The Lyonaise Fern – Hamilton East

Tucked away on Grey Street in Hamilton East, The Lyonaise Fern is a delightful culinary retreat that has quickly become a favorite for locals and visitors alike. With its charming ambiance, impeccable service, and menu full of creative dishes, it’s the kind of place you can’t wait to tell your friends about—or keep as your own little secret.

First Impressions

The moment you step through the doors, you’re greeted with warm, inviting vibes. The decor is chic yet comfortable, balancing soft lighting with a rustic-modern aesthetic that makes you want to settle in for a long, leisurely meal. Whether you’re on a date, celebrating with friends, or just treating yourself to a great dinner, the atmosphere at The Lyonaise Fern feels just right.

What’s on the Lyonaise Fern Menu?

Now, let’s talk food. The Lyonaise Fern doesn’t just serve meals; they create experiences. The menu has something for everyone, and every dish feels like it’s been thoughtfully crafted to balance flavor and presentation.

• Starters to Share: Begin with their Cheesy Garlic Bread, which arrives perfectly toasted, oozing with cheese, and packed with just the right amount of garlicky goodness. Or, if you’re in the mood for seafood, their Black Tiger Prawns are a must-try—juicy, tender, and spiced to perfection.
• Showstopper Mains: The Aged Scotch Rib Eye is a carnivore’s dream, grilled to your liking and accompanied by creamy potato gratin. Prefer something a bit lighter? The Butternut Squash Risotto offers a velvety, rich bite with a hint of sweetness, showcasing the kitchen’s mastery of vegetarian dishes.
• Desserts You’ll Dream About: If you have a sweet tooth, their Salted Caramel Tart will leave you swooning. The perfect balance of salty and sweet, it’s an indulgence worth every calorie.

What Locals Are Saying

Guests rave about the food—and it’s not just about the taste. The attention to detail in presentation, the balance of flavors, and the friendly service are consistent highlights. One diner mentioned, “The burger I had was an explosion of flavor. The patty was seasoned just right, and the toppings were perfectly complementary.” Another couldn’t stop talking about the Braised Lamb Shank, calling it “tender, succulent, and a true work of art.”

What we thought of The Lyonaise Fern

Ambience – Depending on the time of day and which side of the table you are sitting, it can be difficult to see the person on the other side with how dim the lighting is and how much light comes from outside on the street. The quality of the Lyonaise Fern Menu also lets them down with it’s basic presentation.

Food – It feels as though the menu ingredients have been stripped back and the chef is now using “cheaper” ingredients. Although the presentation of the dishes was very nice, the fried Korean Chicken for example seemed to not be whole pieces of chicken, but almost battered chicken nuggets, and I was almost tempted to ask what brand of BBQ sauce was used. The aged scotch rib eye was nice.

Extras to Know

The Lyonaise Fern offers delivery and takeaway through DoorDash and Uber Eats, which is great if you want to enjoy their food from the comfort of home. They’re also active on social media, sharing photos of their dishes and keeping followers updated on specials.

When to Visit

• Location: 445 Grey Street, Hamilton East
• Hours: Open Tuesday through Sunday, 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
• Parking: Street parking is available nearby.