The Lille specialities to taste
Welcome to Lille, a city rich in history, culture and especially flavors! Lille cuisine is a delicious mix of French and Flemish traditions, offering a variety of tasty and comforting dishes. Whether you are a fan of savory dishes or sweet treats, Lille has culinary surprises in store that will awaken your taste buds.
salty side
Le welsh
Picture via Comme des français https://commedesfrancais.com/fr/story/welch-plat-nord
It is the most popular dish in the region. A must-have with toast covered in ham, melted cheddar, beer and a fried egg. It is often served with fries and a salad, offering a generous and comforting culinary experience.
La carbonnade flamande
The Flemish Carbonnade is a stew of beef simmered with brown beer, accompanied by onions and gingerbread. This sweet-savory, fragrant and rich in flavors dish is often served with fries or steamed potatoes.
fries
They are already mentioned as an accompaniment for the two previous dishes, and it is no surprise: they are essential in the North. Lille also hosts, rue Gambetta, the establishment whose fries were voted best fries in the world in 2023: the Friterie Mestré.
Mussels
The mussels, especially popular during the Grande Braderie de Lille, are served in many ways, but the most popular version is the moules-frites (yes, still fries). Mussels are usually cooked with white wine, shallots and parsley, but to combine it with another northern specialty, you can taste mussels with maroilles.
Flamiche with Maroilles
Flamiche au Maroilles is a savoury tart topped with maroilles, a strong and creamy cheese from the region. The dough is topped with a thick layer of cheese, often enriched with cream, and cooked until golden brown and crispy. How can we resist?
Le waterzoii
Picture via Passeport Santé https://www.passeportsante.net/nutrition/recettes/soupe-poulet
Originally from Belgium, but very popular in Lille, it is a simmered dish made with chicken (or fish) and vegetables in a creamy sauce. The sauce is made with broth, cream and egg yolks, creating a rich and velvety texture.
Le Potjevleesch
Via Comme des Français https://commedesfrancais.com/fr/story/potjevleesch
Potjevleesch is a cold terrine made of several meats, usually chicken, rabbit and pork, marinated in vinegar jelly and herbs. In short, the perfect dish for meat lovers.
sweet side
The sugar pie
© Bernhard Winkelmann/Prismapix
The Sugar Pie is a traditional pastry made of a leavened dough, topped with a mixture of cream, butter and brown sugar, which caramels on the baking to form a sweet and crispy crust.
Le merveilleux
Picture via site internet Aux Merveilleux de Fred https://auxmerveilleux.com/fr/
Le Merveilleux is a light, airy dessert made of crunchy meringues and a generous layer of whipped cream, all coated with chocolate chips or icing sugar. In Lille, we have a master in the art of wonderful: Aux Merveilleux de Fred, who offers these desserts in mini format, individual or straight into cake, and has a variety of flavors to delight all gourmets.
The waffle with the vergeoise
Picture via Instagram Maison Méert https://www.instagram.com/meert_1677/?hl=fr
Gaufre à la Vergeoise is a sweet specialty of the region, where the dough is typically filled with a delicious mixture of vergeoise (a typical northern brown sugar) and butter. Today, you can find them stuffed with vanilla, speculoos or caramel, especially at the Lille reference in this matter: Chez Méert. Soft inside and slightly crunchy outside, it is a delight to enjoy at any time.
La cramique
Delicious small brioche sprinkled with raisins or chocolate chips, and powdered with pearl sugar, it is perfect for a tea or a hearty breakfast. So, team raisins or chocolate chips?
Shell
Picture via Objectif Pâtisserie https://objectifpatisserie.fr/2021/12/05/les-coquilles-de-noel/
Also called “Christmas shell”, it is a brioche shaped like a shell or a man, flavored with vanilla or orange blossom, traditionally enjoyed during the Christmas and New Year. Something to revive the spirit of the holidays.
Queen’s puck
Picture via Ça Drache en Nord https://www.ca-drache.fr/recette/dessert/biscuit/palets-de-dame/
The Lady’s Puff is a soft cake made of flour, butter, sugar and raisins, often glazed with sugar. It is a simple but delicious pastry, ideal with coffee or hot tea.
Drinks
La genièvre
Juniper is a traditional brandy from the Flanders region, produced from juniper berries and grains (often barley, rye or corn). Known for its distinctive and slightly spicy taste, juniper is often eaten pure, as a digestive, or used as a base in cocktails. This historic drink, which dates back to the Middle Ages, is deeply rooted in Lille’s culture and is often enjoyed in the estaminets, these typical northern inns.
