Best Places to Eat in Lille

Best Places to Eat in Lille (Focus on Street Food)

Lille, a vibrant city in northern France, boasts a diverse and delicious culinary scene. While the city is known for its traditional Flemish cuisine, the rise of street food culture has brought fantastic new options to the table. Here are some suggestions for great street food experiences in Lille:

# Markets & Specialty Shops:

  • Marché de Wazemmes: This bustling market (Tuesday through Sunday) is a must-visit for any foodie in Lille. You’ll find a wide variety of vendors selling everything from fresh produce and seafood to delicious street food like “moules-frites” (mussels and fries), waffles, and Flemish stew.

# What to Eat:

  • Frites (Fries): No trip to Lille is complete without indulging in its famous fries! Head to a “fritkot” (friterie) for the classic “frites avec mayo” experience (fries with mayonnaise).

  • Waffles & Crêpes: Enjoy the sweet and fluffy Belgian waffles or try a savory waffle called a “gaufre liégeoise” (with Liège syrup!) at one of the many waffle stands or street food vendors. You’ll also find plenty of options for fresh crêpes with various fillings, both sweet and savory.

  • Regional Specialties:

    • **Frites: While you can find these all over, enjoy the experience of getting fresh fries from a “friturier” at the market. They’re typically made with double-fried potatoes for that extra crispy texture.

    • Carbonade Flamande (Flemish Beef Stew): A delicious and hearty dish of beef braised in beer, onions, and often served with bread to soak up all the amazing flavors.

    • Moules Frites: A classic dish from the North of France, mussels cooked in a variety of sauces, are a must-try.

    • Carbonnade Flamande (French Beef Stew): A similar dish, but with a slightly sweeter flavor profile.

  • Beer & Food Pairings:

    • “Moules-frites”: A staple of Lille’s culinary scene! Enjoy these tasty mussels and fries at one of the restaurants near the market.

  • Carbonade Flamande (Flemish Beef Stew):

    • Moule et Frite (19 Rue de la Grande Chaussée de Tournai): This “friterie” is known for its delicious and traditional “moules frites,” made with fresh mussels and the crispiest fries.

    • La Cantine du Port (4 Rue des Ponts, Lille): Enjoy their “Carbonade flamande” with a variety of sauces like beer sauce, mustard sauce, or even a unique “carbonnade” sauce.

    • Moules à la crème: A classic Flemish dish made with mussels in a creamy sauce.

# Beyond the Classics:

While “frites” are a must-have, don’t miss out on other fantastic street food options in Lille.

  • The “Friterie” scene is incredibly popular in Lille, so you can find a variety of vendors selling them with different sauces and toppings.

# #1 Waffle Vendor:

  • “Le Petit Bruxelles” (various locations): Enjoy the authentic taste of Belgium with their freshly made waffles.

# Beyond “frites”:

  • Crêperie Chez Jean-Pierre (Place du Théâtre, Lille): This charming spot in the heart of Lille is a great place to experience the traditional French “crêpe” street food culture.

Enjoy!

Remember:

  • Many restaurants in Lille are closed on Mondays.

Note: This example focuses on street food but you can find “frites” sold everywhere in Lille, even in supermarkets and grocery stores.

For a more authentic experience, you’ll want to ask the locals about their favorite hidden gems. They’re often your best source for delicious and affordable “frites”.