Like most restaurants in Antwerp, this place closes shop at 7 pm, but last call is really at 6:30 pm. I learned this about most European restaurants the hard way after attempting to dine here two nights in a row on a very, VERY rumbly stomach. And I was desperate to have my first waffle in Belgium. So, I finally got to try this place out the morning I left and it was a nice last sit-down meal to remember the city by. I got the Wafel Désiré de Lille--a fresh, toasty, warm light waffle topped with coffee ice cream, fresh whipped cream with hazelnuts, all topped with powdered sugar--the perfect basic delicacies you could ever ask for on a waffle. This was my breakfast but it was the best meal I had in days and I was so satisfied at the end. The perfectly warm temperature of the waffle and its toastiness is very memorable, and honestly the best waffle I've ever had--and I'm not even exaggerating, after spending 6 days in Belgium, snacking on waffles on the go. It was around €8-9, which is not bad, and you do get great quality. Service was average, but wasn't bad. The waiter was no-frills but helpful with recommendations in the area during those nights where I missed the cut-off. read more

Désiré de Lille - Wafel Désiré de Lille - Desserts Near Me - Antwerp, VAN

This place came recommended by some people I talked to in the local area as a good place to get a quality waffle. So far on my trip, I've had the chance to try waffles in Netherlands, but I really wanted to try an actual "Belgian" waffle. This cafe sits in the busy shopping area of Antwerp, bout 10-15 minutes walking distance from central station. When walking up I noticed the restaurant was really busy with people, which is a great sign. They have outside tables along with an inside dining area. Their menu features shakes, waffles, dutch pancakes, beignets, a few savory dishes and coffee drinks. I have no idea if they had a menu in English or not, I wasn't able to find one. My bad experience here started with service pretty much, the waitress here kind of rolled her eyes at me once she realized I didn't know any language except English (I'm sure my spanish was useless as well). After that encounter it was all downhill. I ordered their "Wafel desire de lille" thinking maybe this was their speciality waffle dish, cost about 8 euros and some change. The desire de lille was a liege waffle topped with ice cream, whipped cream and a dusting of nuts on top. Unfortunately I found the texture to be pretty bad, it wasn't crispy on top like it should have been and ended up being super soggy after the ice cream melted a bit. Taste wise it was just okay, I expected the ice cream to have a bit more flavor but it ended up being very bland. Very disappointed in both the waffle and the service here. My waitress made me feel like a total burden for some reason, even though she didn't really do much other than take my order which was just me pointing to an item on the menu. Someone else ended up bringing me my coffee and waffle. I understand the language barrier stuff, but I don't feel like that I should be treated like that. Anyways, the waffle wasn't good and service kinda sucked, not really a good time here. They also didn't have WiFi, the final nail in their 2 star review. read more

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We were brought here as a key spot for visitors to Amsterdam by my aunt and uncle who live in a nearby suburb. We enjoyed really delicious traditional Belgian treats: waffles (topped with ice cream for me, thank you!), and apple beignets. Really enjoyed the atmosphere. It was rainy outside so we had to sit inside, but it was more like an atrium so was nice and bright and we felt like we were outside still. There was a nice little fish pond in the center too that was fun and added some character and also was very popular among the children. read more

We were told this place had the best waffles in town and we were not disappointed. Sure, it is not as cheap as the waffles u get in the bakery but it is worth the money if you want a good Belgian waffle with toppings. - The options are sugar syrup-coated waffles, chocolate waffles, fruit waffles, and simple waffles. - The waffles are made fresh and the fruits are cut cleanly in front of you. - They have two branches, a take-out place on the corner and a proper restaurant right down the alley. The take out prices are significantly lesser. - It is definitely and expensive waffle, no doubts there but we split a fruit waffle for 5 euros and it was worth it. So recommend trying that. read more