Beer
Beer occupies a prominent place in the culture of Lille, with a long brewing tradition dating back several centuries. Lille is known for its variety of beers, from light blondes to rich browns, amber and refreshing whites. From craft breweries to famous commercial brands, there is something for everyone. If you are a real fan of beer, I have an event for you: the BAL, beer festival in Lille.
The Picon beer
The Picon Beer is a popular drink from the region that combines local beer with an orange-based bitter called Picon. Picon, an aperitif originally from France, brings a bitter and slightly sweet flavor to the beer. It is a blend appreciated for its balance between bitterness and sweetness.
Top 6 of the Lille estaminets
Now that you have an idea of what to try, here are some of the best places to taste Lille specialties:
La Ch’tite Brigitte
Address: 10 Rue des Bouchers, 59800 Lille
Hours: 11:45-22:30 from Monday to Sunday
*Only on reservation
Chosen best Lille by the locals, it offers an authentic immersion in the culture and tradition ch’ti. Located in the heart of Old Lille, this tavern charm from the first glance with its rustic and warm decor, reminiscent of the old inns of the region. You come here to discover and enjoy the typical regional cuisine, with dishes such as Flemish carbonnade, chicken maroilles or the famous Welsh in a revisited version. But it is not only for the gastronomy that we want to go there: it is also for the friendly and festive atmosphere that reigns within its walls.
Chez la vieille
Address: 60 Rue de Gand, 59000 Lille
Hours: 19h-00h on Monday/ 12h-15h and 19h-00h from Tuesday to Saturday
The Chez la Vieille restaurant in Lille is much more than a simple restaurant: it is a true institution full of history and tradition. Located in the heart of Old Lille, this jewel of local gastronomy invites visitors to immerse themselves in the warm and friendly atmosphere of the Flemish estaminets. With its exposed beams, rustic wooden tables and authentic atmosphere, Chez la Vieille offers a total immersion in the culinary and cultural heritage of the region. In addition to its tempting menu, the café offers a wide selection of regional beers, perfect to accompany an authentic meal.
Au Vieux de la Vieille
Address: 2 Rue des Vieux Murs, 59800 Lille
Opening hours: 12h-14h and 18h30-21h from Monday to Friday/ 12h-15h and 18h30-21h from Saturday to Sunday
Here, guests can enjoy a generous and tasty local cuisine, with regional specialties such as Flemish carbonade, potjevleesch or fricadelle. Whether with friends or family, the guests gather around large wooden tables to share a hearty meal watered by a good regional beer. The lively atmosphere, laughter and happy conversations make this café a must-see for those who want to discover the authentic soul of gastronomy and conviviality from Lille.
Les Compagnons de la Grappe
Adress : 26 Rue Lepelletier, 59800 Lille
Hours: 12h-14h and 19h-22h from Monday to Thursday/ 12h-14h and 19h-22h30 on Friday/ 12h-22h30 on Saturday/ 12h-22h on Sunday
In addition to its intimate and rustic atmosphere inside and its typical dishes, which makes Les Compagnons de la Grappe, It is the equally charming experience that it offers outdoors thanks to its magnificent terrace in the inner courtyard. This terrace is a real hidden gem, where you can enjoy your meal under the sun or under the starry sky, surrounded by small luminous garlands that make the atmosphere magical. In addition, it offers good vegetarian and gluten-free alternatives.
Chez Raoul
Adress : 56 Rue de Gand, 59800 Lille
Opening hours: 12pm-2pm and 6:30pm-10pm on Tuesday and Thursday/ 6:30pm-10pm on Wednesday/ 12:00-2:00pm and 6:30pm-11pm on Friday/ 12:00-4:00 pm and 9:00-11:30 pm on Saturday/ 12:00-4:00 pm and 6:30-11:40 pm on Sunday
Tribute to Raoul de Godewarsveld, emblematic figure of the North, this estaminet offers not only a land side, with dishes from the region, but also a sea side, with products from the Opal Coast. A gourmet menu in the whole, from the starter to the dessert. So if you want to taste local specialties, such as mussels and a welsh, in a colorful nautical theme decor, you know where to go!
L‘Estaminet des trolls et petits lutins
Adress : 30 Rue Gosselet, 59000 Lille
Hours: 12h-15h and 19h-23h from Tuesday to Thursday/ 12h-15h and 19h-01h on Friday/ 19h-01h on Friday
What makes this address original is its medieval atmosphere and the availability of many board games. So, whether it’s to discover the traditional Nordic cuisine or enjoy the warm atmosphere, The Troll and Little Goblin Tavern is the ideal place for a friendly experience with friends.
