EATING
Just like the rest of the city,
Brussels’ restaurants reflect the meeting
between the old and traditional with the
new and international. Rustic eateries
serve mussels alongside trendy
cosmopolitan restaurants. Grand Place with
Rue des Bouchers and Place du Grand
Sablon (see ”Sights”) have a large number
of places to ea
La Manufacture
The same restaurant trends that have
swept London, Paris and other cities have
also passed through Brussels. La
Manufacture represents the ”industrial
chic” style – elegantly designed
restaurants in former industrial spaces.
This one occupies the site of a former
leather factory.
Address: Rue Notre Dame du
Phone: +32 2 502 25 25
The same restaurant trends that have
swept London, Paris and other cities have
also passed through Brussels. La
Manufacture represents the ”industrial
chic” style – elegantly designed
restaurants in former industrial spaces.
This one occupies the site of a former
leather factory.
Address: Rue Notre Dame du
Phone: +32 2 502 25 25
Belga Queen
Belga Queen would fit in very well in any
cosmopolitan city. The building used to
belong to a bank, and the high pillars and
windows have been complemented with
elegant furniture. Very trendy, especially
the oyster bar, and the downstairs cigar
bar.
Address: 32, Rue Fossé aux Loups
Phone: +32 2 217 21 87
Belga Queen would fit in very well in any
cosmopolitan city. The building used to
belong to a bank, and the high pillars and
windows have been complemented with
elegant furniture. Very trendy, especially
the oyster bar, and the downstairs cigar
bar.
Address: 32, Rue Fossé aux Loups
Phone: +32 2 217 21 87
Comme Chez Soi
Comme Chez Soi has three stars in Guide
Rouge. The name means ”at home”, and
with only 45 seats, the intimate
atmosphere does the name justice. Book
well in advance as getting a table here can
be a challenge.
Address: 23, Place Rouppe
Phone: +32 2 512 29 21
Comme Chez Soi has three stars in Guide
Rouge. The name means ”at home”, and
with only 45 seats, the intimate
atmosphere does the name justice. Book
well in advance as getting a table here can
be a challenge.
Address: 23, Place Rouppe
Phone: +32 2 512 29 21
Chez Leon
Brussels is well known for its mussels,
served with fries on the side. Chez Leon
looks like the average tourist trap, but
their mussels will silence any critic. A
classic.
Address: 18, Rue des Bouchers
Phone: +32 2 511-14-15
Brussels is well known for its mussels,
served with fries on the side. Chez Leon
looks like the average tourist trap, but
their mussels will silence any critic. A
classic.
Address: 18, Rue des Bouchers
Phone: +32 2 511-14-15
Aux Armes Des Bruxelles
This family run restaurant has been
serving traditional Belgian dishes in a
former post office building since 1921.
Both locals, and Belgian’s visiting from
abroad, frequent this eatery on Grand
Place.
Address: Rue des Bouchers,13
Phone: +32 2 511 55 50
This family run restaurant has been
serving traditional Belgian dishes in a
former post office building since 1921.
Both locals, and Belgian’s visiting from
abroad, frequent this eatery on Grand
Place.
Address: Rue des Bouchers,13
Phone: +32 2 511 55 50
Aux Marches De La Chapelle
Another favourite among lovers of rustic
food is Aux Marches de la Chapelle, close
to the Grand Sablon Square. It is also
worth a visit for its Art Nouveau bar.
Address: Place de la Chapelle 5
Phone: +32 2 512 68 91
Another favourite among lovers of rustic
food is Aux Marches de la Chapelle, close
to the Grand Sablon Square. It is also
worth a visit for its Art Nouveau bar.
