December 2018

Mechelen ~ the city i can call closest to home

My hometown is a small rural village, in the province of Flemish Brabant, on the border with the province of Antwerp. So I am not really a city girl, but more the kind of girl that loves making walks or bicycle tours in nature. Preferable joined by my beloved family members and animals (read my dog or horse). But that doesn’t mean I don’t like the hustle and bustle of the city once in a while. I go to the city on a regular basis, for shopping or meeting friends for diner. My hometown is located at 14km (20 minutes outside rush hour) from Mechelen, at 18km from Leuven, 33km from Brussels and 39km from Antwerp. So in less than an hour I am in a totally different setting if I want to.

As both of my parents grew up in Mechelen, and both of them speak the dialect, this city isn’t only literally the closest to home, but also the closest to my heart.

After some general info on Mechelen, I will use this blog as a note bloc, to share my experiences, like my personal top of restaurants, breakfast places, hotels, shops, etc … In my honest opinion, Mechelen has started to revive again, with Bart Somers becoming major. It is not for nothing that in 2017 he was declared as the winner of the World Major Price! Mechelen had a negative image in the past, with high crime rates. Nowadays there is a new wave of young, entrepreneurial people helping to put the city on the map again, and that works out fine if you ask me! The Financial Times named Mechelen as one of the 10 European cities of the future.

Well hello there …

The “St. Rombouts Tower” is Mechelen's centerpiece: a 15th century cathedral, a tower 97 meters tall and more than 500 steps high. Climbing to the top takes about 20 minutes, but you'll be rewarded with a magnificent view over Mechelen. And on a clear day you'll even be able to catch a glimpse of the surrounding cities like Brussels, Antwerp, and Leuven. The cathedral is also home to some incredible art, like a painting of the famous Anthony Van Dyck.

The “Dossin kazerne” remember us to some of the darkest hours. During World War II, Mechelen was the center of deportation to Auschwitz. Nearly 26,000 people were deported from the city. The museum is a tribute to the few brave ones, who stood up against the oppression.

“Het Anker” is a family business that started brewing beer in the Great Beguinage in Mechelen five generations ago. Over the years, it has developed into an internationally renowned brewery. You can visit “Het Anker” for a guided tour; they will take you through the brewery and the whisky ageing rooms. On the brewery roof, you can enjoy a superb view over the city of Mechelen. The tour ends with a tasting session. The brewery enjoys world fame for its “Gouden Carolus” beer. There are several versions of Gouden Carolus. The most famous one is undoubtedly the “Gouden Carolus Classic”. This beer won, for the 3rd time, the gold medal at the World Beer Awards in 2012. In their shop they also sell homade Belgian Meat Stew, I can personally recommend it … not cheap but fingerlicking good!

The “Haverwerf”, originally oats were disembarked and traded here. Oats used to be synonymous with grain, and Mechelen had exclusive staple rights to it: grain boats must stop in Mechelen and offer the entire load for sale for three days. Only what was not sold in Mechelen could be recharged and transported further by traders. Look at the three remarkable houses near the bridge. They date from the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries and are the main attraction of the Haverwerf. The corner house is called Het Paradijske. The reliefs above the windows depict the scenes 'Earthly Paradise' and 'The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil'. Here you can also embark for a nice scenic boatride on the “Binnendijle”.

The “Vismarkt”, the place to be in Mechelen. It’s a little beautifull square with a number of good restaurants, cool “bruine” bars, like ‘t Ankertje, it’s a perfect spot in the Summer to sit at a terrace and watch people passing by. It’s also the starting point of the “Dijlepad”, the walkingpath leads you along (and over) the Dijle, between the Haverwerf and the Kruidtuin. Discover Mechelen from a completely different perspective!

The “Groot Begijnhof”, the small, cozy streets of the beguinages exude tranquility. Thanks to the typical Flemish character and the special architecture, the Great Beguinage has a place on the Unesco list of world heritage.

If you like a bit of history you can also visit the “Hof van Busleyden”, this old city palace in renaissance style houses a museum where exhibitions often take place. And the gardens of the “Palace of Margaretha Van Oostenrijk”.

