Le Pilea - Brasserie
When you walk into Le Pilea Brasserie in Uccle, you quickly feel the mix of tradition and new beginnings. The owners, David San, born in Cambodia, and his wife Dorothéa, with Belgian and Italian roots from the Amalfi coast, opened the doors on June 1st, 2024.
The space they chose has quite a story. With a little digging, I found an old article from La DH (December 2017) that explained the address has been home to a restaurant since the 1920s. First known as Le Vélodrome, then Le Churchill, and in 1984 it became L’Estanquet, an institution in Brussels with a brasserie kitchen worthy of the best Parisian tables.
As a child, David used to come to L’Estanquet with his parents, keeping nothing but fond memories of the place. Fast forward a generation, and one day his own son called him after school: the iconic address at Avenue Winston Churchill 148 had a “for rent” sign in the window. David and Dorothéa, ready for a new adventure, didn’t hesitate. They dialed the number, and within just 20 minutes, they had taken over this legendary establishment and gave it a new name: Le Pilea.
This isn’t their first project together. They first opened La Posa, a little sandwich shop in the Galeries de la Bascule, where people came not only for fresh sandwiches but also for a comforting daily special at lunchtime. Their loyal clients kept asking for something more—“Why not a place to come in the evening too?” Backed by the encouragement of their neighborhood, David and Dorothéa took the leap and launched Le Pilea.
One of the best ways to discover Le Pilea is through their lunch special. For €23.50 you get a starter and a main course, with the option of adding a dessert for just €5 more. The dishes change regularly with the seasons, but always stay rooted in the spirit of a Brussels brasserie—fresh, generous, and made to comfort. It’s a perfect excuse to step away from the office or enjoy a relaxed midday meal on their sunny terrace.
Today, the brasserie is open all day. At lunch and dinner, you’ll find Belgian classics like filet américain, salmon with béarnaise, and of course, grey shrimp croquettes. The chalkboard suggestions are just as original as they are delicious, always staying true to the spirit of a Brussels brasserie. In the afternoon, the doors stay open as a tea room, where you can pause for homemade cakes, coffee, or a good Belgian beer.
David himself is no stranger to the restaurant world. As a student, he gained experience in several Brussels institutions, including Bon Soir Clara, Callens Café, and even as manager of the VIP lounge at Francorchamps.
With Le Pilea, he and Dorothéa are writing the next chapter of a long culinary history—one where warm hospitality, Belgian tradition, and their own story come together under one roof.
Le Pliea - Brasserie
Av. Winston Churchill 148A, 1180 Uccle
CALL 02 315 75 85
Reserve a table
Wheelchair accessible
Open Tuesday to Sunday from 11:00 to 22:00
Kitchen is open for lunch and dinner
Afternoon Tea-Room
