Grand Café Notre Dame — Restaurant in Leuven

I wish I could give zero for the service. Disrespectful, rude, and racist staff. Waited at the entrance for a few minutes to be served. Waiters passed by without paying attention. Headed indoor, trying to find someone. No luck. As soon as tried to seat, one of them showed up saying you cannot sit here. Wait until we find you a seat. Waited a few more minutes until they took me to a seat that was at the back of the restaurant. There was at least 10 tables empty between me and the next sitting person while the front of the shop was full. When I said "this is too far back and isolated" she replied this is the only seat we can offer. Definitely felt judged, on every interaction. Not sure on what account though. I would guess they were racist. I cannot find any other way to explain it.

The manager of the shop should seriously plan retraining their staff...

Horrible restaurant. Waiters were rude. And I was FORCED to order a drink even though I was perfectly fine not too. And it's not written anywhere, guess they don't want people to have physical proof. I didn't know that I HAD TO DRINK at this restaurant. After I told the first server I don't want a drink, he just went away, without any explanation. Up until the THIRD waiter explained this ridiculous house rule that everyone has to order a drink in order to dine there. Don't like being forced to order anything. Food was quite average, definitely not up to their attitude. And be aware of SURCHARGE if you want ketchup to go with your fries. Won't recommend to anyone and will never...

Ah, the worst kept secret of Leuven ... The best food at very competitive prices. I have been coming here for over 30 years now. The menu is still roughly the same and the quality has remained very consistent. Service is almost always very good and the portions are huge. When I say huge, i mean almost Unitedstatesian huge. People order a grilled cheese sandwich (croque monsieur) and have to be rolled out of the restaurant.

Due to the huge student population in the city, prices also remain very competitive. Definitely worth a visit.

Recommendations: the hand and cheese macaroni, the cheese croquettes, the steak, the mussels and...