The best restaurants in Lille

Explore the best restaurants in Lille — from modern Michelin-starred dining to traditional Flemish estaminets and inventive local bistros.

Eating in Lille

Located near the Belgian border, Lille offers one of the most distinctive culinary identities in northern France. The city blends French sophistication with Flemish heartiness, resulting in a food scene that balances refinement and regional authenticity. Visitors can expect both Michelin-starred tasting menus and classic dishes cooked in beer, served in rustic estaminets.

Lille is not only a commercial and cultural hub but also a destination for serious eating. Local chefs are known for sourcing from small producers in Hauts-de-France and favoring seasonal ingredients. Modern restaurants often work with foraged herbs, freshwater fish, and regional cheeses such as Maroilles. At the same time, traditional spots continue to serve carbonnade, potjevleesch, and welsh rarebit, keeping culinary heritage alive.

From the creative menus of chefs trained in top kitchens to family-run establishments that have stood for generations, the best restaurants in Lille reflect the diversity and resilience of its food culture. Whether you’re interested in fine dining or simple, well-executed dishes, eating in Lille offers options for every palate—without leaving the city’s walkable center.

Rozó (Marcq-en-Barœul)

Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, just outside Lille, Rozó is a two-Michelin-starred restaurant helmed by chef Diego Delbecq and pastry chef Camille Pailleau. Set in a former printing house, the loft-style space features hardwood floors, light-colored walls, and a mezzanine where hors-d’oeuvres are served during evening service.

Rozó offers creative, modern cuisine with a focus on local and seasonal ingredients, emphasizing vegetables and seafood. Signature dishes include puffed bread with mimolette and lovage gel. The menus range from €37 (approximately \$40) for lunch to €159 (approximately \$173) for a seven-course dinner. The restaurant’s commitment to excellence and innovation has earned it two Michelin stars.

Address: 34 Rue Raymond Derain, 59700 Marcq-en-Barœul

Le Cerisier (Lille)

Situated in the heart of Lille, Le Cerisier is a Michelin-starred restaurant led by chef Mathieu Boutroy. Located on the first floor of a contemporary building, the restaurant features an open kitchen and an intimate terrace.

Le Cerisier offers a single set menu that showcases hand-picked produce, blending classic and bold flavors. Dishes such as langoustine with cabbage and buckwheat, or Quercy duck with red onion and beetroot, highlight the chef’s expertise in crafting refined sauces and jus. Lunch menus start at €59 (approximately \$64).

Address: 14 Avenue du Peuple Belge, 59800 Lille

Le Braque (Lille)

Le Braque is a modern French bistro located in Lille, known for its inventive seven-course menu. The restaurant is run by chef Damien Laforce, a former Top Chef contestant, who brings his experience as a hunter and angler to the table.

The interior combines rustic and modern elements, with bare bricks and light wood creating a warm atmosphere. Dishes such as langoustine with shredded spider crab in smoked haddock stock, and scallops on mashed parsnip with lemon confit, showcase the chef’s unencumbered approach to top-notch produce.

Address: 45 Rue de la Monnaie, 59000 Lille

Quai 38 (Lille)

Quai 38 is a stylish seafood restaurant in Lille, specializing in creative dishes and daily fish specials. The restaurant offers a chic ambiance with counter and terrace seating, making it ideal for special occasions.

Chef Bertrand Bureau has been leading the kitchen for nearly 20 years, focusing on fresh, high-quality seafood. Signature dishes include sea bream carpaccio and razor clams. The attentive staff and contemporary atmosphere contribute to a memorable dining experience.

Address: 38 Rue Saint-Sébastien, 59800 Lille

Bloempot (Lille)

Bloempot, located in Lille, is a Flemish canteen-style restaurant run by chef Florent Ladeyn, a former Top Chef finalist. Set in a former carpentry workshop, the space features exposed brick, recycled timber tables, and brushed-steel accents.

The restaurant offers a tasting menu that changes daily, relying entirely on local farmers, foragers, and small-scale fishermen within 50 kilometers. Dishes like red mullet on braised sprouts highlight the commitment to local ingredients. A three-course lunch with beer or wine is available for €25 (approximately \$27).

Address: 22 Rue des Bouchers, 59800 Lille

La Barbue d’Anvers (Lille)

La Barbue d’Anvers is a traditional estaminet located in the center of Lille, offering hearty regional dishes in a cozy, vintage setting. The restaurant features candles, warm lighting, exposed beams, and a charming atmosphere.

Specialties include carbonnade (beef stewed in beer) and potjevleesch, showcasing Lille’s Franco-Flemish heritage. The friendly service and generous portions make it a popular spot for experiencing authentic Northern French flavors.

Address: 1 Rue Saint-Etienne, 59800 Lille

Suzanne (Lille)

Suzanne is a modern French restaurant in Lille, led by chef Lucas Tricot. The restaurant offers gourmet cuisine in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

Dishes such as veal tartare with smoked eel demonstrate the chef’s creativity and commitment to quality. Menus start at €24 (approximately \$26), providing upscale dining at accessible prices. The well-curated wine list complements the seasonal dishes.

Address: 4 Place Philippe Lebon, 59000 Lille

Estaminet T’Rijsel (Lille)

Estaminet T’Rijsel is a traditional Flemish restaurant in Lille, known for its authentic Northern French cuisine. The warm and friendly atmosphere, along with generous portions, make it a favorite among locals.

