Caf退GambettaTue-Fri 12:00-14:30; Sat 12:00-18:00; Sun 11:00-17:00; closed Monday
Kiff-Kiff on Rue Léon Gambetta in Lille is an Algerian-influenced canteen built on feuilles de brick, in vegan, vegetarian, beef and fish versions.
Signature drink: Mint tea
Tip: Ask for the Kiffers, an Algerian cake rebuilt as a house snickers bar.
Caf退Vieux-LilleTue-Sat 09:30-18:30; closed Sunday and Monday
Maison Scarlett on Place des Patiniers in Lille is a pastry counter and tea room of tartelettes, pavlova, madeleines and cannelés, with savoury plates too.
Signature drink: Flavoured latte
Tip: Quiches and burgers run alongside the pastry, which makes this a workable light lunch stop.
Caf退Lille-CentreMon-Sat 09:00-19:00; closed Sunday
Cafés Méo works the corner of the Grand-Place in Lille as a roaster's shop and tasting bar, selling beans in bulk and pouring them at the counter.
Signature drink: Coffee ground to order
Tip: Beans are ground to order at the counter, so say how you brew before they start.
Caf退Vieux-LilleDaily 08:00-17:00, kitchen closes 16:00Wifi
Paddo Café on Rue du Cirque in Lille brought Antipodean brunch north, ricotta pancakes and avocado toast alongside properly pulled specialty coffee.
Signature drink: Flat white
Tip: No reservations at all, and the kitchen stops an hour before the room does.
Caf退Vieux-LilleWed-Sat 09:00-18:00; Sun 09:00-15:00; closed Monday and TuesdayWork-friendlyWifi
Tamper! sits on the pedestrian cobbles of Rue des Vieux Murs in Lille, an espresso bar working filter, siphon and piston alongside salads and quiches.
Signature drink: Filter coffee, siphon or pour-over
Tip: Beans are graded to a minimum of 85 points, so ask which single origin is on filter today.
Caf退Vieux-LilleMon-Fri 10:30-19:00; Sat 09:30-19:00; Sun 11:00-18:00Work-friendlyWifi
Elizabeth's on Rue Basse in Lille has run as an English tea room since 2011, scones with orange marmalade, cupcakes and a Sunday brunch service.
Signature drink: Pot of tea, poured properly
Tip: Sunday brunch runs 11:00 to 13:45 and books out, so reserve a table rather than walking up.