discoveries. Thus, the change of ownership comes with a promise of renewal in Lyon, a true breath of fresh air in the gastronomic scene.

The definitive closure of the Italian restaurant Pizza Papa after more than 35 years of operation in Lyon marks the end of an era for the inhabitants of the Cordeliers district. This restaurant has managed to captivate many diners with its family cuisine and friendly atmosphere. However, the announcement of the opening of a new venue, named Valentina, raises the enthusiasm of Lyonnais in search of gastronomic novelties.

The project of Valentina promises both a festive atmosphere and a diverse culinary offer, integrating Neapolitan pizzas, pasta, as well as cocktails. This evolution towards a concept of modern Italian brasserie seems to align with the expectations of an increasingly young clientele. The initiative to host animated evenings with DJs should also attract an audience seeking entertainment.

With an opening scheduled for November 15th, the most curious are eager to discover this new address that could well become a rallying point for many Lyonnais. The succession of Pizza Papa by Valentina illustrates the dynamic evolution of the Lyonnaise gastronomic scene, which continues to evolve while respecting its culinary traditions.