Although Mechelen is not well known among tourists, it is a very beautiful city to visit. On top of that, there are also a number of very good restaurants and places to enjoy a good glass of wine or coffee. Here are some tips on where to eat (and drink) in Mechelen.

Eat

De Fortuyne

Not far from the city hall, you will find De Fortuyne. Here, food sharing is in their DNA. Pick a few dishes from the seasonal menu to share or opt for a 3 or 4-course meal with dishes the kitchen decides (you still can decide if you don’t want fish for example). The dishes are very tasty, beautifully presented and innovative. And the menu changes every 8 weeks. So plenty of reasons to go there very often. And they also serve a high-tea on Saturday, which I still have to try.

 

De Vleeshalle

The old Mechelen meat market is transformed into a culinary hotspot in the center of Mechelen: De Vleeshalle. There are 12 food stalls with a variety of food and drinks. There is something for everyone: poke bowl, ice cream, tapas, fish & chips, … . Tables and chairs are scattered around the area, so you can sit wherever you want to enjoy your food or a beer.

We had this poke bowl from the Avocado bar: delicious. 

 

Batteliek

Batteliek is located outside the centre of Mechelen with plenty of parking nearby. The restaurant is also a microbrewery and is housed in a church. Really a very beautiful setting. The menu is quite innovative where you can choose the portion size yourself for several dishes. This makes it easy to share several dishes. The menu here also changes regularly which is super convenient. Here there is perhaps a little less choice for children due to the rather special dishes.

Trattoria Boretti

Trattoria Boretti is the place to go for good Italian cuisine: tasty pasta, risotto, and other Italian classics. It may look small on the outside but inside it is huge. The menu is not very extensive but offers something for everyone. The desserts are also highly recommended (especially the lime tart).

Puro

In the old offices of the Almot Brewery, you can find Puro. You can enjoy breakfast and lunch but also a delicious dinner. Have traditional dishes such as shrimp croquettes, steak tartare, or a tasty piece of meat. Of why not choose a surprising salad like the one with tuna as I did? A mouthwatering presented salad with a nice piece of perfectly baked tona. Friendly and fast service, an interesting menu, and delicious food; I don’t need anything more to bring me back to Puro.

Sava

If you want to enjoy a good glass of wine or cava and combine it with some good tapas, you have to go to Sava at the Grand Place of Mechelen. They serve a wide variety of different wine types by the glass. You can order different kinds of tapas or you can do like us, order a hot mix. This is perfect if you want something small to eat with your glass of wine and consists of chicken, meatballs, mushrooms, and some pepper. With this, you also get some bread and olive oil.

Outside, you have a fantastic view of the Marketplace and the most famous tower of Mechelen. This is the perfect place to go on a Sunday afternoon or to start the weekend off right.

 

Ellis Gourmet Burger

Ellis Gourmet Burger is a place in Mechelen where you just stop by if you want a quick and tasty burger. I only went there once, but it certainly is a place to stop by more often. I ordered the funky chicken burger while my boyfriend ordered the Blue Cheese Madness. Because you can choose your side dishes, you are not obliged to take the french fries (although they are very good). I picked coleslaw, which was a very good choice to complement my funky chicken burger (which was a piece of chicken breast between a bun). Ellis Gourmet Burger is the ideal place if you want something fast.

 

Lam’eau

In the old brewery Lamot, you will find a cozy restaurant with the appropriate name Lam’eau. The menu consists of seasonal dishes but also classic Belgian dishes. The portions are more than enough, especially if you are having a starter and a main. In summer, try to have a table outside for a beautiful view of the river Dyle.

 

Cosma

Cosma is the place to be for not your ordinary Belgian dishes. They serve an amazing steak tartare (if you are into raw meat) AND you can choose your own side dishes. They don’t serve fries but for example roasted vegetables or sweet potato mash. And their desserts are beautifully plated. A must when you are in Mechelen. But don’t forget to book a table.

 

ViaVia

ViaVia is located in the beautiful Kruidentuin. During the summer, you can enjoy their delicious dishes outside. They serve multicultural dishes and there are a lot of vegetarian options. Very friendly service and good portion sizes make this the perfect place for dinner, not only during summer but also during winter.

 

Noen

We don’t have lunch very often in Mechelen, but when we do, we want something with not your standard ham and cheese sandwiches. At Noen they serve delicious lunch dishes like toast with homemade chicken curry salad or toast with guacamole and eggs. And don’t forget to try their homemade lemonade.

 

Merad

A well-known place to have a quick and late-night snack, is Merad, near the train station. If you want some good Turkish food, you have to be here. You not only have Turkish specialties but also shoarma or durum. My go-to meal here is a Mexicano plate with chicken and lamb with rice. Also, try their Turkish yogurt with honey.

 

Drink

Beans

For a very good coffee, you have to go to Beans. This little coffee place not only serves delicious coffees (such as a Crazy Caramel) but you can also have breakfast or lunch here.

 

Unwined

Another place to enjoy a good glass of wine is Unwined. Here you can have a large selection of wines that can be tasted by the glass. And because a good glass of wine asks for some food, you can have some charcuterie or cheese to go with it.

 

Barramundo

You can enjoy a good cocktail at Barramundo, not far from the Grand Place. They have a good selection of cocktails and gin tonic. You can enjoy them in some very comfortable seats and in the summer on the little patio outside.

More tasty places in Mechelen will certainly follow ;). If you have some must-try places in Mechelen, you can always share them !!

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