Eat in an authentic  estaminet in Lille

An estaminet is a typical restaurant in the North of France. It offers local specialities in a warm, traditional setting, where every object and detail is a reminder of Flemish culture.

The walls are often decorated with utensils, photos and old objects. Sometimes, beautiful garlands of hops (the plant used to make beer) are also hung from the ceiling. Some establishments offer old Flemish games, traditional wooden games that are sure to amuse young and old alike.

They also serve excellent beers from regional or Belgian breweries, adding a touch of conviviality to your meal. The sheer number of beers to choose from can be confusing. Take the opportunity to ask the waiters for advice: they’ll be able to guide you towards the beer best suited to each dish, or to your personal tastes.

• Experience the legendary warm atmosphere of the North of France: share a convivial, gourmet moment over a generous meal.
• Discover traditional dishes of Northern France: enjoy crispy chips, taste regional cheeses such as Maroilles and try the local beers.
• Immerse yourself in the region’s history: some estaminets still retain their old-world charm, with traditional Flemish games and picturesque decor.

Interested? Then book a table now in one of the many estaminets in Lille!

The menus of many of Lille’s restaurants feature dishes that are emblematic of local gastronomy, such as :

• carbonnade flamande: beef simmered with beer and gingerbread;
• welsh: beer-soaked bread with cheddar cheese, ham and mustard;
• waterzoï: pieces of chicken or fish simmered with vegetables
• potjevleesch: white meat dish (usually chicken, rabbit or veal) served in jelly, hot or cold;
• poulet au maroilles: chicken pieces in a maroilles sauce;
• mussels with chips: mussels cooked in a white wine or Maroilles sauce, served with crispy chips;
• croquettes de crevettes: deep-fried dumplings stuffed with grey shrimp and béchamel sauce, often served with a touch of lemon or tartar sauce;
• coeur des Flandres: tart with sausage meat and apple compote.

Lille is full of places where you can enjoy this regional cuisine in a typical atmosphere.

You’ll have no trouble finding an estaminet where you can eat when you visit Lille. There are a plethora of them in the city centre. Rue de Gand, right in the heart of Old Lille, is undoubtedly one of the best places to discover estaminets with character. Its charm lies in the line of traditional facades that house these typical restaurants serving generous dishes and regional beers. It’s the ideal place to take a stroll before stopping off at an estaminet to enjoy a carbonnade or a poulet au maroilles.

Whether you’re just passing through Lille or live in the region, take the time to push open the door of an estaminet and let yourself be seduced by the variety of regional dishes and the unique atmosphere that reigns there. Bon appétit!