Address: Place de la Chapelle 5
Phone: +32 2 512 68 91
La Bonne Humeur
A traditional family-run restaurant in St Josse that produces wonderful mussels and chips, as well as a few other Belgian classics such as shrimp croquettes. If you want moules-frites and are fed up with the hordes of tourists around Grand Place and the centre, this is the place to come. It's also cheaper than the more central restaurants. Bus 29. Open noon-2pm, 6.30-9.30pm, Mon, Thur-Sun. Average 900 BF.
type: Belgian
address: 244 chaussée de Louvain, 1030 Brussels
tel: 02 - 230 71 69
A traditional family-run restaurant in St Josse that produces wonderful mussels and chips, as well as a few other Belgian classics such as shrimp croquettes. If you want moules-frites and are fed up with the hordes of tourists around Grand Place and the centre, this is the place to come. It's also cheaper than the more central restaurants. Bus 29. Open noon-2pm, 6.30-9.30pm, Mon, Thur-Sun. Average 900 BF.
type: Belgian
address: 244 chaussée de Louvain, 1030 Brussels
tel: 02 - 230 71 69
Falstaff
Falstaff was Brussels. The restaurant behind the Bourse had so much art nouveau atmosphere, that the waiters could afford to be very rude. To me it is unclear what the status is right now, but let's hope that Falstaff will be back to it's normal self soon. *D: L'Eperon d'or Very nice house of the seventeenth century, soft and padded interior, carefully prepared meals. We recommend to make reservations.
type: Belgian
address: Rue des Eperonniers 8
tel: 02/512 52 39
Falstaff was Brussels. The restaurant behind the Bourse had so much art nouveau atmosphere, that the waiters could afford to be very rude. To me it is unclear what the status is right now, but let's hope that Falstaff will be back to it's normal self soon. *D: L'Eperon d'or Very nice house of the seventeenth century, soft and padded interior, carefully prepared meals. We recommend to make reservations.
type: Belgian
address: Rue des Eperonniers 8
tel: 02/512 52 39
Au Stekerlaplatte
The street outside is rundown, and the façade is unassuming to say the least, but this traditional bistro is always full. Inside it's dark and the atmosphere is convivial. There is a long menu, most of it traditional Belgian food and all of it good value. Métro Hotel des Monnaies. Open 7pm-1am Tue-Sun. Average mene 1.500 BF.
type: Belgian
address: 4 rue des Prêtres
tel: 02 - 512 86 81
The street outside is rundown, and the façade is unassuming to say the least, but this traditional bistro is always full. Inside it's dark and the atmosphere is convivial. There is a long menu, most of it traditional Belgian food and all of it good value. Métro Hotel des Monnaies. Open 7pm-1am Tue-Sun. Average mene 1.500 BF.
type: Belgian
address: 4 rue des Prêtres
tel: 02 - 512 86 81
Marina
In this pleasant old street close to the Bourse you will find one of the best, and definitely one of the nicest Italians in Brussels. Quiet but warm atmosphere, a rather kitschy interior, but great food at very friendly prices and an impressive (Italian) wine list. Average cost per person: BEF 800 (EUR 20). Open: 7pm-midnight daily
type: Italian
address: 56 rue des Chartreux, Brussels 1000
tel: +32 2 502 06 36
In this pleasant old street close to the Bourse you will find one of the best, and definitely one of the nicest Italians in Brussels. Quiet but warm atmosphere, a rather kitschy interior, but great food at very friendly prices and an impressive (Italian) wine list. Average cost per person: BEF 800 (EUR 20). Open: 7pm-midnight daily
type: Italian
address: 56 rue des Chartreux, Brussels 1000
tel: +32 2 502 06 36
La Cité du Dragon
Most of Brussels’ Chinese restaurants are low-profile places better suited to a quick takeaway than a business lunch. Not so La Cité du Dragon, an outcrop of exoticism amid the filling stations & furniture warehouses of the old Waterloo road. It’s big & showy, with the intimate charm of a hotel atrium, but the food is not bad and the ambience seems to impress the local business fraternity.
type: Asian
address: 1024 Chaussée de Waterloo
tel: +32 (2) 375 80 80
Most of Brussels’ Chinese restaurants are low-profile places better suited to a quick takeaway than a business lunch. Not so La Cité du Dragon, an outcrop of exoticism amid the filling stations & furniture warehouses of the old Waterloo road. It’s big & showy, with the intimate charm of a hotel atrium, but the food is not bad and the ambience seems to impress the local business fraternity.
type: Asian
address: 1024 Chaussée de Waterloo
tel: +32 (2) 375 80 80
Samouraï
Brussels is badly supplied with ethnic restaurants and many of those tend to dumb down their flavours to suit local tastes. This comfortable little Japanese restaurant, hidden in one of the city’s grimier side streets, is an exception. Chef Saito Harumi’s sushi is as delicious as any you’ll find in Tokyo. Closed Sun lunchtime & Tues.
