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After 29 years and thousands of sangrias served, this iconic restaurant in Lille is closing its doors for good

undefined undefined 6 juillet 2026 undefined 12h00

The Editor

Privateaser

For nearly thirty years, it was one of the liveliest terraces in Old Lille. Tapas, sangria, evenings with friends… After 29 years of history, Las Tapas is closing its doors for good, leaving behind a wonderful collection of memories for a whole generation of Lille residents.

There are addresses that become such a part of the scenery that we imagine they’re eternal. Las Tapas was definitely one of them. Established on Rue Saint-André since 1997, this Spanish restaurant has just announced its permanent closure. This news has sparked a wave of emotion among the regulars of Vieux-Lille.

A place where many Lille residents created their best memories

For many, Las Tapas wasn’t just a restaurant. It was the go-to spot for long summer evenings, spontaneous get-togethers, shared sangrias on the terrace, and big tables that went late into the night. For 29 years, Emmanuel Mena and his wife Nathalie brought this little piece of Spain to the heart of Lille. Tapas to share, Iberian wines, products sourced directly from Spanish producers... The couple had a mission: to take Lille residents on a journey without leaving the Rue Saint André in Vieux Lille.

le. And it worked! Generations have gathered around the same tables, making this place a true institution in the neighborhood.

A closure dictated by economic difficulties

It was on social media that the restaurateur shared the news. In a particularly heartfelt message, Emmanuel Mena explains that the economic difficulties accumulated since the health crisis no longer allow him to continue the adventure. "Las Tapas is closing its doors, but no one can take away these 29 years of passion and sharing."  A tough decision for someone who opened his restaurant at just 26 years old and is now closing a chapter that took up more than half of his life.

the highlight of their life.

A neighborhood losing a new iconic address

Since the announcement, the messages of support have been pouring in by the hundreds. "A must-visit spot from the 2000s."
"I never thought I'd see Las Tapas close." "Thank you for all those memories." These reactions show just how much the establishment meant to the hearts of the people in Lille. This closure adds to the list of other beloved addresses on Rue Saint-André, like Kolor, Gastama, Genever, and La Dinette, raising questions about the future of this historic artery of Old Lille. So, a chapter closes for the neighborhood… and for everyone who has ever raised a glass of sangria on the terrace at Las Tapas.