World City Guide

Restaurants

The selected restaurants have been divided into five categories: Gastronomic, Business, Trendy, Budget and Personal Recommendations. The categories serve as guidelines rather than absolute definitions of the establishments.

Most restaurants in Brussels include VAT, which currently stands at 6%, and a service charge of 16%, within their prices. Nevertheless, most diners will round up their bill to leave a few extra euros or leave around an extra 5% of the bill if the service is very good.

The prices quoted below are for an average three-course meal for one, and for a bottle of house wine or cheapest equivalent; they include service charges and taxes but not tip.

Gastronomic

Comme Chez Soi
The fame of this intimate little restaurant, decorated in Belle Epoque style, extends worldwide. Chef Pierre Wynants, with help from his son-in-law Lionel Rigolet, serves French cuisine to justify its three Michelin stars. Specialities include fillets of sole with a mousseline of Riesling or prawn and apricot soufflé with crunchy pistachios and red fruits. Advanced booking is strongly recommended. Closed Sunday and Monday.

Place Rouppe 23
Tel: (02) 512 2921. Fax: (02) 511 8052.
E-mail: info@commechezsoi.be
Website: www.commechezsoi.be
Price: ¬80. Wine: ¬30.

De Bijgaarden
Situated a 20-minute drive from central Brussels, De Bijgaarden is the territory of chef Olivier Schlissinger – his French-style creations in this wooden panelled restaurant have been awarded two Michelin stars. Specialities include duck and goose foie gras and Colchester oysters with champagne. Closed Saturday lunchtime and Sunday, and throughout August.

Isidoor van Beverenstrat 20, Groot-Bijgaarden
Tel: (02) 466 4485. Fax: (02) 463 0811.
E-mail: debijgaarden@skynet.be
Website: www.debijgaarden.be
Price: ¬70. Wine: ¬40.

La Truffe Noire
Italian chef Luigi Ciciriello is passionate about his truffles, used in just about every dish at this gastronomic, one Michelin-starred (but friendly) restaurant. Located close to avenue Louise in central Brussels, the restaurant is characterised by its rich wood and warm, gentle tones. Specialities include carpaccio truffles with olive oil and parmesan, lobster risotto with truffles, and, for dessert, black chocolate truffle with spun sugar and raspberry sauce. An extensive wine cellar of fine Italian and French bottles, offers the perfect accompaniment to any meal. Special business menus are available at lunchtime and private lounges on the first floor may be booked for groups of up to 20 guests. Closed Saturday lunchtime and Sunday.

Those with a passion for truffles but with less time to linger should head for the sister establishment, the cheaper L’Atelier de la Truffe Noire, avenue Louise 300 (Price: ¬35).

Boulevard de la Cambre 12
Tel: (02) 640 4422. Fax: (02) 647 9704.
E-mail: info@truffenoire.com
Website: www.truffenoire.com
Price: ¬50. Wine: ¬40.

La Villa Lorraine
Located in the Uccle district, on the edge of the Bois de la Cambre, this very smart restaurant, with impeccable, white tablecloths, has large windows overlooking dense greenery. During summer, there is a lovely garden for alfresco dining. The cuisine, created by chef Freddy Vandecasserie, is classical French and specialities include sole Lorraine, broccoli terrine with wild asparagus or lobster with turmeric and coconut milk. There is an extensive wine list, ranging from agreeable, reasonably priced wines to vintage wine from the Villa’s cellar. Ideal to impress that important client. The establishment offers a series of gracious private rooms, which are ideal for business lunches and banquets – special business menus can be created to order. A suit is required dress (for men) here. One Michelin star, closed Sunday.

Chaussée de la Hulpe 28
Tel: (02) 374 3163. Fax: (02) 372 0195.
E-mail: info@villalorraine.be
Website: www.villalorraine.be
Price: ¬55. Wine: ¬20.

Restaurant Bruneau
Chef Jean-Pierre Bruneau, one of the city’s finest and most innovative chefs, has been awarded two Michelin stars for his classic French cuisine with a contemporary twist. Designer dishes are served at Restaurant Bruneau (located in the Ganshoren district, close to the Koekelberg Basilica) against the backdrop of a modern decor and serious atmosphere. This is a temple of fine food – offering a choice of seafood, meat and game dishes. Dishes include coucou de malines (chicken stuffed with truffles), ravioli filled with celery and truffles or lobster with truffles and light vinegar sauce. Closed Tuesday, Wednesday and throughout August.

