The story
La Marelle Café began as a gamble. Chef Eric Fernez, who already helmed the two-Michelin-starred d’Eugénie à Emilie, transformed his catering space into a café-restaurant in Blaregnies, just outside Mons. He called it a return to his first steps in the trade, with thirty years of experience behind him. “The desire for old-fashioned tartines, with real bread, real charcuterie, homemade cervelas, boudins, and terrines,” he said at the opening. The result is a place that feels like home—convivial, accessible, and unpretentious.
The menu reads like a nostalgic catalogue of Belgian home cooking, but these are dishes that have become rare in restaurants. Hachis Parmentier, a slice of spiringue, tranches of hâte levée, an américain de cheval, meatballs in tomato sauce, and pure pork meatloaf. Everything is made in-house, from the charcuterie to the terrines. The early reputation was built on generous “planches” (boards) of cured meats and cheeses, and that spirit of generosity remains. Michelin’s Bib Gourmand—awarded for good quality, good value cooking—recognizes a three-course meal at around 45 euros, and the team takes special pride that the guide saluted their audacity to serve these classics.
Alongside the food, La Marelle Café boasts one of the best craft beer lists in Belgium, according to the press. The restaurant regularly hosts zythology evenings, where guests taste and learn about a specific brewery in a relaxed, friendly setting. Recent sessions featured breweries like Dubuisson, Caulier, Deranke, and Deseveaux, with a welcome aperitif, presentation, and a paired meal—all for 35 euros. It’s a natural extension of the café’s ethos: good food, good beer, good company.
Recognition
Ambience
Details
Location
Facebook