Outside the city center there are a few perfect spots to have a “family - fun- day”, like the “toy museum”, the beautiful zoo of “Planckendael” and “Technopolis” a place that explains science in a fun and attractive way.

More info on all the above you can find at following website: www.visit.mechelen.be

The “Mechelaars” are called the “Maneblussers”. The legend tells that a certain night in the 17th century, on full moon a drunk man came out of the pub and thought that the “Sint-Rombouts Tower” was on fire. The whole city was in an uproar and people stood in long rows to pass water buckets to extinguish their tower. Since then, the Malines has got the spot name the “moon extinguishers” because they had tried to extinguish the moon.

Hotspot sharing

There are a lot of good adresses to have breakfast, lunch, diner, a drink, to shop, stay overnight, etc…! And to be honest it’s difficult to keep-up, as the last couple of years Mechelen is booming, the city has really risen again and must no longer be inferior to other nearby cities like Leuven. Hip entrepreneurs have certainly find their way to the city! Beneath I share some addresses I know, and most of them tested myself. But to stay-up-to-date, I recommend you to follow next page: https://www.facebook.com/hipsteadresjesmechelen/

Moose bar Mechelen
In the mood for après-ski? Then you don’t necessarily have to go to the Alps, Mechelen's Douna square is also an option. After Hasselt, Antwerp and Tomorrowland, Moose bar opened as from this year a location in Mechelen as well. The concept is founded in 2015 by the night club “Versuz”. The location is easily accessible, there is plenty of parking space and it’s quite far from the residential area. The massive wooden chalet of 200m², can host 300 visitors. Pimped with animal skins and fire pits, an adjusted range of drinks - half a liter of beer and a large selection of schnapps - and staff dressed in dirndls and lederhosen, ensure the right atmosphere. They opened their doors between November and February.
Address: Douaneplein 6
Openinghours: Thu, Fri, Sat 19h00 - 02h00

Bar Makadam https://barmakadam.com/
Former “Als ik mijn ogen toedoe, ben ik in Honoloeloe”.
The tastiest beer bar in Mechelen, they offer more than 70 Belgian beers! Owned by 2 old study-buddies Jonas & David, they share one deeply rooted and above all common passion: BEER. Drinking on an empty stomach makes you drunk faster, so they also offer a lunch menu and small evening snacks.
Address: Grote Markt 11

De Fortuyne https://defortuyne.be/
The Fortuyne opened his doors end August 2018. Food sharing is in “De Fortuyne's” DNA. Good food gets even better when you share it with the right people is their motto. You can not dine à la carte, they only offer their “A trip down culinary lane” menu at €75 pp. This from Tuesday till Saterday in the evening and on Saturday you can also reserve for lunch. The restaurant has a unique setting in a beautifully renovated historic building. I have dined here once, and was not really convinced about the food and definitly not about the service. Value for money, too expensive in my opinion. But, of course, it may have been a snapshot. Perhaps you have to go for a few dinners to give an honest review.
Address: Befferstraat 20

City Bar Klak http://www.barklak.be/
Located in the former beloved “Klakkenhuizeke”. The narrow building is barely 42 m² in size, so the concept is “on-the-go”. You can go here for breakfast, lunch, and take-away coffee. For breakfast you can compose your own oatmeal. The lunch offer differs, on Wednesday there are salad jars, on Thursday oatmeal quiches and on Friday and Saturday fresh Bar Klak panino's. The contemporary black and white look and sleek design is very inviting.
Address: Schoenmarkt 5/6