Avenue Broustin 75
Tel: (02) 421 7070. Fax: (02) 425 9726.
E-mail: bruneau@skynet.be
Website: www.bruneau.be
Price: ¬45. Wine: ¬25.

Business

Au Bon Coin
Serving modern Belgian and French style cuisine, this brasserie-style venue is ideal for a quicker meal on a reasonable budget. A good range of fish and meat dishes is on offer, and during the week a three-course business lunch is available at just ¬19. Located at the Renaissance Hotel, close to the European Union buildings.
Rue du Parnasse 19
Tel: (02) 505 2581. Fax: (02) 503 2950.
Website: www.auboncoin.be
Price: ¬35. Wine: ¬20.

La Maison du Boeuf
The Hilton’s gourmet restaurant, La Maison du Boeuf (‘House of Beef’), specialises in roast beef and steaks, cooked to a Michelin-starred level of perfection. The decor is contemporary and unobtrusive and the service is discreet, making this an ideal venue for high-level business meetings.

Hilton Brussels (First Floor), boulevard de Waterloo 38
Tel: (02) 504 1111. Fax: (02) 504 2111.
Website: www.hilton.com
Price: ¬100. Wine: ¬40.

La Maison du Cygne
Karl Marx sweated over his Communist Manifesto at this address, when it was a bustling tavern. These days, La Maison du Cygne (‘The House of the Swan’) is a refined gourmet restaurant, decorated in wooden panelling and beams, with paintings on the wall. It serves classic dishes, such as foie gras and truffles, in the best location possible in Brussels – the Grand-Place. At lunchtime, this is the favoured venue for businesspeople lucky enough to dine on their expense account. Closed Saturday lunchtime, Sunday and August 1-21.

Grand-Place 9
Tel: (02) 511 8244. Fax: (02) 514 3148.
E-mail: info@lemaisonducygne.be
Website: www.lamaisonducygne.be
Price: ¬70. Wine: ¬20.

Le Fils de Jules
Close to restaurant La Quincaillerie in the Ixelles district, this popular brasserie, decorated in Art Deco style, specialises in cooking from the Basque country and southwest France, with offerings such as hot duck foie gras with prunes or tuna steak with onions. There is also a fine selection of French and Spanish wines. Relaxed, friendly and tourist-free, this is a good place for one to meet for a business lunch. Closed lunchtime Saturday and Sunday, and Mondays in winter.

Rue du Page 35
Tel: (02) 534 0057. Fax: (02) 534 5200.
E-mail: info@filsdejules.be
Website: www.filsdejules.be
Price: ¬45. Wine: ¬20.

Sea Grill
Brussels’ top fish and seafood restaurant, located in the SAS Radisson Hotel and decorated in muted style, is a cauldron for chef Yves Mattagne’s creative cooking. Food of this quality (the Sea Grill has been awarded two Michelin stars) does not come cheap. However, it is an ideal venue for business lunches for those who are intent on impressing their clients with mouthwatering dishes such as baked sea bass with truffles and thyme. Closed Saturday and Sunday.

Rue du Fossé-aux-Loups 47
Tel: (02) 227 3120. Fax: (02) 219 6262.
E-mail: admin.seagrill@radissonsas.com
Website: www.seagrill.be
Price: ¬100. Wine: ¬30.

Trendy

Bonsoir Clara
Bonsoir Clara distinguishes itself from the host of trendy restaurants in the boutique-lined rue Antoine Dansaert by its theatrical decor (a whole wall is decorated in colourful, patchwork squares) and imaginative, international cuisine. The menu excels in its fish dishes (a house speciality is salmon marinated in spices) but there are also good meat and vegetarian options. The clientele is chic and arty. Closed Saturday and Sunday lunchtimes.

Rue Antoine Dansaert 22-26
Tel: (02) 502 0990. Fax: (02) 502 5557.
E-mail: info@bonsoirclara.be
Website: www.bonsoirclara.be
Price: ¬35. Wine: ¬20.

In’t Spinnekopke
The name translates as ‘In the Spider’s Web’ but despite its bizarre appellation, this is an extremely popular venue, offering a wide selection of local beers in this inviting tavern atmosphere. Old beer posters on the walls and wainscot and wooden benches help to create this relaxed style. There are also interesting and tempting menu items available at very reasonable prices, including local specialities such as waterzooi, poached kabeljau and a variety of mussel casseroles – with sauces including white wine, curry or waterzooi.