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Items Selected: Double Espresso Waffle with Cherries and Chantilly Smoutebollen Making a daytrip to Antwerp, the drive smooth once one finally makes it out of the early morning tree-sap of Brussels traffic, it was just past 10h00 when an entrance was made at Desire de Lille Restaurant and Tea Room, the historic favorite of tourists unfortunately living up to recent rumors that it only exists as a shell of its former self with an overpriced menu and even the audacity to charge those dining in a restroom fee. Known for its Dutch Specialties including Pancakes, Waffles and fried balls of Dough plus Ice Cream and Sundaes, those opting to dine at Desire de Lille during morning hours are likely to find the sizable space mostly empty and with nearly one-on-one service offered as the cleaning crew tended to their daily duties it was after only a few minutes that an order was decided, a double espresso with ice arriving alongside a small waffle bite with a pair of items from the kitchen only a few moments away. Not especially friendly for a tourist spot, the young server English fluent but clearly preoccupied with chatting up kitchen staff while intermittently checking his phone, Coffee at Desire de Lille is better than average for Belgium while the €9.90 Waffle with Cherries and Chantilly was not as crisp or sizable as many, the powdered sugar-topped Smoutebollen a far better bargain for just €4.90 though not particularly interesting past the first two or three. read more

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Dessert time in Antwerp? My God. The options really are endless. But fear not friends, because Desire De Lille, while apparently not entirely unique to Antwerp, is unbelievable. Star 1: How was the service and atmosphere? Super friendly guy, fast service, perfect English and a great location. Can't argue with that. Star Granted. Star 2: How were the portions relative to the cost? Sure, you can get a waffle for €1 virtually anywhere in Belgium, but with the freshly made quality of what Desire De Lille offers, it's well worth the €3 you spend: http://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=vlZOhT3WujUzJrwme1kN9g&userid=OKX-V5j_qfuOebeHeWGrHg As for me? I opted to give Apple Beignets a go, and for €4.50 I ended up with five of these babies: http://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=5HhR-pHK6OmqDALUBZNoaA&userid=OKX-V5j_qfuOebeHeWGrHg Sure, a little pricey. But worth it. Star Granted. Stars 3 and 4: How was the food? Wow. I'll be honest, this was my first experience with Beignets, and I was absolutely blown away, especially after watching them made from scratch right in front of my eyes. Absolutely amazing. Additionally, the waffles are unreal. Dual Stars Granted. Star 5: Would you eat here every day if you could? This is really, really tough, because I want to give the fifth star here, but the somewhat limited selection is killing it for me. No Macarons and a weak selection of ice cream had my gaze turned, and for that reason I can't say I'd come on a daily basis even if I lived in the area. No Star Granted. No Star Granted. read more

Désiré de Lille - Chocolate Waffles: €3.00 - Desserts Near Me - Antwerp, VAN

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BETTER. NOT BEST. After the Waffle Factory fiasco, we went in search of another waffle restaurant in the area. This place has two locations - a take away place on the corner and then this location just down the street. Service is mediocre. Servers are moderately friendly. The menu of waffles is extensive, but still less than what I had hoped for. It does cater to tourists, so my expectations were higher. Still, I ordered a waffle with chocolate sauce and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. I THINK it was vanilla. It lacked any flavor. The waffle itself was light and crispy - a bit too crispy on the outside and a tad greasy, but MUCH better than my previous experience. I'm not sure Antwerp is the place to eat waffles...perhaps, Brussels. I'll let you know. read more

Désiré de Lille - Much better - Desserts Near Me - Antwerp, VAN

My hostel recommended this place. He said his grandparents used to take him there, and it's still in business so I had to give it a try. I got the Belgium waffle with ice cream and chocolate sauce. The food came out fast!! And it was delicious! A little expensive for what was received, but it was yummy. It wasn't soggy and everything was just perfect. read more

Désiré de Lille - Belgium waffle with ice cream, cream, and chocolate sauce. So yummy!! - Desserts Near Me - Antwerp, VAN

Great place for lunch and for waffles. Great coffee as well. We had the chicken curry smos and then came back for waffles with strawberries and whip cream. Delicious!!!!!!!!!! The place is very large with a patio and an upstairs so lots of seats to chose from. Can't wait to go back on our next trip to Antwerp! read more

Désiré de Lille - Yummy goodness! Fluffy and light with a slight perfect sweetness to it. - Desserts Near Me - Antwerp, VAN