Specialties include pot au feu Flemish, a four-meat stew, and a variety of regional beers like Ch’ti. The rustic decor and hearty dishes provide an immersive experience into the local culinary traditions.

Address: 106 bis Rue de Saint André, 59800 Lille

Pulpe (Lambersart)

Pulpe is a bistronomic restaurant located in Lambersart, near Lille, run by chefs Clémence Taillandier and Philippe Platel. The restaurant has earned an Écotable label for its commitment to sustainability.

The contemporary interior features velvet banquettes, designer school chairs, and mosaic tiling. Dishes such as scallops with citrus and truffle highlight the use of local ingredients and precise cooking techniques. The relaxed yet refined atmosphere makes it a notable addition to the local dining scene.

Address: 7 Rue Saint André, 59130 Lambersart

Le Potager des Demoiselles (Vendeville)

Located in Vendeville, just outside Lille, Le Potager des Demoiselles offers exquisite French and European cuisine. The restaurant is known for its lovely ambiance and brilliant service.

Dishes such as velouté de chou-fleur and filet de veau with crème de céleri rave showcase the chef’s skill in creating delicious and visually appealing meals. The short trip from Lille is well worth it for this culinary experience.

Address: 73 Rue de Seclin, 59175 Vendeville

Chez Georges (Lille)

Chez Georges is a French restaurant in Lille, known for its creative cuisine with international influences. The restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere and a menu that blends traditional French dishes with global flavors.

Diners can expect attentive service and a selection of dishes that showcase the chef’s creativity and commitment to quality. The combination of French tradition and international flair makes Chez Georges a unique dining destination.

Address: 84 Rue Saint-André, 59800 Lille

Brasserie Campion (Lille)

Located in the heart of Lille, Brasserie Campion is the first establishment by La Nouvelle Garde outside Paris. Opened in late 2023, it occupies a building that reflects northern architectural codes, featuring a large glass roof where diners can enjoy meals in an open-air setting. The open kitchen is the centerpiece, offering a menu that blends La Nouvelle Garde’s signature dishes with northern French classics.

The menu includes dishes like grey shrimp croquettes, Flemish carbonnade, and chicken with Maroilles cheese. The restaurant also boasts a selection of natural, organic, and biodynamic wines, with at least 30% of the offerings being natural wines.

Address: 32 Rue Lepelletier, 59800 Lille

Estaminet La Ch’tite Brigitte (Lille)

Estaminet La Ch’tite Brigitte is a traditional Flemish restaurant located in Lille. The establishment offers a festive atmosphere with a lively musical playlist and cordial service. The menu features hearty regional dishes, including potjevleesch and Flemish stew, served in generous portions.

One of the highlights is the “Big Menu Ch’ti,” which includes an appetizer, main course, dessert, and two drinks. The appetizer is a sharing platter with rillettes, horse sausage, petit salé from Lille, rollmops, and northern cheeses. Main course options include beef flank steak gratinated with Maroilles cheese, steak tartare, fricadelle with fries, and more. Dessert choices range from chicory flan to speculoos crème brûlée.

Address: 10 Rue des Bouchers, 59000 Lille

Au Vieux de la Vieille (Lille)

Situated in the heart of Lille’s old town, Au Vieux de la Vieille is a picturesque brick house offering traditional Flemish cuisine. The restaurant features a rustic decor with walls adorned with photos and posters, creating a warm and wooded estaminet atmosphere. The menu includes regional specialties such as carbonnade flamande, welsh au Maroilles, and the famous Gratin de la Vieille—a crêpe gratinée filled with endives, ham, and Maroilles cheese.

The establishment also serves as a café in the afternoon, where patrons can enjoy a draught beer while playing traditional Ch’tis games. The crockery, decoration, and period music immerse guests in the ambiance of early 20th-century Nordic estaminets.

Address: 2-4 Rue des Vieux Murs, 59000 Lille

Bistrot Brigand (Lille)

Bistrot Brigand is a neo-bistro located near the Palais des Beaux-Arts in Lille. Run by Florine and Frédéric, the establishment features an elegant setting with small wooden furniture and 1960s café-style Thonet chairs. The ambiance is complemented by a jazz-rock playlist, creating a cozy and warm atmosphere.

The menu offers a range of dishes priced between €16 and €35 (approximately \$17 to \$38). The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, with hours from 12:00 to 14:30 and 19:00 to 00:00 on weekdays.

Address: 23 Rue de l’Hôpital Militaire, 59800 Lille

La Table – Hôtel Clarance (Lille)

La Table is a Michelin-starred restaurant located within the Clarance Hotel, a boutique hotel in Lille. Since February 2023, Chef Alexandre Miquel has been leading the kitchen, offering a healthy cuisine based on fresh and seasonal products. His approach involves adding spices, condiments, and aromatic herbs to bring acidity and bitterness, enhancing the flavors of the dishes.

The restaurant’s decor cleverly blends heritage details with contemporary fixtures, featuring period wood paneling and a former library with a private table. Guests can also enjoy alfresco dining on the terrace during the summer months.

Address: 32 Rue de la Barre, 59800 Lille