type: Asian
address: 28 Rue du Fossé aux Loups
tel: +32 (2) 217 56 39
L'Achepot
Small and basic family-run estaminet or tavern that looks as if it hasn't changed for several generations. The food is traditional Belgian and French, with dishes such as stoemp and goat's cheese salad, and plenty of offal, including kidneys, brain, tripe and liver. Métro Ste Cathérine. Open 11am-midnight Mon-Sat; food served noon-3pm, 6.30-10.30pm. Average 800 BF.
type: Cheap
address: 1 place Ste Cathérine, 1000 Brussels
tel: 02 - 511 62 21
Brussels is badly supplied with ethnic restaurants and many of those tend to dumb down their flavours to suit local tastes. This comfortable little Japanese restaurant, hidden in one of the city’s grimier side streets, is an exception. Chef Saito Harumi’s sushi is as delicious as any you’ll find in Tokyo. Closed Sun lunchtime & Tues.
type: Asian
address: 28 Rue du Fossé aux Loups
tel: +32 (2) 217 56 39
L'Achepot
Small and basic family-run estaminet or tavern that looks as if it hasn't changed for several generations. The food is traditional Belgian and French, with dishes such as stoemp and goat's cheese salad, and plenty of offal, including kidneys, brain, tripe and liver. Métro Ste Cathérine. Open 11am-midnight Mon-Sat; food served noon-3pm, 6.30-10.30pm. Average 800 BF.
type: Cheap
address: 1 place Ste Cathérine, 1000 Brussels
tel: 02 - 511 62 21
Comme Chez Soi
What to say about Belgium’s most famous restaurant that has not been said many times before? Perhaps that it’s much smaller than you expect - just 40 places, on bistro-style banquettes. Also that it’s refreshingly unpretentious, despite its glittering reputation. Comme Chez Soi is still fronted by courtly Pierre Wynants. For a business lunch with a difference, up to 30 diners can be seated at a special table in the kitchen - offering a unique view of the small army of chefs, working feverishly to produce food of sublime quality & refinement. Closed Sun, Mon.
type: Belgian
tel: +32 (2) 512 29 21
What to say about Belgium’s most famous restaurant that has not been said many times before? Perhaps that it’s much smaller than you expect - just 40 places, on bistro-style banquettes. Also that it’s refreshingly unpretentious, despite its glittering reputation. Comme Chez Soi is still fronted by courtly Pierre Wynants. For a business lunch with a difference, up to 30 diners can be seated at a special table in the kitchen - offering a unique view of the small army of chefs, working feverishly to produce food of sublime quality & refinement. Closed Sun, Mon.
type: Belgian
tel: +32 (2) 512 29 21
Chez
Léon
One of Belgium's most successful culinary exports, Chez Léon works to a simple formula: big portions of mussels and chips, paper tablecloths, brisk (sometimes impatient) service and a quick turnover. Locals sneer at it, and it's certainly not the place for a romantic tryst, but it's good value and popular with every nationality other than the Belgians. There are other branches in the Bruparck in Heysel, and at Waterloo. Métro Bourse. Open noon-11pm daily. Average 850 BF. Menu 595-970 BF.
type: Belgian
address: 18 rue des Bouchers
tel: 02 - 511 14 15
One of Belgium's most successful culinary exports, Chez Léon works to a simple formula: big portions of mussels and chips, paper tablecloths, brisk (sometimes impatient) service and a quick turnover. Locals sneer at it, and it's certainly not the place for a romantic tryst, but it's good value and popular with every nationality other than the Belgians. There are other branches in the Bruparck in Heysel, and at Waterloo. Métro Bourse. Open noon-11pm daily. Average 850 BF. Menu 595-970 BF.
