Since its inauguration in 1953, Villa Lorraine restaurant has been a veritable gastronomic institution in Brussels. The first restaurant outside France to receive 3 Michelin Stars, the restaurant reflects elegance through its cuisine as well as the exquisite decor. Fine food lovers won't be disappointed. Every detail counts here, from what's on your plates and in your glasses to its decor, ambiance and fine service. The restaurant also boasts an on-site boutique, smoking room and a large room available for private events.
What began as a quaint brasserie in 1892, is now a remarkable, multiple Michelin-star restaurant, La Paix. Bidding adieu to the steak frites staple, Chef David Martin took over the reins in 2004 and presented an award-winning multiculti cuisine. Seated amidst an elegant dining room, which is adorned with a captivating display of origami cranes, diners can savor an exemplary blend of Belgian and French cuisines, spruced with Japanese flavors. Comprising local ingredients, the dishes here are inspired by traditional recipes, but incorporate just the right amount of innovation. Reserve a table at La Paix at the earliest to relish a sublime meal.
This intimate restaurant in Saint-Gilles has been garnering rave accolades since it opened, for its ingredient-driven approach and highly creative cooking. The restaurant interiors are well laid-out, with minimalistic furnishings and decor choices. Black has a conspicuous presence in the design, from the table-tops and the banquettes to an entire wall. The mosaic-tiled floor and ceilings add a nice touch. The food menu is a straightforward eight course, regularly changing affair, and won't confuse you with too many choices. Artisanal ingredients, inventive cooking and impeccable presentation are the hallmarks of the kitchen, and are bound to delight. The wine list throws up excellent pairing options. Reservations are recommended.
This hidden gem of an eatery is more than it appears. A warm cozy interior with walls painted in soft soothing shades of brown, wooden floorboards, candlelight and white table linen are the formula for this snug restaurant. While Le Petit Boxeur may be on the quainter side, the cuisine here is absolutely spectacular. The food is classic and traditional Belgian cuisine, but with a touch of modern technique and presentation.
For a few years now, this has been the hang-out of the local hip crowd. In this exquisite brasserie where the décor leans toward distinct accents from the seventies, Belgian culinary specialties are prepared according to traditional recipes. While you're enjoying the wonderful dishes you can also enjoy the great modern art on the walls like the original works by Alechinsky. The is is not only a hip place, but also a great restaurant.
Run by film producer Daniel van Avermaet, Au Stekerlapatte is popular thanks to its young clientele, unpretentious cuisine and reasonable prices. Just off Boulevard de Waterloo and close to the Palace of Justice, it caters to business people and tourists. The steak and spare ribs come highly recommended. The beer list is impressive, and you can order wine by the centimeter. Whenever there is a film festival in Brussels, this is the place to see stars. The menu is in French and Dutch and includes the city's traditional dishes.
If you're looking for a place to enjoy lots of small bites and great drinks with friends just steps from the Grand Place, head to Tapas Locas. Choose from a good variety of both hot and cold Spanish and Mediterranean tapas and small plates like fried chorizo, manchego cheese, patatas bravas and much more to go along with their tasty sangria. The friendly and colorful restaurant provides the perfect atmosphere for a fun and lively night out.
Once an ironmonger's shop and now a trendy restaurant, this charming bistro is visited regularly by famous people from all over Europe including Helmut Kohl, Gérard Depardieu and The Gipsy Kings. It serves delicious meat dishes including seasonal game and fish. Oysters and the seafood platter are house specialties. Lunch is served from Monday to Friday, as is the so-called What The Bosses are Having Today three-course meal. The menu changes weekly according to the availability of fresh ingredients.
The Wild Geese is a great place to unwind and relax, or meet people who stroll in from all over the world. This is the Eurocrat's favorite after-work drinking spot and it will be your favorite too after a long day of sightseeing or business meetings. Filled with wooden tables and benches, the pub offers plenty of room to saddle up at the lively bar or indulge in some privacy in the corner. This joyous establishment is packed with enthusiastic revelers and game-watching patrons throughout the week.
In operation since 1921, Aux Armes de Bruxelles, located on the bustling rue des Bouchers, manages to still be one of the most popular in the neighborhood. It boasts among its past patrons Placido Domingo, as well as King Léopold III. Its three salons (the Rotonde, the Brasserie and the Bodega), can accommodate from 15 to 160 guests. The kitchen serves traditional cuisine, including oysters, an array of seafood, cheese fondue, meat and poultry. Try the cod in mussels sauce. This place is not inexpensive, but it's definitely worth the money.
Fenikshof is a European bistro set in a verdant environment The outdoor patio is planted with rich foliage and surrounded by the countryside and a historic abbey. Besides the main dining room, the restaurant offers three smaller rooms perfect for lunch meetings or private parties.