The story
Coup de Main wears its name well – a helping hand extended to anyone seeking a relaxed, honest meal in the heart of Lille’s historic Saint-André district. Part wine shop, part restaurant, this address is built around a simple idea: letting the best ingredients and finest bottles speak for themselves. Vegetables, meats and fish are all sourced in season, and the wine list draws from domains that respect both their ecosystems and their terroirs.
The team is a duo whose paths crossed in Lille’s kitchens. Clément, a sommelier who won the Meilleur jeune sommelier de France title in 2021, trained in Bordeaux and worked at chef Thierry Drapeau’s double-starred restaurant before returning north. Victor, a passionate cook, honed his craft at the Plaza Athénée in Paris and later at Papillon alongside Christophe Saintagne, then helped open Rozó in Lille. After meeting at L’Empreinte in Lambersart, they decided to create a space where wine and food could be enjoyed without pretence. Their effort was quickly noticed: Michelin awarded the restaurant its Recommended distinction in 2026, praising the careful sourcing and the quiet confidence of the cooking.
At lunch, the offer is deliberately concise. Two set menus are available from Wednesday to Saturday: Menu Rafles (€22) brings a main course with its garnish and a dessert; Menu Sarments (€25) adds a spreadable starter. The kitchen is happy to adapt for dietary needs, a sign of the flexibility that defines the place. In the evening, the Menu Vendanges (€70) unfolds as a six-service affair inspired entirely by seasonality. The à la carte, also served at night, presents three entrées (meat, fish and a vegetable option), two garnishes and two desserts – a tight, focused selection that changes with the markets.
Clément’s passion for wine is the backbone of Coup de Main. Having travelled the Alsace, Jura, Corsica and Savoie regions, he built a cellar that favours small, human-scale producers. The "Interesting Wine List" tag on wattafork reflects this commitment: whether you drop by the cave during opening hours (Tuesday to Sunday) or sit down for dinner, you’ll find bottles chosen with curiosity and respect. It’s the kind of place where a glass of something unexpected can turn a simple meal into a lasting memory.
Recognition
Ambience
Details
Location