Everything you love about breakfast. Find out what Belgians love the most here. Great place for a casual breakfast or lunch. They offer plenty of pancakes, waffles,crepes,and more. I stopped in here with my Dutchman for something sweet and tasty for him to eat. This is also a cool place to go for big groups. Reminds me a lot like Dennys or ihop from the states but without the 24 hour service, it has an old fashion diner appeal to it. read more

Making a voyage to Antwerp I knew I wanted to hit every museum in sight, eat chocolate and eat chocolate on top of waffles, not necessarily in that order. I did it all and made the waffle stop a number of times, but my stop at Desire De Lille was not nearly as successful as the others. There's no getting around it, gooey chocolate on anything is pretty good and when popped on top of a hot waffle, it kind of hits the spot. However, choco-liquid can not fix everything. My waffle at Desire De Lille was overcooked and a little chewy, unlike the melt in your mouth sensations I had other places and this really took the whole waffle hype down a notch. It went even further South from there as Desire De Lille gives you the waffle in a sort of box that makes the waffle stand up (unlike other places which just give it to you on a plate and give you a mini fork to go in), presumably to make it easier to eat, but this is a complete disaster. You can't really get to the waffle because the box obstructs you trying to bite it and unfortunately, the boxes are not tight so as you are walking and trying to devour your waffle, drippy chocolate is coming out of the bottom of the box and going all over your jacket, hands, pants, etc. While I enjoyed the chocolate, I did not enjoy my chocolate pants nor did I enjoy the waffle here. read more

Huge establishment and it was crazy busy when we went. It must be the European custom to just seat yourself anywhere because my boyfriend and I stood at the front door for a 5 minute with workers running around without stopping to ask us if we were being helped. Perfectly OK waffle, but definitely not life changing. If you find yourself not getting a chance to stop by this place, you're not missing out. read more

Désiré de Lille - Desserts Near Me - Antwerp, VAN

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I gave this place a second chance, but regretted it. Normally I don't say these thing but in this case I just have to... You shouldn't go here. The quality of the food is not that good. I didn't like the pancakes this time, but can't say anything bad about the ice cream. The service is a disaster! They hire not enough waiters for this crowd. It's very noisy and busy. I don't understand why it's still so popular! It took so long before the waiter got to our table and I finished my pancake before the children ice-cream appeared...! read more

Désiré de Lille - What is this oily substance in my hot chocolate!? - Desserts Near Me - Antwerp, VAN

Not so many things are worth to take it here. The sweets are overpriced and not so good. And the coffees are a pure scam. The worse Latte Macchiato that I ever drunk in a bar. Even the latte from the coffee machine of my office is miles away much better and ten times cheaper. read more

Désiré de Lille - Desserts Near Me - Antwerp, VAN

Ham and cheese omelette was good. Came with bread and our waiter was attentive although there was a language barrier.

Bought a waffle at their street vendor down the block and it was pretty good. Stopped by again and got a coffee and some friends got waffles. They don't serve Leige Waffels in the cafe, but they do the waffles with all the random toppings. Coffee was very good. It's very nice inside and the wait staff was friendly. Pay toilet in the back. read more

Before coming to this tearoom, I was not interested in waffles at all. But since here... I can't resist the temptation of a good waffle! The place is large, and crowded... not really cozy for sit down and have nice conversations... but waffle is just awesome! read more

Delicious crispy waffle that melts in your mouth. I loved the waffle with whipped cream on top. Mmmm.

Lovely place to spend a afternoon coffee or small snack with family or friends .. Friendly staff and variety of pptions

The milkshakes were basically room temperature milk with a bit of flavor. Not really the best. The service is pretty bad. DONT get the waffles. They served ours cold and my girlfriend found a foam ball in the waffle... read more

Désiré de Lille - Desserts Near Me - Antwerp, VAN

Try the Desire de Lille special it's an amazing ice cream waffle combo. I make sure to stop by this place every time I'm in Antwerp. You will not be disappointed ! read more

Waited an hour for our drinks and the waiters barely checked up on us. They took forever to take our orders and we had to ask for our drinks 4 times. Waffles were a little too sweet too. My friend asked for sweet wine and it wasn't sweet, it was really dry. Never coming back. read more