Best Coffee & Brunch Spots in Leuven, Belgium (2026)

If there’s one thing Leuven does well, it’s coffee, brunch and cosy cafés.

With a huge student population and plenty of independent cafés, you’ll find everything from specialty coffee and minimalist coffee bars to relaxed brunch spots with sunny terraces.

Whether you’re looking for a good coffee before exploring Leuven or somewhere to have a slow brunch, these are some of the best coffee and brunch spots in Leuven I’d recommend.

If you’re planning a full day or weekend in the city, check out my Leuven Travel Guide for more things to do, places to eat and drink, and local tips.

Best Coffee Shops in Leuven

Leuven has a great coffee scene, with plenty of cosy and aesthetic spots to choose from.

1. Mont Café

Mont Café is a cosy and classic option for coffee in Leuven.

It’s the kind of place I’d choose when I want a relaxed coffee rather than somewhere overly trendy.

Best for: cosy coffee and a relaxed atmosphere.

2. Onan

If you’re more interested in specialty coffee, check out Onan.

It’s a good choice for coffee lovers who care a little more about the coffee itself and want something beyond your standard café coffee.

Best for: specialty coffee.

3. Noir

Noir is one of my favourite options if you’re looking for somewhere aesthetic and minimalist.

The interior has a clean, modern feel, making it a particularly nice spot for grabbing coffee and taking a break from exploring the city.

If I had to pick just one coffee spot, Noir would definitely be one of my first choices.

Best for: aesthetic interiors and good coffee.

4. Koffie en Staal

Koffie en Staal is a cool concept and a nice alternative if you’re looking for something a little different.

It’s a good place to stop for coffee while exploring Leuven and has a more distinctive atmosphere than a standard coffee shop.

Best for: a unique café experience.

5. Madmum Coffee

Madmum Coffee is a great option if you find yourself around Vaartkom.

The area around Vaartkom is one of my favourite parts of modern Leuven, and Madmum is a particularly nice place to stop for a coffee when the weather is good.

Best for: coffee in Vaartkom and sunny days.

If you’re wondering how to fit coffee, brunch and sightseeing into one day, check out my 1-Day Leuven Itinerary for the route I’d recommend.

Best Brunch in Leuven

Looking for the best brunch in Leuven? There are plenty of places where you can take your time over breakfast, coffee and something more substantial.

These are some of the brunch spots I’d consider:

1. Elisa

Elisa is one of my go-to brunch spots in Leuven.

It’s a good option if you’re looking for a relaxed morning with good food and coffee.

If you’re spending the morning exploring the city, it’s an easy place to add to your Leuven itinerary.

Best for: a relaxed brunch.

2. Bar Berlin

Bar Berlin is a cosy option for brunch in Leuven.

It’s a nice place to slow down in the morning and enjoy some food and coffee before heading out to explore the city.

Best for: a cosy atmosphere.

3. Bar Madrid

For a more relaxed and fun atmosphere, check out Bar Madrid.

It’s another good option if you want to turn brunch into a slower start to your day rather than simply grabbing something quickly.

Best for: a relaxed and fun brunch.

4. Café Van de Velde

Café Van de Velde is a great choice when the weather is good, thanks to its terrace.

If you’re visiting Leuven on a sunny morning, I’d definitely consider sitting outside and taking your time over brunch.

Best for: a sunny brunch on the terrace.

5. Eclèktic

Eclèktic is trendy and definitely one of the brunch spots I’d personally put high on my list.

If you’re looking for somewhere that combines good food with a stylish atmosphere, this is one I’d consider.

Best for: a trendy brunch.

Planning your Leuven trip?

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6. De Maekerij

De Maekerij is a more local and relaxed option.

It’s a good choice if you’re looking for somewhere without needing everything to feel overly polished or touristy.

Best for: a local and relaxed brunch.

Brunch is only the beginning of Leuven’s food scene, if you’re looking for more places to eat later in the day, check out my guide to Where to Eat in Leuven.

Coffee or Brunch in Leuven?

If you only have time for one coffee or brunch stop, here’s what I’d pick.

For coffee: Noir would be one of my first choices, especially if you like aesthetic and minimalist cafés.

For brunch: Eclèktic would be high on my list for its trendy atmosphere.

For a sunny afternoon: Madmum Coffee in Vaartkom is a great option.

For a cosy coffee: Mont Café is a good classic choice.

For a sunny brunch: Café Van de Velde is worth considering for its terrace.

And if your coffee or brunch turns into a full day in Leuven, you can finish the day with drinks, check out my guide to Bars & Nightlife in Leuven for the best places to go out.

