La Royale Lille, A Tiny Bistrot In The Old City Centre – Nord-Pas-de-Calais, France

La Royale Lille was a surprised find. This tiny bistrot does not give off a toothsome vibe. It looks cosy and service crew were friendly. Menu was in French but the consolation is that the service crew spoke English.

 

La Royale Lille, A Tiny Bistrot In The Old City Centre - Interior

 

Similar to most French bistrot, the tables were extremely near to each other. Audible conversation of next table could be heard. Neatly hand-written menu on a blackboard was handed over right after I was sat down. 

 

La Royale Lille, A Tiny Bistrot In The Old City Centre - Carpaccio de St Jacques de nos côtes / huile de noix / citron / jeunes pousses (11€)

 

Since this isn’t a fine dinning restaurant, amuse bouche isn’t served. Immediately, came my order of Entree (starter), Carpaccio de St Jacques de nos côtes / huile de noix / citron / jeunes pousses (11€). Fresh scallop with minimal seasoning. Not quite sure what was on the dish that gave off the bitter hint which I didn’t quite enjoy. As I can see that the ingredients were simply some oil, lemon for zest and some leafy vegetables. Otherwise, it was pretty fine.

 

La Royale Lille, A Tiny Bistrot In The Old City Centre - Complimentary Bread

 

Together with first course, crusty artisan bread was presented too. Pillowy texture with crusty edge. It was as perfect as it could be.

 

La Royale Lille, A Tiny Bistrot In The Old City Centre - Filet de bar sauvage / crème de topinambour / céleri rôti / sauce poisson (23€)

 

Filet de bar sauvage / crème de topinambour / céleri rôti / sauce poisson (23€) was my Main. A huge white plate with the fillet occupied a fraction of the plate and sauteed vegetables and roots circled the inner circumference with mashed in the centre. Fish was with firm texture, tasty. And I love in particular the crispy chips.

 

La Royale Lille, A Tiny Bistrot In The Old City Centre - Poached Pear With Salted Caramel (8.50€)

 

Strangely though I would choose Pear as the fruit, I would be happy to order a Pear dessert, Poached Pear With Salted Butter Caramel (8.50€). The poached pear could be more flavourful, Perphaps the idea for a light pear was to highlight the salted butter caramel. Personally, I think the purple crystal was unnecessary. Providing more of aesthetic than flavour. 

 

La Royale Lille, A Tiny Bistrot In The Old City Centre - Madeleine

 

A surprise when I signalled the service crew and said “l’addition s’il-vous-plaît” (The bill, please), came the Madeleine. Lightly buttery with soft and smooth texture. The texture and taste was between the sponge cake and butter cake.

 

 

NAHMJ Verdict 

 

A pity there isn’t set menu at La Royale Lille even for lunch, as such the bill could be quite hefty, however, I think it is worthwhile.

 

 

 

La Royale Lille

37 rue Royale, 59800, Lille, France
Tel: +33 3 20 42 10 11

Websitehttps://www.bistronomie-la-royale.fr/en/

 

Opening Hours

 

Monday – Wednesday  1200 to 1400  |  Thursday – Saturday  1200 to 1400, 1900 to 2200  |  Closed on Sunday

 

Getting There

 

By Metro: Rihour

 

Rating: 8/10