Top 5 Places to Eat in Lille

Written by Camille Laurent, Celine Fournier, Marcus Kayode, Sebastien Simon
29/08/2025
Sunny day in Lille's Old Town Square with people enjoying outdoor cafes under clear blue skies.
Matteo Angeloni, Pexels

Lille offers a captivating culinary journey, showcasing its rich French and Flemish heritage through traditional estaminets, while also embracing modern gastronomy with innovative bistros and Michelin-starred establishments.

1. Bloempot

Cuisine: Contemporary Flemish/French

Stepping into Bloempot, one immediately notices the rustic charm of this former carpentry workshop, with its exposed brickwork and intimate, fairy-lit terrace. Chef Florent Ladeyn, a Top Chef finalist, crafts a daily surprise menu focusing on local, organic, and wild-farmed ingredients, delivering innovative Flemish-inspired dishes. It is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Price: €60-€100 per person

Getting There: Located at 22 Rue des Bouchers in Old Lille, it is easily accessible on foot from the city's main attractions.

2. Le Restaurant du Cerisier

Cuisine: Modern French

Dining at Le Restaurant du Cerisier is an elegant experience. This Michelin-starred establishment, led by Chef Mathieu Boutroy, presents refined fixed menus that offer creative interpretations of classic French dishes. Expect inventive creations, such as lobster prepared with various cherry elements or a memorable beef dish featuring an 'exploding potato bomb.' The cheese cart is a highlight, housed in its own dedicated room. One can observe the culinary artistry through the open kitchen, adding to the sophisticated atmosphere.

Price: €75-€150 per person

Getting There: Situated on Avenue du Peuple Belge, just north of the city center, it is within comfortable walking distance from most central areas.

3. Estaminet Au Vieux de la Vieille

Cuisine: Traditional Flemish/Northern French

This cozy estaminet offers an authentic taste of Northern France with its hearty Flemish cuisine. The ambiance is warm and welcoming, adorned with hops hanging from the rafters, creating a charming country feel. Specialties such as Carbonnade Flamande (beef braised in beer) and Welsh au Maroilles (melted Maroilles cheese dish) are prominent, alongside excellent beef and pâté options. It is a perfect spot for those seeking a traditional, unpretentious meal.

Price: €20-€40 per person

Getting There: Found on Rue de Gand in Old Lille, it is easily reachable by foot.

4. Le Comptoir Volant

Cuisine: Gourmet Burgers

Originating from a food truck, Le Comptoir Volant has successfully transitioned into brick-and-mortar restaurants, serving up gourmet burgers. The focus here is on quality, featuring juicy patties, French cheeses, and freshly baked buns. Their excellent fries are a perfect accompaniment. One can enjoy a casual meal in their takeaway-style locations or within the social atmosphere of a food court like Grand Scène. Be aware that some locations may have upstairs seating accessed by a narrow spiral staircase.

Price: €10-€20 per person

Getting There: With multiple locations, including within the Grand Scène food court and others in Old Lille, venues are conveniently located for walking.

5. Quai 38

Cuisine: Fish and Seafood

Quai 38 stands out as a premier destination for seafood lovers in Lille. The menu, presented on large boards, frequently changes to showcase the freshest catches. Highlights include the razor clams with garlic and herb butter, perfectly seared tuna, and delicate seabass ceviche. For a more decadent choice, dishes like monk fish, giant shrimp, and lobster tail in a rich bisque are exceptional. The restaurant also boasts a well-curated list of French wines, making it an ideal choice for a special evening.

Price: €40-€80 per person

Getting There: Located on the edge of Old Lille, it is easily accessible on foot.

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