HIDDEN LILLE: EXPLORING UNIQUE BISTROS & SHOPS
Mia Macfarlane
IRK talks to Elisa Delesalle, founder of Recyclette, about her Hidden Lille.
Elisa Delesalle grew up in and around the textile trades of Northern France. Two years ago, she launched Recyclette. It’s a label born from a simple idea with real bite: make fashion locally, restore meaning to clothes, and showcase French textile savoir-faire. Moreover, she manages to blend tradition and innovation in a way that feels both modern and deeply rooted. Today, between Lille and the sea-spray of Wissant, Elisa shares the places that shape her week. Discover the convivial bistros, vintage treasure troves, and green escapes that keep her city quietly brilliant.
Name and Describe Your Favourite Restaurant in Lille
Elisa: Le Café Brigand (19 Rue de Gand, Lille) is the kind of place where you feel at home the moment you walk in. Right away, the atmosphere is warm and welcoming. It’s the sort of bistro where you end up staying for hours chatting over a good drink, all part of the charm of Lille.
The food is generous and genuine, with shared plates that please everyone, vegetarian or not. In fact, everything is delicious, made with taste and simplicity, just the way we like it.
Meanwhile, the retro décor adds real charm and a timeless touch, and their wine and beer selection makes it the perfect spot for a friendly lunch or a long, lingering evening. Overall, it’s a Lille bistro just how we love them: authentic, indulgent, and joyful.
Hidden Lille Date Night – Where, What, Why, and When?
Elisa: For a date, I love L’Illustration. The vibe is cozy and slightly vintage, with old-fashioned décor that gives the place great charm. The tables are close together, which makes it lively and intimate at the same time provided you pick the right moment to experience Lille.
Additionally, they have an excellent beer selection. However, I prefer going on a weeknight when it’s quieter, so you can really enjoy the conversation.
Hidden Lille Street Food Choice / Favourite Coffee Spot
Elisa: When it comes to street food, I’m completely obsessed with Smoki Lille, a Banh Mi specialist. Their sandwiches are absolutely incredible. They are some of the best I’ve ever had. In addition, they offer both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, always bursting with flavor and freshness. There’s often a line, so it’s best to plan ahead, but it’s worth it every time.
Beyond that, it reminds me of my years in Montréal, where I first discovered and fell in love with this Vietnamese classic.
Hidden Lille Favourite Boutique / Shop
Elisa: Definitely Slowmood (1 Rue du Cirque, Lille). It’s an amazing second-hand shop with lots of different styles, affordable prices, and frequent new arrivals. As a result, I love stopping by to hunt for retro pieces. Each visit feels different, which makes it even more addictive and a vital part of my Hidden Lille.
Name an Area of Lille You Love and Why
Elisa: My favorite neighborhood is, without a doubt, Vieux-Lille. I love its authenticity — the cobblestones, the historic buildings, and the timeless atmosphere. At the same time, you can do everything on foot, from shopping to café-hopping, or just strolling through its lively little streets. Consequently, it’s a place where I always feel good.
Where Can You Be Found on a Saturday Night in Lille?
Elisa: On Saturday nights, you’ll often find me at La Dilettante. It’s one of my favorite bars for its friendly atmosphere, great beer selection, and tasty tapas to share. There’s always a buzz, and there are always friends to catch up with, so it’s always a good time.
It’s Sunday in Lille, What Do You Do?
Elisa: A run at La Citadelle, a stroll through the Wazemmes market, and a beer to wrap up the day is the perfect combo. Altogether, it’s the kind of Sunday that balances energy, culture, and pleasure.
Where Do You Go for Some Peace and Quiet in Lille?
La Citadelle de Lille. It’s my place to disconnect, breathe, and think. Therefore, it’s where I often go to recharge before a busy week.
Name One Thing You Must Do When You Come to Lille
Elisa: Eat a Welsh, the local classic, and drink a good beer. After all, that’s Lille in one delicious combo.
So, next time you find yourself in Lille, skip the generic guidebooks. Instead, dive into corners, seek the unseen, and let the city surprise you. It’s not just the brick and mortar—it’s the people, the plates, the vintage finds, and the life in between. Discover your own Hidden Lille to truly experience the city’s charm. Like Hidden Paris, Hidden London, and Hidden New York, Hidden Lille is less about sightseeing and more about seeing differently.
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One day when I was barely two my mom let me push her out of her bedroom. She was curious so she ran outside the house so she could watch me through the window. I climbed up on a chair by her vanity and started putting on her makeup. I loved playing dress up as a kid. Putting on my mom's sequin tube tops and high heeled shoes and then putting on a dance show in the lobby or the restaurant of the hotel/residence we lived in. It was the best childhood ever. Dress-up, dancing, playing with barbies, and drawing were my favorite things to do. I have not changed one bit today. If I am creating I am happy.
Now I am in Paris for the second time in my life and I am having a ball playing with my partner in crime Julien Crouigneau. We founded IRK Magazine together in 2015 and we are proud to collaborate with some amazing artists, and influencers.
We are also a photography duo under the pseudonym French Cowboy. We love to tell stories and create poetic images that are impactful.
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