Peloton de Paris https://www.pelotondeparis.cc/
“Peloton de Paris”is a unique café, heaven on earth for cycling lovers. Great coffee, a selection of Belgian beers, a bike mechanic shop, all the big cycling races on a big screen... They also offer sweets such as banana bread and cinnamon rolls. I will ask my hubby to check this one out and to bring me a cinnamon roll :-)
Address: Bruul 106
Cosma Foodhouse https://www.cosma.be/
They opened their doors in 2015 as a combination of a catering business and restaurant. In the meantime they stopped with the catering part and it’s just a restaurant, were you can also buy nice tableware. The soul of the house (an old bakery) was retained, combined with contemporary comfort. On the menu: fancy finger food, Brazilian prime rib or grilled gambas, original side dishes ... In my opinion tasty, nice cosmopolitan atmosphere but slightly more pricey.
Address: Befferstraat 24

Foom http://www.foom.be/
Under the watchful eye of the Sint-Rombouts Cathedral you will find Foom, a breakfast bar where you can go for a quirky breakfast including American Pancakes, a hearty lunch or freshly made pastries. Almost everything that ends up on your plate is homemade. In addition to good food, you will also find coffee from micro-roast MUG, Crusio tea, etc … For breakfast and lunch you cannot make a reservation. On Sunday they offer a separate brunch formula, which you have to reserve in advance. The interior is filled with things that were given a second life, like grandma's porcelain.
Address: Sint-Katelijnestraat 2

The Chick / The Cellar https://thechick.be/
The triplets: The Chick, The Cellar and The Chapel opened their doors begin June 2019. “The Chick" is a gourmet rotisserie,"The cellar” a cheese and wine bar in collaboration with “Schockaert” ( a famous cheese merchant ), and “The chapel” serves as an event space. Wim Voss, Elsje Van den Bogaert and Mehdi Mathlouthi bought the building in 2017. They have been working hard, reconstructing the place during 1 year and a half. And they can be proud of the result ! I really like the beautiful interior, a nice mixture of industrial and contemporary design. In the summer you can also sit outside at the terrace with nice views on the St Rombouts Tower and the Archbishop's Palace. Chef Fatima Bouzambou prepares delicious poultry dishes, using high quality chickens, bred in the French Basque Country.

Mid-August ‘19 we visited this new city hotspot with 2 good friends. Me and my partner first had a drink in “The Cellar”, nextdoor. A very cozy, underground bar ! We were hosted by a friendly, enthusiastic bartender, with a charming French accent. I was recommended a glass of Rosé Sancerre and my partner a French Crémant, we paid almost € 20 before heading upstairs for diner. Our 2 friends joined us an we were seated at a table with low comfortable sofa seats. The ladies ordered a cocktail based on Lillet Rosé, the men something stronger. Joined by 2 bites: the hummus & rillette. Very yummie to start with, and a fair portion for € 8. As main course the women chose the “Ile vole au vent” (€ 26) and the men went for “The Chick” (€ 28) both delicious and again a fair portion. We also ordered a bottle of red wine, and were recommended to try a Moroccan wine. When we received the bill we saw they charge € 45 for it, and most of the wines on their list are even more expensive. So to summarize our experience: nice setting, good service, delicious food, but the drinks a bit overpriced.
In 2024 my husband and I paid a second visit in the company of his aunt. In the meantime you can’t eat à la carte anymore and you need to take the “Chaf’s Choice Surprise” menu served in 4 or 5 courses. The food and service was excellent but again pricey.
Address: Sint-Romboutskerkhof 2

De Vleeshalle https://www.devleeshalle.be/en/home/
Huidevetterstraat nr 7 was once home to the old meat market of Mechelen, nowadays it’s a culinary hotspot. A small food market with 12 permanent exhibitors, “the taste makers” and 1 pop-up, accompanied by the “gangmakers”, interior architects, personal trainers, offices, a make-up shop and a furniture store. If you go shopping, make sure you drop by “De Vleeshalle” for the ultimate guacamole, the freshest focaccia, real Mechelen honey, and burgers to die for!
Address: Huidevetterstraat 7

