Leuven is full of inviting cafés where you can enjoy a delicious cup of coffee, settle in with a good book, catch up on work, or simply soak up the city’s cosy atmosphere. Each café has its own charm, but some stand out thanks to their unique ambience, creative themes, and welcoming community vibe.
In this guide, I’ve rounded up some of the best cafés in Leuven—from laptop-friendly spots perfect for students and remote workers to warm, laid-back corners ideal for book lovers and coffee enthusiasts. Whether you’re after a Scandinavian-inspired fika break, a green oasis filled with plants, or a quiet retreat to focus on your studies, Leuven has a café that’s just right for you.
👉 Looking for a work-friendly café in Leuven? This list highlights great places with reliable Wi-Fi, plenty of seating, and the kind of atmosphere that makes productivity feel natural.
And if you’d like to take a piece of Leuven home with you, don’t miss our unique Leuven-themed gifts collection——perfect for locals, visitors, or anyone who wants a memorable keepsake.
Bar Stan Café (Constantin Meunierstraat 2)
Bar Stan ( Constantin Meunierstraat 2) is a cosy spot, open from early morning until late evening, offering the perfect relaxing place.
💻 Why It’s Great for Working:
- Quiet Mornings & Late Afternoons: While lunch and dinner hours are busy, mornings and late afternoons offer a calm atmosphere—ideal for focusing on your book or laptop.
- Spacious Seating: Easily find a cosy corner or a table with plenty of room for your laptop and coffee.
- Relaxed Vibe: A comfortable environment with the right balance of background buzz to keep you productive.
☕ Pro Tip: Pair your work session with their great coffee and enjoy the slower hours for maximum productivity!
FİKA LAB
🇸🇪 A Cosy Swedish-Style Bar in Leuven ☕🎲📖
Tucked away on Brusselsestraat, this Swedish neighbourhood bar is the perfect place to relax, unwind, and get creative. Whether you’re in the mood for a quiet reading session, a friendly board game, or just some peaceful time to gather your thoughts, this spot has you covered.
🍪 FIKA-Friendly & Open Late
If you’re looking for a post-work FIKA break, this is the place to be! Open until 8 p.m., it’s ideal for sipping coffee, enjoying delicious snacks, and embracing the Scandinavian way of slowing down. Their selection of cookies, healthy cakes, and light bites makes it even harder to resist staying a little longer.
🌿 A Terrace Made for Good Weather
On sunny days, the terrace is a hidden gem—perfect for enjoying your coffee with fresh air and great company. Whether inside or outside, the welcoming atmosphere makes you feel right at home.
If you love cozy cafés with a Scandinavian twist, this spot is a must-visit! ☕✨
Koffe en Stall
This café combines charming interior design with a welcoming atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for both coffee lovers and laptop users. Fresh flowers on the tables and handcrafted wooden furniture give the space yet artistic vibe.
💻 Why It’s Great for Working & Relaxing:
- 🪑 Creative & Cozy Interior: The solid wood chairs—even those displayed on the walls—are handmade by the café owner and available for purchase, adding a unique touch to the space.
- 💻 Laptop-Friendly (Outside Peak Hours): While the café gets busy during lunchtime, it’s an ideal spot for working during quieter hours. Bring your laptop and enjoy the calm ambience.
- ☕ Homemade Cakes & Fresh Coffee: Don’t miss their delicious homemade cakes, perfectly paired with a cup of coffee for a cozy work session.
- 🎉 Event-Friendly Venue: Looking for a venue for a party, reception, or workshop? On Sundays, the café opens its doors for private events, offering a warm and creative setting.
Whether you’re here to work, relax, or plan your next event, this café offers a perfect blend of style, comfort, and versatility—all in the heart of Leuven.
MOK Café
MOK Café is one of Leuven’s most well-known coffee spots, celebrated for its in-house roasted coffee and calm, cozy atmosphere. As one of the pioneers of Leuven’s speciality coffee scene, MOK not only serves its signature blends in-house but also supplies coffee to several other cafés around the city.
💻 Why It’s Ideal for Working & Relaxing:
- ☕ Freshly Roasted Coffee: Known for its exceptional quality, MOK roasts its own coffee. If you love variety, try the “Coffee of the Day”—a great way to explore new flavours.
- 💻 Focused Workspaces: Need full concentration? Head to the back area inside, where the peaceful vibe makes it ideal for remote work or study sessions.
- 🌞 Charming Terrace: On sunny days, the outdoor terrace is perfect for catching up with a friend over coffee or simply enjoying some fresh air.
