Estaminet Chez La Vieille, Don’t Try Your Luck If You Did Not Make Reservation – Lille, France

In France, there are numerous restaurant that either they are so popular or they don’t entertain you if you do not make reservation. Estaminet Chez La Vieille belong to probably both. Hence don’t try your luck if no reservation made prior arrival at the restaurant.

 

Do note that the restaurant has a policy of every guest must order either a Main or 2 appetitisers. If you aren’t prepare for this, the dinning experience can be extremely unpleasant. 

 

 

Estaminet Chez La Vieille, Don't Try Your Luck If You Did Not Make Reservation - Menu

 

Interior was orangish and dim with only wood furniture. I felt I was transported to the Medieval era.

 

Estaminet Chez La Vieille, Don't Try Your Luck If You Did Not Make Reservation - Limonade, Strawberry and Pear

 

At France, dinner always starts with mainly wine. However, I differ since I don’t drink. I was introduced to flavoured Limonade. At Estaminet Chez La Vielle, I was offered 2 other flavours beside Lemon which I had Lemon at Monsieur Jean Restaurant, hence I chose Strawberry and Pear Limonade. I can’t believe that this was so palatable. Not all Limonade are created equally. La Grosse is particularly enjoyable.

 

Estaminet Chez La Vieille, Don't Try Your Luck If You Did Not Make Reservation - Planche Biere (€13.50)

 

Estaminet Chez La Vieille, Don't Try Your Luck If You Did Not Make Reservation - Bread

 

While waiting for a few others to arrive, we ordered a Planche Biere (€13.50) for sharing. On this platter are pate, sausage, cheese and rillettes. Enjoy them with bread. 

 

Upon everyone is at the table, time for starters and Mains order. At this point, you don’t order the dessert. We have a tendency to do that at restaurant in Singapore however, it is like a taboo to do so in France.

 

Estaminet Chez La Vieille, Don't Try Your Luck If You Did Not Make Reservation - Canbonnades Flamandes (€13.40)

 

I read a handful of review recommending Canbonnades Flamandes (€13.40) at Estaminet Chez La Vieille however I didn’t order this. Though my colleague ordered, I didn’t have a chance to try as sharing isn’t a practice with French. It did look well-stewed though.

 

Estaminet Chez La Vieille, Don't Try Your Luck If You Did Not Make Reservation - Croquettes aux Crevettes (€14.90)

 

Croquettes aux Crevettes (€14.90) was among the several Mains on the menu. I tried a Croquette as my manager who ordered offered me one. Crispy was what I appreciated but I didn’t enjoy the pungent seafood flavour akin to fishy smell.

 

Estaminet Chez La Vieille, Don't Try Your Luck If You Did Not Make Reservation - La Celebre Fricandelle (€11.50)

 

My oder was La Celebre Fricandelle (€11.50) as I was informed that this dish is specific to the region, as such I got to try it. It looked and tasted like spicy coarse sausage.

 

After our Mains, it is now the time to order dessert. Beside a section of desserts with 6 items on the menu, there were a section for crepes and ice cream too. If you like variety, order L’assiette Gourmande (€6.40) consisting of a scoop of Ice Cream, Creme Brulee and Speculoos Mousse. Another recommended option in addition to the 3 items, there is a coffee is the Cafe Gourmand (€7.10).

 

Estaminet Chez La Vieille, Don't Try Your Luck If You Did Not Make Reservation - L'assiette Gourmande (€6.40)

 

Estaminet Chez La Vieille, Don't Try Your Luck If You Did Not Make Reservation - La Flamanderole (€7.20)

 

I selected the La Flamanderole (€7.20), Ice Cream sandwiched in densed rough waffle. I didn’t enjoy the Waffle but low the former.

 

Estaminet Chez La Vieille, Don't Try Your Luck If You Did Not Make Reservation - Le Cafe Creme (€1.95)

 

It is common to end the meal with only coffee or tea if you didn’t want any dessert. Le Cafe Creme (€1.95) could be a good option.

 

 

NAHMJ Verdict

 

 

Estaminet Chez La Vieille is a Cosy restaurant seeing traditional food that is specific to the North of France. If you want to dine at this restaurant, I can’t stress enough that you must make a reservation. They aren’t flexible to allow you to dine there with no reservation. And don’t forget about the restaurant policy, each guest has to order a Main.

 

In a nutshell, personally, I would advice skipping them as they are not friendly since they have an annoying and arrogant attitude.

 

 

 

Estaminet Chez La Vieille

60 Rue de Gand, 59000 Lille, France
Tel: +33 3 28 36 40 06

Website: http://estaminetlille.fr/chezlavieille/

 

Opening Hours

 

Mondays – Fridays  1200 to 1400, 1900 to 2230  |  Saturdays  1200 to 1400, 1900 to 2300  |  Closed on Sundays

 

Getting There

 

Line 1 – Rihour

 

Rating: 5/10