Lukemieke — Restaurant in Leuven

Visiting for the first time was a strange experience: we had booked a table by phone, reservation was confirmed, only to arrive at the restaurant and be completely ignored, with no instructions available. Eventually we copied what others were doing: pick a free table, take cutlery and a small salad from the counter, sit down and wait. After a while a preoccupied and impatient waitress came to take our order, quickly left again when we asked too many questions about the very vague menu, then returned after a longer while to finish her task, all without a single smile, leaving us to wonder if we had made the right choice in coming here or should look for another place to go to. The mood brightened when food was served: very generous portions of tasty and wholesome dishes of comfort food, every bite telling us that it had been worth the waiting and wondering. There wasn't much time to savour the experience though, with the restaurant (not just the kitchen as I was expecting) closing at 8.30pm and guests being firmly ushered out. If and when I return in the future I'll be sure to come mentally prepared and repeat only the nice part of the evening. Word...

We love Lukemieke and it is popular amongst locals. No-nonsense and very sincere service, we like the two hardworking ladies/cooking goddesses of the house, and the cute daughter of one of the chefs. Healthy and delicious, soulwarming food. We always feel good and fulfilled when we leave. This restaurant is consistent in its decent quality.

Point of advice to newcomers : if the front is full of reservations she often still has space in the back. If you get seated it is up to you to go get a little glass bowl filled with appetizer. She will then come to take your order. I always take the soup and dish of the day/‘dagschotel’ which is available in either small or big portion. Don’t even get me started about the pies - they are...

If you are a vegetarian in Leuven (BE) and you are looking for a rich lunch / dinner in a cosy, very friendly atmosphere among people who love to eat, cook and enjoy sharing this love with you, then Lukemieke is the place just right. I was there just a few days ago. The idea is to serve seasonal dishes, the same set that goes on for a week, with minor changes in soups and side dishes. Great, fresh ingredients, very nice recipies and really large portions (and believe me, I am person who can eat, doing lots of excercise and having a 2500 kCal diet), lovely desserts and - most importantly - relaxed yet discrete staff is the key to the success. I loved it and would love to come back when...