Fischer
BackThe Fischer tea room and bakery, located in the heart of the National Library of Luxembourg (BNL) on Avenue John F. Kennedy in Kirchberg, is a convenient spot for anyone looking for a meal or a sweet treat between work, reading, or studying sessions. Accessible directly from the library’s lobby, this establishment offers a hybrid experience, somewhere between a friendly cafeteria and a neighborhood restaurant , with a diverse menu that includes breakfast, lunch, and afternoon sweets.
A strategic location within the BNL
Located at 37d Avenue John F. Kennedy, zip code 1855, the BNL’s Fischer Library benefits from a significant advantage: its immediate proximity to the streetcar and a wide range of surrounding offices, including those of KPMG, EY, and Arendt. Library students, researchers, employees of European institutions, and visitors to the area make up a diverse and regular clientele. The library boasts a particularly pleasant sunny terrace, although some users lament the limited number of parasols and the sometimes insufficient outdoor furniture during peak periods.
A varied food selection for all times of the day
The menu at this restaurant showcases several distinct styles. In the morning, the breakfast, offered at a special price (around €6.90), includes a choice of savory (eggs and bacon) or sweet (pastries) options, along with a hot drink and freshly squeezed juice—a price considered good value by regulars. The lunch menu features salads, sandwiches, burgers, Nordic dishes, and a few vegetarian options, while takeaway meals are available for a quick bite.
On the bakery side, you’ll find Fischer’s classic offerings: pastries , cinnamon buns, cookies, brownies, and Yule logs for those with a sweet tooth. The bread offered to accompany the meals is a point of contention: some customers are willing to pay a small extra charge for a slice, while others consider it excessive. Matcha latte, cappuccino, and espresso lovers will be served by an on-site barista, although the quality of the coffee receives mixed reviews depending on the customer.
An inconsistent service that divides customers
One of the most frequently commented-on aspects of the Fischer restaurant at the BNL (National Library of France) is, unsurprisingly, the quality of the service. Many customers praise the competence and warmth of certain team members, particularly servers identified as Muriel, Gianluca, and Gian Luca, who are known for their menu expertise, interpersonal skills, and ability to communicate in several languages, including English. These employees contribute significantly to building loyalty among a studious and international clientele.
Conversely, several reviews report recurring negative experiences: staff who are sometimes unfriendly, condescending tones, judgmental looks, a lack of basic greetings (hello, goodbye), and incidents such as refusing to serve a customer who arrived before the advertised closing time. Recurring order errors (sandwiches burned twice, undercooked potatoes, drinks different from those listed on the menu) were also reported. The language barrier represents another point of contention: several customers regret that Luxembourgish, German, or even English are not consistently spoken by all staff members.
Value for money: mixed opinions
The pricing at Fischer in Kirchberg reflects the high standards of the Grand Duchy. Pastries and bread are generally considered satisfactory, as are some of the more refined pastries, such as the seasonal Yule logs. However, several customers point out that the portions are considered small for the price, particularly the salads, and that some extra charges are poorly received (€0.30 for an extra slice of bread, €0.40 difference between an espresso to go and one consumed on the premises, €0.50 for plant-based milks, and orange juice costing up to €4 per 100ml). The tea selection is also described as very limited.
A few specific products have received harsh criticism and deserve mention: the vegetarian burger disappointed several diners, as did some pastries that were found to be dry or stale, and a kebab that was discouraged by several reviews. Conversely, the brownies, cookies, and artisanal pastries seem to be universally praised.
Practical information for planning your visit
- Address: 37d Avenue John F. Kennedy, 1855 Kirchberg, Luxembourg
- Telephone: 27 04 81 63 (+352 27 04 81 63 from abroad)
- Website: fischer1913.com/fr-lu/nos-salons/fischer-bnl
- Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 7:30 am to 8:00 pm, Saturday from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm, Sunday closed
- Accessibility: entrance accessible to people with reduced mobility
- Services: eat-in, takeaway , breakfast, free Wi-Fi via the BNL
Visitors are advised to check the posted hours before arriving, as some reports indicate that late-night service was refused despite the official hours. For those with allergies or specific dietary requirements (particularly vegetarian), it is best to ask the staff beforehand, as options are limited in these categories.
A place to know before you go there
The Fischer at the National Library of Luxembourg (BNL) remains a convenient option for lunch or a refreshing drink without leaving the library, especially for students and workers in the Kirchberg district. The establishment fully embraces its role as a convenient cafeteria with its takeaway options, pastries, and studious atmosphere. To make the most of the experience, it’s advisable to come during off-peak hours to secure a table on the terrace, to opt for pastries and breakfast items rather than the hot lunch dishes, and to ask for recommendations from the more experienced servers like Gianluca or Muriel.
Despite some minor service issues and questionable value for money on certain items, the exceptional location within an iconic building like the National Library of Luxembourg continues to make this a must-visit for anyone in Kirchberg. Before you go, be sure to check the official website for the latest menu updates and opening hours.
