As someone who doesn't eat red meat, shellfish or dairy products, I often have a problem finding a French restaurant I can eat in. Lille was no exception - moules frites being most often on the menu! However at La Chicorée there was no problem!
The first time we went we sat inside the restaurant, the second outside and the third was a revelation - we ate upstairs on the first floor with art déco decor and a great view over the square.
The children's menu was 6€90 and there was a set menu of 10€ for two courses which managed to cater for most tastes. I particularly liked the huge bowl of crudités which came as a starter and would certainly fulfill the five-a-day rule. The chicken was great and the French onion soup was particularly delicious. Judging by what was being served to other tables the oysters were very popular.
This is a great place to go if you have kids as they serve all day from 10am and are open seven days a week. On Sundays they don't have the 10€ set menu but you can still eat quite cheaply - and well. Between midnight and 6.00am the prices increase by 20 per cent but I don't think that would affect too many families! The service is relaxed and friendly.
La Chicorée, 15 place Rihour, Lille tel: 02 20 54 00 23