WHAT I ATE IN LILLE
I've shared how I spent my day trip to Lille, so now it's time for the main event - the food! Given the location of Lille, I predicted that I'd find some tasty meals there. A town in France (la gastronomie etc etc) with Flemish influences makes for some good taste.
But I've already done the whole stew and frites thing so I decided not to put pressure on myself to 'eat from the area', but simply to eat what looks good. So here's where I ate in Lille, France!
Breakfast at Be Yourself!
Since my train was quite early, I arrived in Lille before 9am. And as I found out shortly after stepping out of Lille Europe station, a lot of shops and attractions open at 9.30 or 10am, so I had some time for a leisurely breakfast. I'd read about this place online before I came, and it was even more perfect than I was expecting. If you want cheap but delicious food with loads of choice for breakfast, brunch or lunch then this place has got you covered.
I had the goats cheese and walnut pancakes with freshly squeezed orange juice for under €10 and there was so much I couldn't finish!
Treats at Au Merveilleux de Fred
Because I'd eaten such a huge breakfast, I was in the mood for a snack rather than a lunch. So when I walked past Aux Merveilleux de Fred near Vieux Lille, with its long queue out the door, I knew I had to try one! The merveilleux originated in Belgium, so it's no surprise that it's found in Lille close to the Belgian border). It's made of two meringues sandwiched and covered in whipped cream and chocolate shavings - what's not to love.
This chain of patisseries can be found in other cities in France, so if you're just in Paris you'll still be able to try one of their cakes. You can get 6 mini cakes for €5, though I got two of these big ones for €2,75 each.
Afternoon tea 'aux chiens' at Le Waf
On my way to visit Lille Zoo, I stumbled across this adorable looking café on the main road leading from the centre of town to the park. This adorable little café resembles the cat-cafés which have taken off all around the world, but here you can pet pooch instead.
There is a standard entry of €5, which is divided between maintenance of the shop and a local rescue dog charity. They welcome you in and give a little tour and introduce you to the dogs (don't worry - they speak English too!). There is a drinks station at the back, with a little kettle and teas and coffee. Definitely buy a few dog treats - they all run over and tackle you for them, it's adorable.
I would recommend this place to chill out and rest your feet, as well as helping a good cause - not so much if you're looking for a waitress to take your order or a complicated latte drink. But it's good to try something new every once in a while.
Warming pho at WOKO
I spent my evening in Euralille shopping centre (best place ever!), so I needed to find a place to grab dinner. After having a look around, I decided on WOKO, an Asian restaurant on the ground floor. They do a great value meal deal with a drink, starter/dessert and a main for under €12. The spring rolls and pho were mouth-wateringly delicious!
Bonus Recommendations!
This hipster looking burger place caught my eye when I was walking through town, and I'm kind of gutted I was too full for eat there for lunch (there are worse problems to have, eh). The all black interior would make a striking Insta too!
Coffee Makers is in the direction towards the Belfry, just outside of the town centre - making it the perfect stop before or after climbing those stairs to see the views from the tower. Come here for homemade cakes and fresh brewed coffee - they change their specials every week!
Sometimes not going for the traditional foods gives you a chance to try other delicious food.
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