Although Mechelen is not well known among tourists, it is a very beautiful city to visit. Additionally, there are several excellent restaurants and places to enjoy a fine glass of wine or coffee. Here are some tips on where to eat (and drink) in Mechelen.

Best restaurants in Mechelen

Maillard

At Maillard, you can enjoy delicious dishes to share. There are meat, fish, and vegetarian dishes to choose from. If you can’t decide (like us), you can opt for the chef’s menu. This includes one appetizer, five dishes to share, and a dame blanche (which you don’t have to share). Our favorites were the steak tartare and the mussels. The Dame Blanche with dark chocolate was also delicious.

 

Julia

Julia is also a restaurant that serves sharing dishes, but with an Italian twist. The menu changes every day and depends on what’s available at the market. Here too, there are fish, meat, and vegetarian dishes. From the garden, you have a beautiful view of St. Rumbold’s Tower, making it the ideal place to be in summer. Our eyes were a little bigger than our stomachs, so there was no room left for dessert. But definitely recommended in the center of Mechelen.

 

Arax

Arax is located on Botermarkt in the center of Mechelen. Here you can enjoy Lebanese specialties such as mezze, Chich Taouk, and Lahme. The restaurant has a very cozy and warm interior. I opted for an assortment of mezze: everything was extremely fresh and delicious. I will definitely return to try more dishes.

 

Bâton

Not far from the Fish Market, you will find this cozy restaurant. Bâton does not have an extensive menu, but it does offer fresh and innovative dishes. Feel free to share the starters (that way you can try more). The restaurant has a modern yet cozy interior and consists of two “floors.” We shared two starters, and each had our own main course, which was more than enough. We finished with a fresh mint tea. Definitely recommended in Mechelen!

 

Sotscop

At Sotscop, you can enjoy a set menu that changes regularly. You can start with an original aperitif served with a few appetizers. With the menu, you can also choose an alcoholic or non-alcoholic pairing. But of course, you can also just order a drink that goes well with your dish. The non-alcoholic pairing consists of surprising drinks such as kombucha or a delicious tea. The two starters are to share and are extremely creative and delicious. For the main course, you can choose between a meat or fish dish. Here too, seasonal products are used, resulting in an explosion of flavor and texture. Dessert is not included in the fixed price of the menu, but you can always order one (and it is definitely recommended).

Sotscop is highly recommended in Mechelen: a beautiful restaurant, very friendly service, and creative and tasty dishes.

 

Funky Jungle

Vegan food doesn’t have to be boring. Funky Jungle proves it. Here you can enjoy delicious cocktails and original vegan dishes. The menu changes regularly, but be sure to try the vegan kapsalon. Oh, and the vegan tiramisu is a must, so make sure you save room for it! They are open from Thursday to Saturday, and reservations are recommended!

 

De Slagerij

Fancy a tasty burger? Then you should visit the Slagerij. It’s not really a typical restaurant, but they work together with Bar Klak. You can enjoy the original Il Cardinale burgers, choosing between lamb, beef, or chicken burgers. In the summer, the terrace is a wonderful place to relax.

 

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.

 

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, 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. Why not choose a surprising salad like the one with tuna, as I did? A mouthwatering salad presented 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.

 

 

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.

 

Cozy lunch in Mechelen

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.

 

Cozy bars and pubs in Mechelen

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.

 

The Neck

The Neck is a cozy wine bar located on the street between the fish market and St. Rumbold’s Tower. You can order a nice selection of wines by the glass. They are closed from Monday to Wednesday. Want to be sure of a seat? Then we recommend making a reservation.

De Stille Genieter

Beer lovers should stop by De Stille Genieter. There is a wide selection of beers available, both on tap and in bottles. If you get hungry, you can also enjoy a simple plate of spaghetti.

 

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

Explore more in Mechelen?

Now that you know where to eat and drink in Mechelen, you may also be curious about what else the city has to offer. Read our tips for things to do in Mechelen here, from historic buildings and charming streets to unique museums and walks along the water.

Want to discover more hidden gems in Belgium? Download the free Google Maps map packed with hidden gems—not just great restaurants, but also cool walks, original excursions, and unexpected places throughout Belgium. Perfect for a day out close to home!

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