Graspoort https://graspoort.be/
In 2021 chef Thibault Van Stratum and host Stephanie Hermans took over resto Graspoort that already existed under the same name and location for several years. They gave the menu of this little gem a total make-over by serving you new world cuisine, made with locally and seasonally sources products, paired with tasteful wines & flavourful cocktails. The vibrant energy of Stephanie and the refined cooking skills of Thibault also draw the attention of Gault & Millau. Only a few weeks after the opening they were already awarded with a beautifull score of 13,5/20. On my 41st Birthday we had lunch here. I enjoyed a delicious mocktail and refined menu for € 36. First they served an amuse-bouche, followed by soba- noodles as first course, brined pig as main course and a nice herbal tea or coffee. I also couldn’t resist their desserts, I went for the starwberry with white chocolate and my boyfriend enjoyed the local cheese platter. If you want to dine here in the weekend, make sure you make reservations long in advance. The pace is rather small and deservedly popular.
Address: Begijnenstraat 28

Tinèlle https://tinelle.be/home/
Since the closure of D'Hoogh and Folliez, Mechelen had no star restaurant for years, but that’s in the past, thanks to Ken Verschueren. In the summer of 2019, he opened a classy restaurant in the beautiful historical setting of Het Predikheren together with his wife Jenny Callens. While in Beerzel (De Tuinkamer ) his focus was on extensive dining with menus of easily five courses or more, the chef resolutely opted for an à la carte concept for Tinélle. Since 2022, they have been rewarded by 1 Michelin star. The chef hadn't expected it. Of course, they are proud but want to remain a very accessible restaurant. In 2024 I had a 3-course lunch here, for € 53 pp. And I must say, the flavors were in perfect balance. I am also a fan of their original mock- and cocktails. Both the setting and the service are friendly and flawless. I will definitely be back here.
Address: Gosswin De Stassartstraat 90

Dille & Kamille https://www.dille-kamille.be/nl/winkels/mechelen
Not unique for Mechelen, but when I am in the city I always pass-by. They sell sustainable kitchen, bathroom and table-ware, dried flowers, etc… I can’t leave this store without a shopping bag in my hand.
Address: Ijzerleen 6
CAKE-A-LICIOUS
Sweet tooths find without any doubt what they like in the city of the “moondistinguishers”.
Although I can really enjoy a nice piece of cake, I don’t go often to a coffee bar for an afternoon snack. But I do buy a cake for take-away once in a while. I can warmly recommend following 3 places for you to try-out:
Tartes Françoise https://tartes.be/nl/store-locator
Also not unique for Mechelen, but I am so glad they opened an atelier here. Their cakes and quiches are to dy for. A good option when you’re inviting friends and don’t have the time to cook. My salty favourite is the chicken- cocos- ginger quiche and my sweet favourites the plum-fig cake and the cheescake with speculoos.
Address: Hoogstraat 66
Niki’s Bakery https://nikisbakery.be/
During lunch, my ex-colleagues and I sometimes made a walk to the city center. And one of our favourite stops was definetly Niki’s Bakery. Daily freshmade cookies, cupcakes, granola and cakes, to take-away. My personal favourite so far is her blueberry cheesecake. But actually, I din’t try the carrot and red velvet cake yet, so allow me some time to try-out and reflect.
Address: Guldenstraat 16
Kato Gateaux https://katogateaux.be/
Another city hotspot welknown for their pies, is this one. Not only for take-away, but also to have a good cup of coffee or a hip breakfast. I’ve been there once with a friend in the morning, and did enjoy my breakie. This place is recommended to people who prefer to eat vegan.
Address: Korenmarkt 11
Pain Quotidien https://www.lepainquotidien.com/be/nl/locations/mechelen
Also not unique in Mechelen, but still one of my favourite places to have lunch. A yummie avocado toast, joined by a home-made ice tea in Summer or a warm apple juice in Winter, and to finish-up a berry crumble or lemon cake.
Address: Ijzerleen 35
Noen http://www.denoen.com/
Please meet Jolijn Gyssels & Bart Lenaerts, foodies in heart and soul. Successful young, local entrepreneurs. ”Noen” opened in 2014 and is located in a somewhat hidden corner of Mechelen, it’s a breakfast and lunch bar. The furniture is designed by Tim Nuyts and Maarten Bernaerts. In this way, they also give young designers the opportunity to show their creations. The furniture pieces are also for sale.
Addresses: Leermarkt 24 & Bruul 133