type: Belgian
address: 18 rue des Bouchers
tel: 02 - 511 14 15
La Khaima
It is hard to imagine that you are still in Brussels when you enter this authentic Moroccan restaurant. The walls, ceiling and floor are all draped in Moroccan carpets, the staff are dressed in authentic clothes, the tables are large round copper trays. The only difference between this and a Nomad's tent are the wicker chairs and the cushioned benches. Of course the food follows its interior; there's a wide selection of "Tajines" and "Couscous". Average cost per person: BEF 1200 (EUR 30). Open: 12am-2.30pm & 7pm-11pm Mon-Sun
type: Asian
address: 1390 Chaussée de Wavre
tel: +32 2 675 0004
It is hard to imagine that you are still in Brussels when you enter this authentic Moroccan restaurant. The walls, ceiling and floor are all draped in Moroccan carpets, the staff are dressed in authentic clothes, the tables are large round copper trays. The only difference between this and a Nomad's tent are the wicker chairs and the cushioned benches. Of course the food follows its interior; there's a wide selection of "Tajines" and "Couscous". Average cost per person: BEF 1200 (EUR 30). Open: 12am-2.30pm & 7pm-11pm Mon-Sun
type: Asian
address: 1390 Chaussée de Wavre
tel: +32 2 675 0004
La Rose Blanche - De witte roos
Taverne and restaurant right in the centre of town, open every day from
10am.
type: Belgian
address: Grand Place, Grote Markt 11
tel: 02 - 513 64 79
Les 4 Saisons
Well known first class restaurant. With Frédéric Gonzalez
taking over from the brilliant but unassuming Dutch chef André Smit
its reputation grows. The food is still excellent value: genuine haute
cuisine that is sophisticated without being pretentious, seasoned with
an occasional hint of southern France, where Gonzalez learned his skills.
The luxurious decor, including stained-glass cupola, is what locals fondly
believe to be ‘the British look’. Closed Sat lunchtime & all
Sun.
type: Belgian
address: 2 Rue de l’Homme Chrétien
tel: +32 (2) 505 51 00
Brasserie Au Beaumes de Venise
A favourite retreat of locals in the snobby southern commune of Uccle. Decor is traditional without succumbing to cliché, while culinary style is several cuts above your average bistro nosh. A seasonal menu offers four choices of starter, main course & dessert for around BFr1,000. But call ahead, because the 40 available places are invariably occupied. Closed Sun and Mon.
type: Belgian
address: 62 Rue Darwin
tel: +32 (2) 343 82 93
A favourite retreat of locals in the snobby southern commune of Uccle. Decor is traditional without succumbing to cliché, while culinary style is several cuts above your average bistro nosh. A seasonal menu offers four choices of starter, main course & dessert for around BFr1,000. But call ahead, because the 40 available places are invariably occupied. Closed Sun and Mon.
type: Belgian
address: 62 Rue Darwin
tel: +32 (2) 343 82 93
La
Mosaïque
An excellent choice if you’re looking for somewhere small but classy near Avenue Louise. All revolves around the slight figure of Joël Crasset - a talented cook who worked at top restaurants such as Bruneau before taking over La Mosaïque. He personally slaves over a hot stove and can feed just 35 lucky mouths at each sitting, but if you’re not partial to rich pickings like foie gras, don’t bother. Closed Sat lunchtime & all Sun.
type: Belgian
address: 23 Rue Forestière
tel: +32 (2) 649 02 35
An excellent choice if you’re looking for somewhere small but classy near Avenue Louise. All revolves around the slight figure of Joël Crasset - a talented cook who worked at top restaurants such as Bruneau before taking over La Mosaïque. He personally slaves over a hot stove and can feed just 35 lucky mouths at each sitting, but if you’re not partial to rich pickings like foie gras, don’t bother. Closed Sat lunchtime & all Sun.
type: Belgian
address: 23 Rue Forestière
tel: +32 (2) 649 02 35
Nico Central
The arrival of London super-chef Nico Ladenis, with a branded restaurant in the Swissôtel, was not enthusiastically received by the local gastro-press. Opinions mellowed, however, as they got to know the food and worked out it was actually being prepared by a vrai Belge, Philippe Lecomte. In fact, that special Ladenis touch is clearly evident in the best of Lecomte’s dishes, especially the sublime sauces. Closed Sun.
