Onan
At Onan, everything revolves around the perfect cup of coffee. From day one, they wanted to create a place where you immediately feel at home, and they’ve more than succeeded. Their secret? Direct trade: working directly and fairly with coffee farmers. This way, you not only enjoy top-quality coffee but also contribute to sustainable production and fair prices. Whether you love earthy notes, fruity flavors, or a hint of chocolate in your coffee, you’ll discover tastes from all over the world here. Want to enjoy it at home? Onan has a whole wall of specialty coffees and teas to choose from.
MOK Specialty Coffee Roastery & Bar
MOK, named one of the best specialty coffee shops in the world, started right here in Leuven. The café was founded by Leuven native Jens Crabbé and has grown into a name that also resonates internationally. In their roastery in Brussels, they carefully roast their own beans in small batches of 10 to 23 kg. This ensures that every cup delivers the purest flavors: from plum, raspberry, and blood orange to milk chocolate, hazelnut, and oolong tea.
Madmum Coffee Roastery & Bar
Madmum is a local favorite in Leuven, with no fewer than five locations in the city. Here, you can enjoy coffee in all forms, from cappuccino and flat white to espresso, iced latte, and seasonal specials. Pair your drink with a hearty breakfast, a delicious lunch, or a sweet pastry. Sit on the cosy terrace on Tiensestraat, admire the view of the water at Vaartkom, or grab a coffee to-go at the station location before hopping on the train.
Koffie en Staal
At Koffie en Staal, taste and creativity come together: they serve MOK coffee, homemade lunches, and fresh pastries, all prepared with pure and organic ingredients. The furniture around you is handmade by Lino, and at the counter, you’ll find the jewelry of Nouchka; together they are the creative duo behind Koffie en Staal.
Noir
If you want to mingle with 'Leuvenaars' (and sporty cyclists), this is the spot. This specialty coffee shop serves coffee from their own Tane roastery, with beans from Kenya, Ethiopia, Brazil, and Guatemala. You’ll also find their coffee in several Michelin starred restaurants in Leuven, such as EED and EssenCiel. Choose a spot inside the cosy interior, join the long table with your laptop, or relax on the terrace and enjoy a perfectly brewed cup of coffee.
Barbóék
A coffee shop and bookstore in one: what’s better than reading a book with a coffee in hand? How about discovering a new book with coffee and homemade pastries! You can have it all at Barbóék. The café feels like a living room, with shelves full of books and cosy corners with armchairs. Sink in, grab your book, and get lost in a new story.
Ricki Koffie & Boek
Ricki Koffie & Boek is one of Leuven’s hidden gems, just a five minute walk from the station and close to Hal 5. Located in a townhouse on one of Kessel Lo’s most charming streets, you’ll feel instantly welcome. It’s the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle. Enjoy a coffee on the outdoor terrace under the shade of the trees and browse a curated selection of gifts for coffee and book lovers.
Need a coffee to jump-start your brain? Book a night in one of the many hotels in the city. That way, you can be at your favourite coffee bar first thing in the morning.