Place du Jardin aux Fleurs 1
Tel: (02) 511 8695. Fax: (02) 513 2497.
E-mail: info@spinnekopke.be
Website: www.spinnekopke.be
Price: ¬35. Wine: ¬15.

Le Living Room
The open invitation to feel at home in this former hotel turned ultra-trendy restaurant, situated in the St Gilles district, is hard to turn down. On the menu at this light and airy restaurant is East Asian-inspired fusion cuisine, including sushi and sashimi, served in a cosmopolitan atmosphere to a hip clientele.

Chaussée de Charleroi 50
Tel: (02) 539 2111. Fax: (02) 538 0779.
E-mail: info@lelivingroom.be
Website: www.lelivingroom.be
Price: ¬50. Wine: ¬20.

Lola
Located close to the antiques quarter, Lola serves classic French cuisine, lifted with a contemporary touch, to an arty 30-something crowd. The long, narrow interior is sleek and modern but has a 1960s retro feel. Chef Larbi Ouriaghi’s specialities include duck with mango, although vegetarians will enjoy the vegetable risotto flavoured with garlic, mushrooms, parmesan and fresh basil, as well as the copious salads. Closed throughout August.

Place du Grand-Sablon 33
Tel: (02) 514 2460. Fax: (02) 514 2653.
Price: ¬50. Wine: ¬20.

Zen Asian Lounge
An unusual lounge-style decor distinguishes this cosy restaurant close to Bruparck and the Atomium. The food is imaginative, drawing on a variety of Asian styles to offer a broad range of light but extremely tasty dishes. Curries, seafood and many other choices available.

Rue de Wand 114
Tel: (02) 268 6696.
E-mail: contact@zen-lounge.com
Website: www.zen-lounge.com
Price: ¬30. Wine: ¬20.

Budget

Bleu de Toi
Corinne Ceuleman’s intimate two-floor restaurant, with its welcoming blue façade and rich, decadent interior, serves brasserie-style cuisine in a relaxed environment. The house speciality is bintje (a special Netherlands-developed potato variety), which come with a wide choice of stuffings, from lobster to smoked salmon, caviar, veal or snails. Desserts include ice cream with spéculoos (Belgian ginger biscuit) and oriental nougat. Guests can choose to dine in the chilled-out blue room or more buzzy, red room upstairs. Group bookings (for up to 16 people) are available. Closed Saturday lunchtime and all day Sunday.

Rue des Alexiens 73
Tel/Fax: (02) 502 4371.
Website: www.bleudetoi.be
Price: ¬30. Wine: ¬25.

Chez Léon
This popular brasserie chain is best known for its generous portions of moules frites (mussels and chips), although it also serves other traditional brasserie fare. Visitors seeking a relaxing or romantic atmosphere should not opt for Chez Léon – the tablecloths are paper and everyone (staff and diners included) seems to be in a bit of a rush. However, this centrally located venue, a stone’s throw from the Grand-Place, does offer an authentic experience of basic Belgian cuisine. Outdoor seating in summer.

Rue des Bouchers 18
Tel: (02) 511 1415. Fax: (02) 514 0231.
Website: www.chezleon.be
Price: ¬15. Wine: ¬15.

Le Grain de Sel
Grégory Yarm’s unpretentious family-run restaurant, beside the Ixelles lake and close to place Flagey, is a top budget option. Specialities include such delights as tomato with goat’s cheese, tuna carpaccio, pigeon with lentils or salmon tartare with cucumber and horseradish. Yarm also serves his favourite family recipes, such as his Portuguese grandmother’s recipe for sole with Elvira banana. The decor is gentle, with pretty Venetian chandeliers and simple wooden tables. During summer, there is a lovely rose garden for alfresco dining. Closed Saturday lunchtime, Sunday and Monday.

Chaussée de Vleurgat 9
Tel: (02) 648 1858. Fax: (02) 646 3579.
E-mail: graindesel@skynet.be
Price: ¬25. Wine: ¬15.

Raconte-Moi des Salades
Salad lovers will enjoy the many vegetarian and meaty options offered at this friendly restaurant, with comfortable wicker chairs and candlelit in the evening. Meat dishes include grilled beef with rosemary on a roquette and parmesan salad, while vegetarian options range from five vegetables served with salad and vinaigrette to pasta dishes. The atmosphere is relaxed and prices, bearing in mind the chic location in Ixelles, are very reasonable. During summer, there is the chance to enjoy alfresco dining. Popular with a trendy young crowd, it is wise to book in advance. Closed Sunday.

