David's personal guide to Leuven

David
David's personal guide to Leuven

Coffee Bar

If you are a real coffee lover then you should definitely check out this place. It's one of my favorite places where I have spent countless hours while working on my laptop or catching up with friends. It breathes a vibrant, casual and even a tod bit international atmosphere. Even some books were written there! Warning! Only for real coffee lovers, don't expect waffles and cappuccino with whipped cream.
Noir Coffeebar
49 Naamsestraat
If you are a real coffee lover then you should definitely check out this place. It's one of my favorite places where I have spent countless hours while working on my laptop or catching up with friends. It breathes a vibrant, casual and even a tod bit international atmosphere. Even some books were written there! Warning! Only for real coffee lovers, don't expect waffles and cappuccino with whipped cream.
Think "Central Perk" from Friends. And add a nice, vibrant, international atmosphere. Also open on sunday afternoon!
Swartehond
1 Joris Helleputteplein
Think "Central Perk" from Friends. And add a nice, vibrant, international atmosphere. Also open on sunday afternoon!
This coffee bar located in the same building (waterside) now also serves breakfast and healthy lunches. On sunny days you can even nip your coffee or have your lunch on the waterside terrace
Madmum Coffee Roasters & Bar Hungaria
33 Vaartkom
This coffee bar located in the same building (waterside) now also serves breakfast and healthy lunches. On sunny days you can even nip your coffee or have your lunch on the waterside terrace

Uit eten

Food sharing, the next level. Simply delicious! This is not your everyday food. Even the pizzas are from another level. Cosy atmosphere for a pleasant evening. A bit pricy though, but definitely recommended! During the week it might be possible to get a spot at the counter but make sure to book in time for the weekend!
15 locals recommend
Baracca
34 Tiensestraat
15 locals recommend
Food sharing, the next level. Simply delicious! This is not your everyday food. Even the pizzas are from another level. Cosy atmosphere for a pleasant evening. A bit pricy though, but definitely recommended! During the week it might be possible to get a spot at the counter but make sure to book in time for the weekend!
For vegans and vegetarians. Especially nice in summer. It's a quieter area of town and nearby Cinema Zed (arthouse cinema)
10 locals recommend
The Beach
138 Tiensestraat
10 locals recommend
For vegans and vegetarians. Especially nice in summer. It's a quieter area of town and nearby Cinema Zed (arthouse cinema)
For vegans and vegetarians. They serve a variety of dishes with surprising good tastes. Only pay for what you scoop on your plate. During the summer you can sit next to the waterside.
12 locals recommend
Noordoever
17A Vaartkom
12 locals recommend
For vegans and vegetarians. They serve a variety of dishes with surprising good tastes. Only pay for what you scoop on your plate. During the summer you can sit next to the waterside.
Located at the Zoete Waters and Meerdael forest, this is the perfect place for a savory dinner in a wonderful environment. The Meerdael forest is also ideally suited for (long) hikes.
Spaans Dak
2 Maurits Noëstraat
Located at the Zoete Waters and Meerdael forest, this is the perfect place for a savory dinner in a wonderful environment. The Meerdael forest is also ideally suited for (long) hikes.
What a great place! The place to be for gourmets! They won't serve you steak and fries, but what they serve you is simply delicious! Highly recommended and one of my top favorites!
Barba
22 Mechelsestraat
What a great place! The place to be for gourmets! They won't serve you steak and fries, but what they serve you is simply delicious! Highly recommended and one of my top favorites!
If you love ramen, you should definitely check out this place! The owner is passionate about his food and went to Tokyo to refine his art, which translates in a very delicious food experience. It's one of the best in Belgium (also approved by a bunch of Japanese expats).
Susuru Ramen
6 Margarethaplein
If you love ramen, you should definitely check out this place! The owner is passionate about his food and went to Tokyo to refine his art, which translates in a very delicious food experience. It's one of the best in Belgium (also approved by a bunch of Japanese expats).
Refined and classy. Make the best out of that special occasion
Zarza
92 Bondgenotenlaan
Refined and classy. Make the best out of that special occasion
Tapas redefined!
Zappaz
22 Schipvaartstraat
Tapas redefined!
Home of Felice Miluzzi, best Italian chef of the country according to Gault&Millau.
8 locals recommend
Ristorante Rossi Slowfood
2 Standonckstraat
8 locals recommend
Home of Felice Miluzzi, best Italian chef of the country according to Gault&Millau.
Gastronomic pasta experience by Felice Miluzzi(best Italian chef of the country according to Gault&Millau)
Atelier Rossi @ De Smidse
10 Sluisstraat
Gastronomic pasta experience by Felice Miluzzi(best Italian chef of the country according to Gault&Millau)

Pub

Blauwe Kater is a cozy bar in the center of Leuven where you can enjoy over 100 different beer brands. They also organize jazz or blues concerts on Monday.
11 locals recommend
De Blauwe Kater
51 Mechelsestraat
11 locals recommend
Blauwe Kater is a cozy bar in the center of Leuven where you can enjoy over 100 different beer brands. They also organize jazz or blues concerts on Monday.
Located at the corner opposite to the university library, this is one of my long time favorites. They offer a large selection of gin- and rum, and the owner very passionate explains you a bit of history about these fine drinks. Nice plus: if you can, take a seat on the mezzanine.
Carlisse
1 Arendstraat
Located at the corner opposite to the university library, this is one of my long time favorites. They offer a large selection of gin- and rum, and the owner very passionate explains you a bit of history about these fine drinks. Nice plus: if you can, take a seat on the mezzanine.
The perfect place for an afterwork beer, cocktail or party.
De Hoorn
79 Sluisstraat
The perfect place for an afterwork beer, cocktail or party.
Vibrant local pub. Offers a fine selection of Belgian beers and local bites. Also the ideal place to enjoy a draft "Stella Artois" beer.
Leuven Central
3 Margarethaplein
Vibrant local pub. Offers a fine selection of Belgian beers and local bites. Also the ideal place to enjoy a draft "Stella Artois" beer.

Movie theatre

Arthouse cinema of Leuven. They offer a fine selection of movies you won't see in the mainstream cinema. There are no breaks between the movies, nor are you allowed to take sweets into the venue, which makes it the perfect location to really indulge in the movie.
6 locals recommend
Cinema ZED - Vesalius
9c Andreas Vesaliusstraat
6 locals recommend
Arthouse cinema of Leuven. They offer a fine selection of movies you won't see in the mainstream cinema. There are no breaks between the movies, nor are you allowed to take sweets into the venue, which makes it the perfect location to really indulge in the movie.

Concert Hall

Music centre and concert hall of Leuven. Offers a balanced selection of national and international artists.
9 locals recommend
Het Depot
12 Martelarenplein
9 locals recommend
Music centre and concert hall of Leuven. Offers a balanced selection of national and international artists.

Music Shop

For vinyl and music lovers!
Bilbo Records
2 Monseigneur Ladeuzeplein
For vinyl and music lovers!