type: Belgian
address: 19 rue du Parnasse
tel: +32 (2) 505 25 78
The arrival of London super-chef Nico Ladenis, with a branded restaurant in the Swissôtel, was not enthusiastically received by the local gastro-press. Opinions mellowed, however, as they got to know the food and worked out it was actually being prepared by a vrai Belge, Philippe Lecomte. In fact, that special Ladenis touch is clearly evident in the best of Lecomte’s dishes, especially the sublime sauces. Closed Sun.
type: Belgian
address: 19 rue du Parnasse
tel: +32 (2) 505 25 78
Totem
Hidden behind Grand Place this small and fashionable restaurant is the hit with Brussels Vegetarians, who comes for the friendly atmosphere and wholesome food - organic soups, fresh salads, tofu ... quiet cheap, good choice of wines. Metro: Bourse
type: Belgian
address: rue des Grands Carmes 6
Hidden behind Grand Place this small and fashionable restaurant is the hit with Brussels Vegetarians, who comes for the friendly atmosphere and wholesome food - organic soups, fresh salads, tofu ... quiet cheap, good choice of wines. Metro: Bourse
type: Belgian
address: rue des Grands Carmes 6
La
fiancée du pirate
Kitchen open from 12 am till 2 pm and from 7 pm till 1 am. The one and only Madagascan restaurant in Belgium.
type: African
address: 37 Place de la Vieille Halle aux Blés, 1000 Brussels
tel: 02/502 72 56
Kitchen open from 12 am till 2 pm and from 7 pm till 1 am. The one and only Madagascan restaurant in Belgium.
type: African
address: 37 Place de la Vieille Halle aux Blés, 1000 Brussels
tel: 02/502 72 56
Chaochow City
Large, bustling Kantonese restaurant with mainly Oriental guests, which must be a good sign. The dim-sum and the steamed fish are great. Daily special at lunch-time for 125 BEF (3 EUR), from 5-9pm a larger special can be ordered for 190 BEF (4.75 EUR), at noontime on Sundays you can partake in a phantasmogoric eat-till-you-drop buffet for 515 BEF (12 EUR). Open: 11am-12.30am Daily
type: Asian
address: 89 boulevard Anspach
tel: +32 2 512 37 56
Large, bustling Kantonese restaurant with mainly Oriental guests, which must be a good sign. The dim-sum and the steamed fish are great. Daily special at lunch-time for 125 BEF (3 EUR), from 5-9pm a larger special can be ordered for 190 BEF (4.75 EUR), at noontime on Sundays you can partake in a phantasmogoric eat-till-you-drop buffet for 515 BEF (12 EUR). Open: 11am-12.30am Daily
type: Asian
address: 89 boulevard Anspach
tel: +32 2 512 37 56
Apocalypse
Near the campusses of the two Free Universities (one French, one Dutch) you will find this excellent Vietnamese restaurant. Delicious food, nice interior and sit-in-the-garden facilities in summertime. Open: midday-11pm Mo-Fri.; weekends only evenings. Take bus 95/96.
type: Asian
address: 20 Avenue Adolphe Buyl
tel: +32 2 647 07 18
Near the campusses of the two Free Universities (one French, one Dutch) you will find this excellent Vietnamese restaurant. Delicious food, nice interior and sit-in-the-garden facilities in summertime. Open: midday-11pm Mo-Fri.; weekends only evenings. Take bus 95/96.
type: Asian
address: 20 Avenue Adolphe Buyl
tel: +32 2 647 07 18
Bruneau
Bruneau is impressing. It is a haughty restaurant near the Koekelberg basilica. Jean-Pierre Bruneau is a brilliantly creative chef. Sleek decor provides a perfect setting for his exquisite designer cuisine. Look for classics with a modern inflection, such as coucou de Malines. Closed Tues evening & all Wed.
type: Belgian
address: 75 Avenue Broustin
tel: +32 (2) 427 69 78
Bruneau is impressing. It is a haughty restaurant near the Koekelberg basilica. Jean-Pierre Bruneau is a brilliantly creative chef. Sleek decor provides a perfect setting for his exquisite designer cuisine. Look for classics with a modern inflection, such as coucou de Malines. Closed Tues evening & all Wed.
type: Belgian
address: 75 Avenue Broustin
tel: +32 (2) 427 69 78