Eating Around with Em

Merad Mechelen

Merad is a well-established restaurant in the heart of Mechelen, a charming spot by the water, with views of the river Dijle. Over the years, Merad has grown from a humble pita shop close to the train station into a full-fledged Turkish restaurant, café and bar.

Step inside and you’ll find a cosy, modern yet warm interior that balances comfort with style. There is also a terrace by the water and seating on the Vismarkt, making Merad a lovely place to unwind, whether for a midday lunch, an evening dinner, or drinks with friends.

The menu is generous and varied: expect Turkish tapas, pizzas (Turkish and Italian style), meats and fish, fresh salads, soups, pastas, and more. The portions are generous, and the variety means there is likely something for almost everyone, whether you prefer meat, fish or vegetarian fare.

Price category: €€

Website Merad

Em’s star rating

I chose the mango chilli chicken, and it was absolutely delicious! The rice that comes with the dish was also very good and well-seasoned.

Fun fact

Some waiters are known to serve guests on roller skates! This playful touch started as a fun way to bring dishes to the table more smoothly and quickly, and it became a charming little trademark that many visitors still talk about.

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