Places in this guide
N°1Traditional Northern bistroBierbuik
A contemporary estaminet that brews its own beers and cooks its fries in beef fat, with homemade sauces, Maroilles sauce and beetroot ketchup, that reviewers call the highlight of the meal.
« Fries cooked in beef fat and artisanal sauces (Maroilles sauce, beetroot ketchup) are highlighted in the majority of reviews as the standout feature. »
— GoogleSee the full place file10 mentions
N°2Traditional Northern bistroEstaminet La Ch’Tite Brigitte
On rue des Bouchers, this kitchen reworks the Flemish repertoire, carbonnade, baked pasta shells, unlimited homemade fries, in a flea-market decor Gault&Millau praises for updating all the values of the Flemish estaminet. Open all day; booking is all but essential at weekends.
« All the values of the Flemish estaminet, modernised by Brigitte's team, in a very welcoming setting with just the right mood of simplicity and warmth. »
— Gault&MillauSee the full place file10 mentionsRating rising
N°3Traditional Northern bistroEstaminet Chez La Vieille
On lively rue de Gand, a tavern with a grandmother's-house decor where potjevleesch, carbonnade and Welsh with Maroilles arrive in generous portions. Spotted by Time Out and Gilles Pudlowski.
« The interior evokes grandmother's house with its history-laden walls, creating total immersion in the spirit of Lille's estaminets. »
— GoogleSee the full place file10 mentions
N°4Traditional Northern bistroEstaminet Hein
A rock-and-roll address named by Le Figaro among Lille's five best spots for fries, with Welsh, flamiche and carbonnade served without fuss and a quiet terrace.
« The rock and roll, colorful, and laid-back vibe creates a genuine sense of welcome, whether you're alone, as a couple, or with family. »
— GoogleSee the full place file13 mentionsRating rising
N°5Traditional Northern bistroLa Ducasse
Over by Solferino, an estaminet of old posters and plain furniture that carries you back to old Lille, homemade Northern cooking and step-free access.
« Old advertising posters, simple and authentic furniture create a retro atmosphere that transports diners back to old Lille. »
— GoogleSee the full place file5 mentions
N°6Traditional Northern bistroEstaminet Au Vieux De La Vieille
In the heart of Vieux-Lille's pedestrian quarter, a house Gault&Millau describes as a refuge for the spirit of the estaminets: potjevleesch, Welsh with Maroilles and portions so hearty you can skip the starter.
« This superb house in the heart of the pedestrian quarter naturally draws visitors who come looking for the spirit of the estaminets. »
— Gault&MillauSee the full place file8 mentions
N°7Traditional Northern bistroEstaminet Les Ptiots
A short, fresh menu where every regional dish is homemade; the fries, crisp outside and fluffy inside, come up in a majority of reviews.
« The fries are crispy on the outside and fluffy inside, a detail many customers mention as memorable. »
— GoogleSee the full place file10 mentions
N°8Traditional Northern bistroEstaminet Chez Ronny
A tribute to Ronny Coutteure, a 70s-80s decor packed with photos and memorabilia, carbonnade and Maroilles croquettes made in-house. A recent opening already warmly received.
« The 70s-80s atmosphere with photos and memorabilia of Ronny Coutteure creates an authentic and memorable setting. »
— GoogleSee the full place file8 mentionsRating rising
N°9Traditional Northern bistroEstaminet Du Welsh
The specialty is in the name: up to ten versions of welsh, from classic to salmon, in a Vieux-Lille estaminet. A warning to the indecisive, says Le Chti.
« A warning to the indecisive: with no fewer than 10 welsh options, there's plenty to dither over. »
— Le ChtiSee the full place file4 mentions
