Le Plattesteen has been a beloved part of Brussels' scene forever—or at least since 1936, to be exact! Nestled in the Quartier St-Jacques, it's surrounded by classic Brussels charm and history, just a hop, skip, and a jump away from the Grand Place and Manneken Pis. This place is as down-to-earth as it gets—no frills, just good vibes and even better food. Here you can savor Belgian classics like vol-au-vent, carbonnade à la flamande, chicon gratin, or spaghetti bolognaise. Stepping into Le Plattesteen feels like a nostalgic journey to childhood, where family lunches were savored amidst comfor ..read more

Chez Jacques is back in business after its winter break, and we couldn’t be happier! This fish market institution sits just in front of Sainte-Catherine metro station, a place I visit at least once a month. Everything is delicious! This time, we opted for their €34 evening menu, which offers a choice of two starters, two mains, and two desserts. It's a fantastic deal for such high-quality food. I highly recommend their fish dishes; the chef prepares them perfectly every time. Additionally, they offer some delightful meat dishes, and when in season, their mussels are a true delight! Don’t miss ..read more

With 18 years of experience in the restaurant business, Beijingya is a staple in the Chinese community. Just a few steps from Place Sainte-Catherine, this authentic Chinese restaurant promises to delight your taste buds without breaking the bank. The portions here are generous and reasonably priced, with main dishes ranging from 13€ to 19€. Tonight, we started with nems and gyozas to share. For the main course, we savored the duck with Chinese mushrooms, chicken Kung Pao, and Peking duck. Every dish was exceptional—crunchy vegetables, tender and juicy meat, and perfect sauces. I can't find an ..read more

True to its name, Crush is undoubtedly a place that you can easily fall in love with. This charming bistro at Place du Béguinage is just a street away from the fish market and Sainte-Catherine metro station. I've had the pleasure of dining here twice in the last couple of months, and their côte à l’os is truly remarkable. Served with delicious fries, three sauces (béarnaise, pepper, and mushroom), and a side salad, this dish is both generous and bursting with flavor. Designed for two people at 69€, and our heartwarming pain perdu with salty caramel was only 10€. The service is laid-back, frie ..read more

Au Repos de la Montagne has recently reopened under new ownership in October, and one of the most charming parts of Brussels is now even more delightful with its presence. Situated just up a short hill at Place de Saint-Job in Uccle, this charming little restaurant holds a rich history, having once been a pigeon house before being lovingly restored into a quaint establishment. The restaurant offers classic dishes that are sure to warm your heart. Additionally, once a month, they open exceptionally on Sundays for a spectacular cheese fondue event. The prices are budget-friendly, and the servic ..read more

On Christmas Eve 2023, it was just the two of us, and I wanted to make the evening special. Having spent time compiling a list of restaurants for the holidays, I decided to follow my own recommendation this year. Al Piccolo Mondo had an outstanding menu available on December 24th, and the ambiance was perfect for celebrating this special day. One of my favorite places in Brussels, this longstanding institution has been open since 1979. Initially founded by Leo Spagnuolo, it is now skillfully managed by his two sons, Valerio and Olivier. When I describe this restaurant to others, I often say i ..read more

On a cold November evening, nothing warms the heart like a comforting meal at In t’ Spinnekopke. This historical establishment in the center of Brussels is one of those unique places where you feel like you're walking back in time. The old wooden doors and creaking floors add to the charm and welcome you in like a warm hug. When I finished work yesterday, all I wanted was the comfort of mashed potatoes and gravy. And in these moments, nothing else will do! Luckily, they were able to accommodate us last minute (I recommend reserving as much as possible; they fill up quickly!). So, stoemp sauci ..read more

On the Brussels pedestrian street Marché au Charbon sits a little gem: a tiny bistro brimming with charm and warmth, serving bistronomy cuisine in its finest form. It's well worth discovering. This creation by Nancy Delsanne and Grégory Huon is a perfect extension to their wine bar and épicerie fine, also named Jardin des olives, just two doors away. The dishes were inventive and beautifully presented. We started with mussels in a potato espuma, topped with finely cut little fries and powdered seaweed, along with black pudding scotch eggs. We were impressed—both were superb. We followed up wi ..read more

Being myself north American, I’m naturally a big fan of smokey ribs and meats. Holy Smoke won’t disappoint your BBQ cravings. With a smoker imported from Dallas USA and using only oak wood to slow cook their meats, it’s absolutely beautiful thing! They have great sandwiches for lunch and you absolutely must try their smoked butter potatoes! They have a extensive selection of whiskeys, ryes and bourbons. Easy to get to, right in front of Porte de Hal in Saint-Gilles, 2 minute walk from the metro. Reservations strongly suggested! Holy SmokeAv. de la Prte de Hal 9/10 1060 Bruxelles CALL 02 503 6 ..read more

The 1040 restaurant is one of those fine dining experiences that kind of takes your breath away. Situated in the Sofitel Hotel, presiding over Place Jourdan, a lively square a few steps away from Leopold Parc. Chef Jean-Philippe Watteyne and chef Gabriele Petrucci have sought out the best of the Belgian terroir to delight the taste buds. Everything is prepared with care and thought. You can expect impeccable wines and professional service. But I think what surprised me the most with The 1040 is it’s interior. It invites you to enjoy a moment of pleasure and you just know you’re going to feel ..read more