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The must-try ephemeral Japanese address this winter in Lille!

undefined undefined 2 décembre 2025 undefined 17h00

The Editor

à droite : alex_dmrx

A well-known chef from Lille has created a Japanese pop-up right in the heart of Old Lille. Twisted Japanese street food, ultra-creative brunch, izakaya vibes just like in Tokyo... This is THE spot to try this winter.

When a Lille chef reinvents the izakaya spirit in the heart of Old Lille

For the past few days, a new culinary experience has set up shop in the historic center: a pop-up Japanese bistro has taken over an iconic bar in Old Lille: La Clique. At the helm is a chef well-known to foodies: Édouard Chouteau, formerly of Laiterie, who trades fine dining for the raw energy of generous and ultra-creative Japanese street food.

For three months, he is reinterpreting the codes of izakayas from Tokyo, featuring fresh ingredients, shareable plates, precise techniques, and a local twist. The result? A Japanese cuisine that retains the comfort, instinct, and love for food we cherish in the North, while bringing in a refreshing, transporting vibe. In the kitchen, there’s flame, seasoning, and artful plating with precision. It’s far from just a simple pop-up.

-up : it’s a culinary journey right in the heart of Old Lille.

A Japanese brunch that shakes up the Lille weekend

We tried the brunch and clearly, it’s not the heavy version that leaves you sluggish until Monday. You’re served in several courses, with an open kitchen featuring Edouard Chouteau preparing everything right in front of you on the upstairs level of La Clique.
From the very first course, you can tell the chef has put a lot of thought into this brunch!Who doesn’t copy anything, but reinvents everything. The salmon-avocado-egg becomes a perfect onigirazu, wrapped in a Japanese omelet that completely changes the texture. The pancake arrives fluffy, airy, accompanied by a slightly tangy sauce that avoids the trap of being too sweet. We’re delighted with tempura broccoli and super (or maybe too) indulgent pork-shrimp skewers. The sweet side focuses on fruits, freshness, and plates that are more refined than expected, showcasing the chef's signature sauce work.

The vibe remains relaxed, almost intimate, with plates that flow like a little culinary show. It’s original, different, and above all, very pleasing because you leave feeling light yet fulfilled. A true brunch for those looking to step away from the classic.

And the rest of the menu? Creative, generous, and downright addictive!

In both lunch and dinner versions, the pop-up offers a Japanese menu reimagined with a Lille twist: izakaya-style dishes, small plates, carefully crafted ingredients, and delightful textures... It's indulgent without being heavy, festive without being chaotic, and most importantly, it’s meticulously executed from start to finish. It’s exactly the kind of place where you come “to try something” and end up staying for the entire evening. And no one will blame you: it’s a pop-up, after all... it will only be around for a few weeks.

Nori Nori Pop-Up
Old Lille (La Clique) – 30 place Louise de Bettignies
Open until March 2026