Place du Châtelain 19
Tel/Fax: (02) 534 2727.
E-mail: salades@resto.be
Website: www2.resto.be/salades
Price: ¬25. Wine: ¬15.

Touch and Go
A resolutely good-humoured staff serves tasty pitta bread stuffed with a wide variety of salads and sauces at this popular restaurant chain. There are several branches of Touch and Go situated across the city – the rue Saint Boniface branch has colourfully painted walls and large paintings. Closed Sunday.

Rue Saint Boniface 12
Tel: (02) 513 8502.
Price: ¬25. Wine: ¬15.

Branches:
Rue Edith Cavell 113
Tel: (02) 347 5494.

Rue de Livourne 131
Tel: (02) 640 5589.

Personal Recommendations

Aux Armes de Bruxelles
The winding streets surrounding the Grand-Place are oozing with restaurants but many are tourist traps. It is always a safe bet for visitors to dine at Aux Armes de Bruxelles, which serves Belgian traditional cuisine, such as waterzooi (fish or chicken in a creamy soup with vegetables), oysters or chips with mayonnaise. The surroundings are crisp and unfussy and the service friendly and efficient. Closed Monday.

Rue des Bouchers 13
Tel: (02) 511 5550. Fax: (02) 514 3381.
E-mail: arbrux@beon.be
Website: www.armebrux.be
Price: ¬40. Wine: ¬25.

Blue Elephant
This popular restaurant, intricately decorated with outsized plants, Buddhist statuary and comfortable bamboo chairs, serves high-class Thai cuisine, using fresh ingredients flown in from Bangkok. Karl Steppé’s first venture, Brussels’ Blue Elephant, opened in the 1980s to great acclaim and the winning formula has now been exported to London, Lyon, Dubai and New Delhi. Specialities include beef panang and Thai chicken curry, while tofu dishes offer good alternatives for vegetarian diners. The Blue Elephant can cater for banquets and conferences. Closed Saturday lunchtime.

Chaussée de Waterloo 1120
Tel: (02) 374 4962. Fax: (02) 375 4468.
E-mail: brussels@blueelephant.com
Website: www.blueelephant.com/brussels
Price: ¬30. Wine: ¬20.

La Quincaillerie
La Quincaillerie is one of the most renowned of the many restaurants clustered around the place du Châtelain in the Ixelles district and is always busy. Housed in a former ironmonger’s shop (hence the name), the interior retains much of the original decor, including a wrought-iron staircase, designed by students of Victor Horta (Brussels’ renowned Art Nouveau architect) in 1903. Chefs Patrick Amourette and Olivier Bellaches serve refined brasserie fare, with an emphasis on fish and seafood dishes, such as red mullet fillets with crab vinaigrette sauce. Closed Saturday and Sunday lunchtimes.

Rue du Page 43-45
Tel: (02) 533 9833. Fax: (02) 539 4095.
E-mail: info@quincaillerie.be
Website: www.quincaillerie.be
Price: ¬25. Wine: ¬20.

La Tour D’y Voir
Located in a 14th-century chapel in the antiques quarter, on the first floor above Les Vieux Sablon art gallery, this is the ideal restaurant for a romantic tête-a-tête in the evening or relaxed business lunch. Brick-face walls, low lighting and high windows create a gothic air of mystery. Owners Pascal and Tania Anciaux create an informal and creative environment with their Surprise and Prestige menu. Guests are invited to choose a fish, meat or vegetarian theme from the menu, leaving it up to the chef to improvise and come up with a mouthwatering and inventive dish. For diners who would rather choose, the menu includes such imaginative delights as grilled ostrich with ratatouille and jacket potatoes or risotto of green Breton crabs and Canadian crabmeat. Closed Saturday and Sunday lunchtime and Monday.

Place du Grand-Sablon 8
Tel: (02) 511 4043. Fax: (02) 511 0078.
E-mail: restaurant@tourdyvoir.be
Website: www.tourdyvoir.be
Price: ¬25. Wine: ¬18.

L’Idiot du Village
This is a tiny but very popular venue serving such specialities as rabbit stew with bacon or sea bass with lentils. It is necessary for guests to book in advance, as there are only eight tables. It is worth the effort. The decor is intimate and refined in blues and whites, while the menu changes regularly. Diners will, however, most likely be able to choose French favourites such as foie gras, coquilles Saint-Jacques and tatin de boudin.

Rue Notre-Seigneur 19
Tel: (02) 502 5582.
Price: ¬35. Wine: ¬25.