Unwined http://www.unwined.be/
A cozy wine and lounge bar. The interior consists mainly of wood, which immediately creates a warm atmosphere. At the front of the store you will find a bar area with bar counter (and street terrace), once you have passed the shopping area, you end up in a real lounge, a real wine salon. From the garden terrace you have a nice view of the Sint-Romboutstoren. At Unwined Koen and Miriam also serve cold and warm bites like dates with bacon, camembert from the oven, albondigas, bruschetta's, cheese platters, ...
Address: Steenweg 22
Zoet https://www.snoepzoet.be/
The modern version of a traditional candy store. The white and blue tiles in combination with the cement floor and light wooden accents create a fresh and contemporary feeling. The jars full of sweets, behind the counter give a nostalgic touch. The owners look for original Belgian-made sweets. You can also order the entire range online via their successful webshop.
Address: Onze-Lieve-Vrouwestraat 108

Schockaert https://www.schockaert-kaas.be/
Well-known cheese makers since 1915. This family is a legend in Mechelen and the surrounding area. In every fine-dining restaurant in the region, you will find their cheese on the dessert menu.
Address: Ijzerleen 28

Lily https://www.shoplily.be/
Lily is a cheerful and fresh concept store where you can find a complete new outfit, interior gadgets and gifts. Lily stands for Life's Little Luxuries: affordable (small) accessories and clothes that you will not find at the big chains. The clothing comes from different brands and forms a mix of French classic, elegant and hip and Scandinavian tinted.
Address: Onze-lieve-vrouwestraat 120

Uma https://www.uma-store.be/homepagina/
Ex-marketer Loesje pursued her passion for interior design, styling and fashion. The result is the hip boutique Uma. Uma brings a variation of local brands in combination with Scandinavian tinted brands. Simple or over-the-top, here you find what you are looking for. The Scandinavian interior with white walls and floor is brightened up by various hanging plants and copper lusters.
Address: Onze-Lieve-Vrouwestraat 82

Martin’s Patershof https://www.martinshotels.com/en/hotel/martins-patershof
Martin’s Patershof is a former church transformed, into a 4-star luxury hotel, they opened their doors in 2009. It’s incredible how they found a way to preserve the past and at the same time meet the expectations of luxury travelers. They offer 79 rooms, in 5 different categories, all bathing in mysterious, divine light, that’s coming through the stained-glass windows. Breakfast is served in the former chancel. I stayed here twice. The architects did an amazing job in my opinion, but for me the service level is is not entirely in proportion with the appearance and price of this hotel. Nevertheless it remains a special and worth mentioning boutique hotel.
Address: Karmelietenstraat 4