- 🌿 Relaxed & Cosy Ambience: Whether you're deep into a project or just enjoying a slow coffee break, MOK offers the perfect balance of calm and community.
Whether you’re a coffee connoisseur or a student looking for a quiet café in Leuven to work from, MOK Café combines quality brews with a welcoming atmosphere.
Onan Coffee & Tea
☕ Onan Speciality Coffee: A Must-Visit for Coffee & Tea Lovers in Leuven 🌿
If you're in Leuven and love high-quality coffee and tea, Onan Speciality Coffee is a name you’ll hear often. Known for its authentic blends and expertly roasted beans, this cozy café has built a strong reputation among locals and visitors alike.
🌞 A Café for All Seasons
Whether it’s summer or winter, the front terrace is always buzzing with people enjoying their favourite brews. While the indoor space is small, it’s the perfect spot to unwind with a book or get some work done on your laptop.
🍃 Curated Coffee & Tea Selection
Onan takes pride in crafting its own coffee and tea. You can explore their selection right from the shelves, choosing the perfect match for your taste. Their blends are so popular that you can even find Onan coffee served in other cafés around Leuven.
🔥 A Passion for Coffee Roasting
I had the pleasure of meeting the passionate owners and visiting their roastery in Leuven. Their dedication to quality and craftsmanship was truly inspiring—they love sharing their knowledge and expertise, making every cup a special experience.
Next time you’re in Leuven, be sure to stop by Onan Speciality Coffee for a rich, flavorful, and expertly crafted coffee or tea experience! ☕✨
Ricki Koffie & Boek
☕ Ricki Café: A Cosy Fika-Style Escape in Kessel-Lo 📚✨
If you love the idea of slow living and meaningful coffee moments, then Ricki Café in Kessel-Lo is a place you’ll adore. Inspired by the Scandinavian fika concept, this café invites you to pause, unwind, and enjoy a cup of coffee (or tea) with a delicious snack—just like the Swedes do.
📖 A Warm & Inviting Atmosphere
Step inside, and you’ll find shelves filled with second-hand books, adding to the café’s cozy and relaxed charm. Whether you're here to read, work, or chat with friends, the welcoming space makes it easy to lose track of time.
🌿 A Charming Terrace to Enjoy
Not only is the indoor ambience delightful, but the outdoor terrace is just as inviting. It’s the perfect spot to soak up the atmosphere, sip on your favourite drink, and take a well-deserved break from the day.
I could easily spend hours here, and if you appreciate simple joys, good coffee, and a touch of Scandinavian cosiness, you’ll love it too! ☕✨
SPORE AND NURSEY
🌿 A Café Where Coffee Meets Greenery ☕🌸
This charming café is more than just a place to grab a coffee—it’s a haven for plant lovers. With a beautiful selection of plants and flowers surrounding you, it’s almost impossible to leave without taking a new leafy friend home! 🌱✨
📖 A Cozy Spot for Relaxation & Reflection
Whether you’re here to read a book, jot down thoughts in your journal, or simply unwind, the calm and peaceful atmosphere makes it the perfect escape from the city's hustle and bustle. It’s one of those places where time seems to slow down, letting you fully enjoy the moment.
🌿 A Refreshing Green Oasis
Sipping coffee while being surrounded by lush greenery adds a refreshing touch to the experience. It’s a space that feels warm, inviting, and effortlessly inspiring—just the kind of spot I love spending time in.
If you're looking for a relaxing retreat with good coffee and vibrant plants, this café is definitely worth a visit! ☕🌱✨
CAFE SOIGNEUR
Cycling Café in the Heart of Leuven
A brand-new spot has opened on Pater Damiaanplein, and I think many of you will love it. With its mix of cycling, racing, and cosy café culture, it brings all those passions together in one welcoming place.
💻 Why Café Soigneur Stands Out:
🚴 Cyclist-Friendly Setup: More than just a café, it’s a true meeting point for Leuven’s cycling community. You’ll find secure bike parking with locks, tools to pump your tires or fix a quick issue, and even an outdoor tap to refill your water bottle.
📺 Live Cycling Races: For fans of the sport, the café screens races and rides live, making it a lively spot to catch the action with fellow enthusiasts.
☕ Coffee, Snacks & More: Whether you’re in the mood for a smooth coffee, a sweet pastry, a salty snack, or even a refreshing beer after a ride, the menu has you covered.
🤝 Community Atmosphere: Beyond cycling, it’s also a neighbourhood hub where anyone can enjoy good food, drinks, and conversation in a friendly and relaxed setting.
Updated in September 2025
