We had lunch at the pretty, cosy Bistrot Lillois on a rainy Saturday late November afternoon - we…read morewere lucky to get a table without having made a reservation. Be warned that all of the restaurants on the Rue De Gand attract a good crowd at the weekend and booking is essential if you want to dine at the most popular places. After bagging the only available table we received a warm welcome from the young waiter and before long the chef wandered over and gave us a lengthy run through the specials of the day (written up on mirrors on the walls). I didn't like to interrupt his flowing French description so I nodded, smiled and murmured ah oui whenever it seemed appropriate. All the classic local dishes were present on the menu (if you are in Lille for long you will not really need to consult a menu as most restaurants offer exactly the same dishes - what is different is the quality). I went for the Le Welsh Complete while B went for the daily special of roast duck leg. Our food turned up pretty quickly and looked quite nice on the plate although it was obvious straight away that our frites were of the frozen mass produced variety as were the sprouts and green beans which came with the duck leg. No matter as we were cold and hungry and in need of sustenance which is what we got from the Bistrot Lillois. I followed the example of the young French fella on the table next to me and perked my Welsh up with a good dose of Worcestershire sauce. B declared that the duck leg was well warmed through and had plenty of flavour. We washed our food down with a couple of beers - we went for the very easy drinking and toothsome Poperings Hommel which was the house beer. Before leaving we went downstairs and paid a visit to the toilets. I don't want to give the game away and spoil the experience for others but a visit to the toilets at the Bistrot Lillois is an absolute must and should be on the itinerary of every tour of Lille - a very strange and weird homage to something or someone I suspect. I wanted to like the Bistrot Lillois more but it really needs to up it's game on the food front. This was most definitely an eat to live experience and not one I will be rushing back to experience (but do go to check out the toilets!!).

We had lunch at the pretty, cosy Bistrot Lillois on a rainy Saturday late November afternoon we…read morewere lucky to get a table without having made a reservation. Be warned that all of the restaurants on the Rue De Gand attract a good crowd at the weekend and booking is essential if you want to dine at the most popular places. After bagging the only available table we received a warm welcome from the young waiter and before long the chef wandered over and gave us a lengthy run through the specials of the day (written up on mirrors on the walls). I didn't like to interrupt his flowing French description so I nodded, smiled and murmured ah oui whenever it seemed appropriate. All the classic local dishes were present on the menu (if you are in Lille for long you will not really need to consult a menu as most restaurants offer exactly the same dishes what is different is the quality). I went for the Le Welsh Complete while B went for the daily special of roast duck leg. Our food turned up pretty quickly and looked quite nice on the plate although it was obvious straight away that our frites were of the frozen mass produced variety as were the sprouts and green beans which came with the duck leg. No matter as we were cold and hungry and in need of sustenance which is what we got from the Bistrot Lillois. I followed the example of the young French fella on the table next to me and perked my Welsh up with a good dose of Worcestershire sauce. B declared that the duck leg was well warmed through and had plenty of flavour. We washed our food down with a couple of beers we went for the very easy drinking and toothsome Poperings Hommel which was the house beer. Before leaving we went downstairs and paid a visit to the toilets. I don't want to give the game away and spoil the experience for others but a visit to the toilets at the Bistrot Lillois is an absolute must and should be on the itinerary of every tour of Lille a very strange and weird homage to something or someone I suspect. I wanted to like the Bistrot Lillois more but it really needs to up it's game on the food front. This was most definitely an eat to live experience and not one I will be rushing back to experience (but do go to check out the toilets!!).

Went there for a French lunch and the place was full of locals. Good sign…read more The place is quite old fashioned but charming and a bit tiny. We sat down in a small table and the waiters were really friendly and smily. They did not speak good English, but did not mind to explain what each plate was in French. We had a menu for 12€ consisting of one starter and one main. There was also the option of having dessert for 14€. The food was lovely and quite generous. Kind of grandma's food! I loved it.

This was our first stop in town and unfortunately was a huge letdown. They had a really nice…read moreoutdoor seating area, which is why we went there, and the service was friendly but that is about the only good I can say on the place. For dinner I ordered a steak which was horrible. I think they tried to cover up the low quality of the cut by covering it in pepper sauce, but the sauce didn't help. Even when I could get past the fat and find a piece of meat, it was as if I was chewing thick piece of bubble gum. My travel companions fish wasn't any better. Her saving grace was no fat to deal with, just a dry tasteless fish. The dessert was good however, but not good enough to motivate me to eat here again.

My favorite local place. Great food , I love it very much. The selection is amazing and very good…read moretaste. Placing if the location is on the street very Lille.

We wandered in here after a visit to the bizarre Musée L'Histoire Naturalle on our Lille trip and…read morewe were so glad we did. It was our favorite meal in Lille so far. My wife had the Pavette de Bœf which was a beautifully cooked steak with mashed potatoes and veggies. I had a loin of pork with a thyme reduction sauce. They had Affligem beer on tap and the service was very friendly even though they didn't speak much English. I wish i could go again to tonight.