Brussels is a city where I have lived on and off for thirty years. It holds a special place in my heart for many reasons. For a while, I was based in Saint-Catherine, with its seafood restaurants and bustling street life in the vibrant historic center of Brussels, but now I live in the Sablon, replete with antique shops and art galleries, and about ten minutes walking from KIN. What I particularly appreciate about Brussels is how each neighborhood retains its own identity while being part of a wonderfully complex urban fabric.
(To browse the following in map form, see here.)
BREAKFAST
Café Boudin
Homemade breakfast, brunch, lunch and sandwiches, good coffee and cakes, opposite BOZAR and KIN. Although it does get busy at peak times!
Rue Ravenstein 20, 1000 (Sablon)
Petit Mercado
Cozy brunch spot that doubles as a quality corner shop and wine shop, full of great local produce.
Rue de l'hotel des monnaies 82, 1060
La Fabrique en Ville
Bright, spacious café in a converted industrial space serving seasonal brunch plates.
Bd de Waterloo 44, 1000 (Ixelles)
LUNCH
Les Brigittines
An undoubtedly refined restaurant at 5 Place de la Chapelle, housed in a beautiful historic building.
Pl. de la Chapelle 5, 1000 (Marolles)
Au Bon Bol
This is the other end of the spectrum, a no-frills place serving exceptional hand-pulled noodles, always packed with locals.
Rue Paul Devaux 9, 1000 (Centre de ville)
COFFEE BREAK
BOUCHE
A great modern café with artisan pastries and excellent coffee specialties.
Café du Sablon
Historic café in one of the most charming districts of Brussels, famous for its traditional Belgian pastries.
DINNER
Kline
Contemporary bistro with a focus on seasonal ingredients and natural wines; we eat here often!
Vlaamseseteenweg 162, 1000 (Saint-Gilles)
Ploegmans
Father-daughter team preparing traditional Belgian dishes, famous for their carbonnades flamandes (beef and onion stew).
Rue Haute 148, 1000 (Marolles)
Orphyse Chaussette
Modern European cuisine in an intimate setting, also one of our favorite places to eat after openings.
Rue Charles Hanssens 5, 1000 (Sablon)
Savage
Innovative vegan cuisine with optional meat/fish side dishes, industrial chic decor.
Place St Boniface, Rue de la Paix 22, 1050 (Ixelles)
DRINKS
Nightshop
A low-key bar with an excellent music selection, creative cocktails, and small plates to share.
Rue de Flandre 167, 1000 (Saint-Catherine)
Chez Richard
Atmospheric neighborhood bar, perfect for people-watching from the terrace. Rue des Minimes 2, 1000 (Sablon)
Rebel
Hip natural wine bar with a rotating menu of small plates.
Rue Lesbroussart 48, 1050 (Ixelles)
Lord Byron
Elegant cocktail bar with vintage decor and literary inspiration.
The Modern Alchemist
Creative cocktails in a speakeasy setting.
Av. Adolphe Demeur 55, 1060 (Saint-Gilles)
Au Daringman
Had to be added to the list even though it is permanently closed; a popular institution known for its well-poured beers, ambience, artists ...
Rue de Flandre 37, 1000 (Sainte-Catherine)
FOR BEER ENTHUSIASTS
Gist
Curated selection of Belgian beers.
Pl. de la Vieille Halle aux Blés 30, 1000 (Dansaert)
Moeder Lambic Fontainas
Essential Belgian beer experience with over forty taps.
Pl. Fontainas 8, 1000 (Centre de ville)
CLUBS
Fuse
Brussels’ legendary techno club in a former power station.
Rue Blaes 208, 1000 (Marolles)
Le Belgica
Historic café-turned-club known for its eclectic music and diverse crowd. Kolenmarkt Marché, au Charbon 32, 1000 (Gay District)