Trattoria Boretti https://trattoriaboretti.com/
Boretti mainly well-known for their cooking stoves and BBQ’s, decided to open in both Belgium & the Netherlands a few trattoria’s. Both Antwerp & Amsterdam will be having a branch, but the 1st one opens in March’23 in Mechelen. Out of the box Italian Food, so no traditional fish & meat dishes on the menu here. I had here diner twice. The food is honest and very affordable, very accessible for students or for a quick bite that is still restaurant-worthy.
Address: Veemarkt 14
Lesco https://www.hostellerielesco.com/mechelen/
Mechelen continues to improve culinary! Steven Buelens, who has been operating Lesco in Wetteren for several years, has opened a second restaurant in Mechelen, close to the Vismarkt. A seasonally inventive and thoughtful kitchen, you can even call it a bit unconventional! They only offer all-in 4 or 5 course menus, including apero, water and coffee or tea. You can choose the wine. As from € 115pp, you will be culinary spoiled here. Gault & Millau rewarded them with 13/20.
Address: Nauwstraat 5
Sisters https://weareyoursisters.be/
Another gain for the city is the clothes and accesories store “Sisters”. Katrien & Lieselotte know very well how to dress young ladies to the latest trends. Although they grew-up near Antwerp, they have chosen Mechelen to run their store. They are, among other things, distributors of the trendy Belgian brand, “les Jumelles”.
Address: Guldenstraat 19
The Cacaco Project https://www.thecacaoproject.be/
Pieter Vaes belongs to the group of 'bean-to-bar' chocolatiers who buy their own cocoa beans and process them into chocolate to make pralines or tablets. For this he works with selected cocoa beans from Ecuador, Colombia, Vietnam and Venezuela, with a preference for the Nacional bean variety from Ecuador. His oeuvre of pralines includes about 40 varieties, including a praline in fondant with a filling of bergamot and star anise, as an example of a complex and spicy creation with a characteristic taste length. In 2023 they moved from a small store in the “Bruul”, to a much bigger building at the Korenmarkt. There, the young chocolatier also immediately started a patisserie, producing Italian scoop ice cream as well as a salon for tasting.
Address: Korenmarkt 23
Emiel https://www.restaurantemiel.be/
Young chef Bram Simons, opened his fish restaurant Emiel in July 2022 at the Vismarkt in Mechelen, as a tribute to the iconic fish shop who was previously housed here. They bring the best from the North Sea to Mechelen. Sustainability and local products are central to Bram's kitchen. "You won't find tuna on the menu for example. Guests have a choice between a gastronomic menu of four (67 euros) or five courses (76 euros) and an optional sixth. They only work without reservation on Saturday afternoon, during the weekly market. Then they offer a market menu with three courses for 39 euros.
Bistro Balcon https://balcon-mechelen.be/
The restaurant is a new (2024) project by Jenny Callens and Ken Verschueren, the couple behind Tinèlle in the former Preacher's Monastery. For Balcón, they have left the distinguished decor and grand gastronomy in the monastery: those who enter the former restaurant Magma walk into a southern bubble bath bistro of fuchsia and bright blue, baroque floral arrangements and an open kitchen. Sip a tasty cocktail and/or enjoy flavour bombs and bites picked away from the Mediterranean. Unique dishes with a twist that pair excellently with our carefully selected and playful wines, is what they write on their website. I promess to visit them soon and give you my personal honest opinion.
Address: Borzestraat 15
Pasta di Lara https://www.pastadilara.be/pastabar
Pasta di Lara invites you to indulge in the rich, authentic taste of Italy at their pasta bar. With freshly made pasta crafted from the finest ingredients. Whether patrons crave a classic Spaghetti Carbonara or a hearty Lasagna, the menu is designed to satisfy all pasta desires. Visitors can enjoy the warmth and tradition of Italian cooking right in the heart of the city. It's perfect for a quick lunch, or take-away.
Address: Onze-Lieve-Vrouwestraat 112
Wasbar https://www.wasbar.be
Wasbar in Mechelen is more than just a place to do laundry; it's a vibrant social hub where community and convenience meet. Combining a modern laundromat with a cozy café. Following its success in other major Belgian cities such as Antwerp, Leuven, Hasselt, Ghent etc... they opened their lunch bar on the Ijzerenleen in 2020. On the menu, Wasbar features a delightful selection of freshly made dishes. Enjoy hearty sandwiches, bagels and burgers like the classic Club or the vegetarian Falafel Wrap. For a lighter option, try the refreshing Caesar Salad or the Quinoa Bowl. Don't forget to indulge in their sweet treats, such as homemade pastries and decadent cakes, perfect with a cup of their expertly brewed coffee.
Address: Ijzerenleen 13
Lief https://www.liefmechelen.be
Discover LIEF, the charming breakfast and lunch bar that will steal your heart! Meet Jens, the creative barista behind the coffee machine, and Tante Greet, who brings years of culinary experience to the kitchen. Together, they create delightful meals using fresh, local ingredients.
LIEF is dedicated to sustainability, working with local producers to offer seasonal products. Enjoy beers from Brouwerij Schaepherders and Batteliek, homemade lemonades, and cold-pressed juices from Filoes. Their wines come from Xpertvinum in Leest.
Address: Graaf van Egmontstraat 5