12 gastronomic dining spots in Leuven

Inquisitive foodies need not go hungry in Leuven. The prestigious gastronomy guide Gault&Millau gave 12 restaurants within the city ring a score of at least 13/20. Discover them below and tempt your tastebuds.

27 August 2024
Restaurant Zappaz
Restaurant Zappaz

Zappaz

Zappaz’s chefs will surprise you with intriguing combinations, serving up the most refined appetisers, hors d’oeuvres, and snacks. The extensive tasting menu brings together no less than 16 flavours.

Zappaz | Schipvaartstraat 22, 3000 Leuven

Het Land aan de Overkant

Het Land aan de Overkant is a fixture in the Leuven dining landscape. For 25 years, the cooking has been straightforward: pure, uncomplicated, and with fish in a distinct starring role.

Het Land aan de Overkant | Leon Schreursvest 85, 3001 Leuven

Cum Laude

Cum Laude is culinary enjoyment in the middle of the historic Great Beguinage. Tip: the very affordable lunch menu lowers the threshold for a gourmet experience.

Cum Laude | Groot Begijnhof 14, 3000 Leuven

Taste

Taste serves gourmet delights in a bohemian setting. Local vegetables dominate a full vegetarian menu, and fresh North Sea fish is the star of the non-vegetarian menu.

Taste | Naamsestraat 62, 3000 Leuven

Trente

Chef Bart Springael and sommelier David Daenens have made Trente a household name in Leuven. The dishes on the menu, which they adjust according to the season, are as beautiful as they are delicious.

Trente | Kapucijnenvoer 48, 3000 Leuven

Zarza

You’ll find the Zarza restaurant just a stone’s throw from the station, where they conjure up top Belgian products in their most refined guises at lunchtime and evening. It’s cosy and stylish inside, and there’s a pleasant city garden outside.

Zarza | Bondgenotenlaan 92, 3000 Leuven

Baracca

Baracca is the place to be for fans of sourdough pizzas baked in the wood-fired oven and enticing cocktails. There are also lots of delicious dishes to share on the menu, which gets regular updates.

Baracca | Tiensestraat 34, 3000 Leuven

Barba

The ambience at Barba perfectly suits the food served there: sophisticated yet casual. You’ll be able to enjoy a culinary and affordable lunch here.

Barba | Mechelsestraat 22, 3000 Leuven

Convento

Convento is a wine bistro that pairs its seasonal and regional dishes with quality wines. Chef Jens Maertens commands the kitchen there, and was named one of the best young chefs in Flanders and Brussels by Jong Keukengeweld.

Convento | Mechelsestraat 87, 3000 Leuven

D’Artagnan

Housed in a beautiful mansion in Naamsestraat, D’Artagnan is a favourite spot for Leuven foodies. The menu features classics of Belgian-French cuisine, always finished to perfection and artfully presented.

D’Artagnan | Naamsestraat 72, 3000 Leuven

Hop Gastrobar

HOP Gastrobar is without a doubt the Leuven reference when it comes to tasty dishes paired with the perfect beer. The cuisine is innovative but also pays a nostalgic tribute to our Belgian gastronomic culture.

Hop Gastrobar |Vaartkom 1a, 3000 Leuven

Guzzi & Rossi

Chef Felice Miluzzi was named best Italian chef in the country by Gault&Millau in 2018. This is the place to be for authentic Italian cuisine. Tip: be sure to also visit its younger sister Guzzi for delicious sourdough pizzas.

Rossi | Frederik Lintstraat 5, 3000 Leuven