The best restaurants in Leuven
Affordable dining in Leuven
De Werf Restaurant
De Werf in Leuven is a versatile restaurant with a menu filled with seasonal grill dishes. Located on Hogeschoolplein, it is an affordable place with an informal atmosphere. Ideal for a casual meal, lunch and dinner. It is open from Monday to Friday.
Address: Hogeschoolplein 5
Noordoever
Noordoever in Leuven is a casual dining establishment that focuses on healthy and organic food. With a kitchen full of fresh, local and vegetarian ingredients, you pay per gram for what you serve yourself at the buffet. It is a place where you can go for meals, as well as for delicious coffee and organic wines.
Address: Vaartkom 17A
Classic cuisine
Zarza
A classic Belgian restaurant with a modern atmosphere that does not feel strained. Chef Gert balances his menus well with both seafood and meat, topped off with vegetables. Zarza's guests are welcomed in a beautiful building on the famous Bondgenoten Avenue. In summer, you can sit outside.
Address: Bondgenotenlaan 92
EED
This Michelin-starred restaurant offers innovative and classy food. EED has an intimate atmosphere that makes it a popular choice among diners. The restaurant offers one menu with meals prepared with the best seasonal produce.
Address: Vaartstraat 14
Bistro in Leuven
Optimist
Optimist is a cosy eatery on Leuven's Vismarkt. If you can't choose from the dishes on the menu, you get a bit of everything. They have something for everyone. Seasonal dishes, limondaes they make themselves and many kinds of beers. You can't make reservations but there is always a seat, the website promises.
Address: Vismarkt 7
De Hoorn
The old Stella brewery is home to bar and restaurant De Hoorn. They serve delicious dishes of Belgian cuisine. During meals, you have a nice view of the brewery's boilers. You can also book a guided tour!
Address: Sluisstraat 79
Alfalfa - delicious vegetarian options
Alfalfa is a brasserie for lunch and dinner with a great choice of vegetarian and vegan dishes. But you can also go there for chicken or mussels. Its falafel has been highly praised in reviews!
Address: Jan-Pieter Minckelersstraat 48
Domus
Domus is an authentic pub in Leuven with an in-house craft brewery, whose beers flow directly from the brewery to the tap. Since 1985, visitors can enjoy craft brewed beers and fresh Belgian dishes in an authentic Leuven setting, with a good eye for quality and service . Address: Tiensestraat 8
Fish restaurants in Leuven
Taste Restaurant
Taste specialises in North Sea fish. It is a top dining venue and offers a convivial atmosphere where you immediately feel at home. Chef Bart Tastenhoye provides culinary delights in stylish surroundings. With attention to detail and surprising flavour combinations such as eel with cherry and wasabi, Taste promises a memorable experience.
Address: Naamsestraat 62
© Milo-Profi
Tokio Sushibar
Is a sushibar a fish restaurant? Yes, as far as we are concerned! Tokio Sushibar is run by a Japanese couple and is known for its very tasty sushi, freshly prepared. With a simple interior and reasonable prices, the restaurant offers friendly service in an authentic atmosphere.
Address: Ravenstraat 19
Italian restaurant
Baracca
A charming Italian-inspired restaurant with a warm, industrial but inviting atmosphere. The menu concept of Baracca revolves around small plates that you share with your party, inspired by classic Italian cuisine. The staff are very friendly and the service is rapido.
Address: Tiensestraat 34
La Dolce Vita
La Dolce Vita is a child-friendly restaurant with a terrace and friendly service. Recommended dishes include Tagliere miso and Turtufo Lemon Alcello. The charming restaurant with caring staff is popular for its excellent pizza and pasta. Address: Wandelingenstraat 8
Cosy coffee bars in Leuven
And then Leuven also has lots of cosy coffee bars!
- Madmum, address: five locations! Always one nearby.
- MOK, address: Diestsestraat 165
Onan address: Parijsstraat 28
- Noir, address: Naamsestraat 49
- Koffie & Staal, address: Dirk Boutslaan 12
To Leuven by train
Going to Leuven for a day or weekend? Then travel in comfort by train. You can travel with Eurocity Direct or Eurostar.
- Going with Eurocity Direct? Then you will travel to Antwerp. There, you catch an intercity to Leuven. Travel time from Amsterdam Centraal is 2.52 hours and prices start at € 19 for a one-way trip per adult.
- If you take Eurostar, you must first travel from Amsterdam to Antwerp where you catch an intercity to Leuven. Travel time is then 2.45 hours. Prices start at € 37 for a one-way ticket per adult.
Restaurants in Leuven
Hotels in Leuven
Want to stay in a monastery or farmhouse? We offer tips for some great hotels.
Weekend getaway Leuven
Discover historical sights, taste local beers and relax in Leuven's botanical garden.
Restaurants
We tip the best restaurants in all our top destinations.