In’t Spinnekopke
A historical establishment finally gets a breath of fresh air in Brussels center.
In’t Spinnekopke was always a beautiful place to go to, in it’s 18th century building, with wood paneling and gorgeous original tiled floors, it’s easy to imagine yourself in another moment in time.
Nénu
Nénu is by far one of my top places to eat. A mecca for food sharing on a spectacular level. Situated on a pedestrian parallel street from Avenue Louise in Saint-Gilles, it’s a nice contrast from the high fashion shopping area. On my last visit, my daughter and I had a memorable lunch, sipping cocktails and watching the chef and his team do their thing in the open kitchen.
La Bonne Chère
La Bonne Chère, in Les Marolles, is without a doubt one of the best restaurants I’ve tried in the last year. To be tested and retested without moderation! We also love their motto: “Dieu donne la viande, le diable les cuisiniers”. Translation: “God gives us meat, the Devil gives us cooks”. You’re in for a good time!
Gramm
The owner and chef of Gramm is Kenzo Nakata. His Breton and Japanese ancestry compliments many of his dishes. A little yuzu here and some miso there, it all comes together in delicate tones to please the palate. Every dish is well thought out and in Japanese precision.
Chez Felix
In a beautiful part of Schaerbeek, among the centennial villas and mature trees, sits Chez Felix. Born as a wine bar, it has grown to be much more than a place to sample delicious wines, the food is also something to write home about.
Le Wine Bar des Marolles
In the heart of the historic area of Brussels, Les Marolles, is Le Wine Bar des Marolles. Created by Vincent Thomaes in 2007, after 25 years as sommelier at Château du Mylord in Ellezelles (a two star Michelin establishment). Vincent and his very talented team continue to amaze us with, of course, an incredible wine card, but also with their food.
Crème
Crème is also located on one of my favorite streets in the center, Rollebeek street. Even on a Wednesday afternoon, the place was full of young people chatting away, and feeling completely at home. It was a welcoming sight.
Chandigarh
Chandigarh, a vegetarian and vegan must near the Botanic concert hall and gardens. The combination of spices, textures and flavors are so pleasing and surprising. Every bite is a delight for the senses. The restaurant has a beautiful interior and very attentive service.
Belle Maraîchère
Belle Maraîchère has been a staple of Place Sainte-Catherine since 1973. No matter what you order, it will be exquisite and beautifully presented. I always refer to it as the Classic of all Classics. This is the place you come to when you have something to celebrate or when you just want to treat yourself.
Savage
Savage is a culinary experience that brings your taste buds on an adventure. The very inventive dishes are filled with preparations such as pickled and fermented vegetables, slowly cooked cod and aburi torched mackerel. This is a refined cuisine that leans towards quality, instead of quantity.
Beaucoup Belge
What i thought would be a simple lunch turned into a culinary discovery that is more than worth writing home about! I was so pleased to see that Beaucoup Belge goes much further than traditional Belgian food. Of course, a few classics will be found. But they go above and beyond all that and certainly have their place amongst the big boys in and around Place Ste-Catherine.
Ploegmans
You can’t get more authentic Brussels than in the Marolles, and their is no more “Brusseleir” than Ploegmans. Authentic Brussels food to feed your soul and warm your heart.
Meyboom
Meyboom is where you’ll find me on Wednesday lunch. As for many people, this secret little gem is a weekly favourite. A simple delicious spaghetti or croque monsieur can be just the thing when needing a little comfort food.
Henri
Sven and Jurgen Campens are sons of a well known butcher (now retired) in Beersel. So you can rest assured that any meat that comes through the door is of incredible quality. The suggestions now always includes a Dierendonck piece as well. The food menu is in two parts. The Classics include many native Belgian dishes such as Tomates Crevettes, Steak-Frites and Shrimp Croquettes. The second part are the Suggestions. They change every three weeks and include more seasonal products, following vegetable harvests and hunting seasons.
Konchu
**UPDATE** Konchu is temporarily closed due to a move to a new unknown location.
I love it when young creative people get together and make something unexpected! Meet Raphaël and Elie, creators of Konchu. A pop-up Japanese canteen with dishes that think outside the typical sushi box.
Chez Jacques
Nestled amongst the fish market (Vismaarkt / Marché aux Poissons) tourist traps is Chez Jacques. A 60 year old family owned brasserie that’s sure to please everyone . Classic Belgian dishes in a typical Brussels wood interior. Perfectly situated right in front of Sainte-Catherine metro in the centre of Brussels. Here you can depend on good honest food every time.
Old Boy
Old boy, an Asian inspired restaurant with so many ideas it will make your head spin! I never cease to be amazed by this place. their Bangkok street food inspiration is creative and simply finger linking good.
Cipiace - Parvis de Saint-Gilles
Cipiace - Which means: “We love it”, in Italian.
Last week my friend from Perugia said: “Hey, I know this great little Italian place, let’s go have dinner there”. Now, when your Italian friend, who herself makes amazing homemade pasta, asks you out to eat pasta, YOU GO!!!
Harvest
Bistro style dishes that flirt with gastronomy. If you try Moh’s sauces or risotto, you’ll know what I mean! He’s very inspired by south-western french ingredients and loves Japanese cuisine. So little influences will pop up here and there. Moh will always surprise you and you can depend on a comforting dish every time. Here you will find meat, fish and vegetarian dishes at lunch or dinner.
Les Petits Bouchons
Open during the summer from Wednesday to Saturday
Les Petits Bouchons, a place you want to go back to every week. Tom and Sylvie pour love into every dish. They have a great selection of small dishes to share, including homemade charcuteries and occasionally smoked salmon. Their shrimp croquettes are stars here, don’t hesitate, add one to your order.