More Food & Drink in Leuven

Leuven is a great city for eating and drinking, so don’t feel like you need to plan every meal around a specific restaurant.

One of my favourite things to do is simply walk around the city, find a nice café or terrace and see where the day takes you.

If you’re planning a longer stay, you can easily combine a coffee or brunch stop with Leuven’s main sights, the historic centre, the Dijle or a walk around Vaartkom.

→ Looking for somewhere to stay nearby? Check out my Where to Stay in Leuven: Best Areas & Hotels for the best areas and hotels in Leuven.

→ And if you’re looking for more things to do, check out my 10 Best Things to Do in Leuven for my favourite sights and experiences.

→ Not sure whether Leuven is worth adding to your Belgium trip in the first place? Read my honest opinion on whether Leuven is worth visiting before you go.

Final Thoughts

Leuven has a surprisingly good coffee and brunch scene, and you don’t have to look far to find somewhere nice to sit down.

For coffee, my personal pick would be Noir, while Eclèktic would be high on my list for brunch.

But whether you prefer specialty coffee, a cosy café, a sunny terrace or a trendy brunch spot, there are plenty of options to choose from during a weekend or day trip to Leuven.

Planning Your Trip to Belgium?

Planning a trip to Belgium can be surprisingly difficult, especially when you’re choosing between historic cities, lively student towns, coastal destinations and smaller hidden gems.

That’s why I’ve created my Belgium Travel Guide, where I share destination guides, things to do, local tips and my personal experiences from travelling around Belgium.

→ START HERE: Belgium Travel Guides
→ GET MY GOOGLE MAP: Belgium Google Map

Leuven Travel Guide: Best Things to Do, Eat & Drink Like a Local
Is Leuven Worth Visiting? My Honest Local Opinion
Where to Stay in Leuven: Best Areas & Hotels
1-Day Leuven Itinerary: The Perfect Day in Leuven
Things to do Leuven: 10 Best Things to Do in Leuven, Belgium
Where to Eat in Leuven: Best Restaurants & Food Spots
Bars & Nightlife Leuven: Best Bars & Nightlife in Leuven

Frequently Asked Questions About Coffee & Brunch in Leuven

Where can I get the best coffee in Leuven?

Leuven has plenty of great coffee shops. Noir would be one of my first choices, especially if you like aesthetic and minimalist cafés. Onan is a good option for specialty coffee, while Mont Café is a cosy and classic choice.

What are the best coffee shops in Leuven?

Some of the best coffee shops in Leuven include Mont Café, Onan, Noir, Koffie en Staal and Madmum Coffee. Each has a slightly different atmosphere, from specialty coffee to aesthetic cafés and sunny spots in Vaartkom.

Where can I get the best brunch in Leuven?

For brunch in Leuven, Eclèktic would be high on my personal list. Other options include Elisa, Bar Berlin, Bar Madrid, Café Van de Velde and De Maekerij.

What is the best brunch spot in Leuven?

If you’re looking for a trendy brunch spot, I’d choose Eclèktic. For a sunny brunch, Café Van de Velde is a great option thanks to its terrace, while Elisa is one of my go-to choices for a relaxed brunch.

Where can I have a cosy coffee in Leuven?

Mont Café is a good choice if you’re looking for a cosy and classic coffee spot. Noir is another option if you prefer a more modern and minimalist atmosphere.

Where should I go for specialty coffee in Leuven?

If specialty coffee is your priority, Onan is one of the coffee shops I’d consider. It’s a good option for people who are particularly interested in their coffee rather than just looking for somewhere to sit.

Where can I have coffee in Vaartkom?

If you’re exploring Vaartkom, Madmum Coffee is a great place to stop for coffee. It’s particularly nice when the weather is good and you can enjoy the atmosphere around the water.

Is Leuven good for brunch?

Yes. Leuven has a great selection of cafés and brunch spots, ranging from cosy and relaxed places to more trendy options. Its large student population also means there are plenty of cafés where you can enjoy a slow morning.

Can you get brunch in Leuven on a weekend?

Yes, many cafés in Leuven cater to people looking for a relaxed weekend breakfast or brunch. However, opening hours and brunch menus can change, so it’s a good idea to check the current opening hours before visiting.

Where should I eat breakfast in Leuven?

For a relaxed breakfast or brunch, you can try places such as Elisa, Bar Berlin, Bar Madrid, Café Van de Velde, Eclèktic or De Maekerij. If you’re mainly looking for coffee, Noir, Onan, Mont Café, Koffie en Staal and Madmum Coffee are good options.

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Best Coffee & Brunch Spots in Leuven