Mangia Sempre
Mangia Sempre, a perfect place for an Italian aperitivo. This sweet little shop has not only great cheeses and meats to sample on their terrace but it’s also a store with delicious pasta, sauces and other Italian products to cook at home. You can wash that all down with natural wines or beers from Brasserie de la Mule and Brasserie Cantillon.
Mission Massala’s Bombay BBQ
You might know Mission Masala’s two other establishments in Antwerp and Ghent. Booming with success, they’ve now extended their kitchen to Brussels with their new address: Bombay BBQ.
Albert
Brunchers rejoice! I found an incredible brunch in Brussels at Albert. Situated on the 5th floor of the Bibliothèque royale de Belgique, Mont des Arts, this rooftop restaurant has breathtaking views and a gorgeous space in an iconic building.
Yummy Bowl
Yummy Bowl is a small restaurant around the corner from the well known “pita street”. Just a few streets away from Grande Place. They make delicious salads with all sorts of noodles, pasta and loaded with fresh veggies and herbs. Really worth a try and an easy option for a lunch on the go.
Chou Sando
I finally made my way to Chou Sando, in my continuous quest to find delicious vegetarian dishes. Perfectly situated around the corner from the Ancienne Belgique concert hall right in Brussels Centre. They specialise in Japanese Sando sandwiches. A milk based toasted bread with all sorts of fresh ingredients. I tried their Japanese omelette and it was really delicious!
Gourmet Everyday
Gourmet Everyday has been around now for 20 years. An authentic Chinese restaurant near Bourse/Beurs and Place Sainte-Catherine. Very reasonably priced!
Al Piccolo Mondo
Our dinner at Al Piccolo Mondo was like coming home to a warm hug. The smiles and greetings at the door were enough to make us feel like we were long lost friends, finally seeing each other again. Even though it was our very first visit.
Winery
Winery - La Cave à Manger. When a wine bar masters the kitchen, beautiful things happen. This little discovery at Place Brugmann today was one of those happy marriages between years of wine knowledge and creative chefs.
Entropy
Entropy is a little bit of poetry with a modern twist. Every dish is full of surprises and precision. I was very curious about Entropy, a no waste establishment, how does that work? It’s a new way of thinking and an example I’m sure will others will adopt in the future.
Nonbe Daigaku
Traditional Japanese cuisine is hard to come by outside Japan. The fine art of washoku can take up to a decade to master and is taught in a hierarchic teacher/student method. Brussels has been blessed with the knowledge of Chef Suetsugu Yosuke, now in his 70’s, who has been teaching his son Kunihiro Suetsugu for 10 years now.
In’t Spinnekopke
A historical establishment finally gets a breath of fresh air in Brussels center.
In’t Spinnekopke was always a beautiful place to go to, in it’s 18th century building, with wood paneling and gorgeous original tiled floors, it’s easy to imagine yourself in another moment in time.
Nénu
Nénu is by far one of my top places to eat. A mecca for food sharing on a spectacular level. Situated on a pedestrian parallel street from Avenue Louise in Saint-Gilles, it’s a nice contrast from the high fashion shopping area. On my last visit, my daughter and I had a memorable lunch, sipping cocktails and watching the chef and his team do their thing in the open kitchen.
La Bonne Chère
La Bonne Chère, in Les Marolles, is without a doubt one of the best restaurants I’ve tried in the last year. To be tested and retested without moderation! We also love their motto: “Dieu donne la viande, le diable les cuisiniers”. Translation: “God gives us meat, the Devil gives us cooks”. You’re in for a good time!
Gramm
The owner and chef of Gramm is Kenzo Nakata. His Breton and Japanese ancestry compliments many of his dishes. A little yuzu here and some miso there, it all comes together in delicate tones to please the palate. Every dish is well thought out and in Japanese precision.
Chez Felix
In a beautiful part of Schaerbeek, among the centennial villas and mature trees, sits Chez Felix. Born as a wine bar, it has grown to be much more than a place to sample delicious wines, the food is also something to write home about.
Le Wine Bar des Marolles
In the heart of the historic area of Brussels, Les Marolles, is Le Wine Bar des Marolles. Created by Vincent Thomaes in 2007, after 25 years as sommelier at Château du Mylord in Ellezelles (a two star Michelin establishment). Vincent and his very talented team continue to amaze us with, of course, an incredible wine card, but also with their food.
Crème
Crème is also located on one of my favorite streets in the center, Rollebeek street. Even on a Wednesday afternoon, the place was full of young people chatting away, and feeling completely at home. It was a welcoming sight.
Chandigarh
Chandigarh, a vegetarian and vegan must near the Botanic concert hall and gardens. The combination of spices, textures and flavors are so pleasing and surprising. Every bite is a delight for the senses. The restaurant has a beautiful interior and very attentive service.
Belle Maraîchère
Belle Maraîchère has been a staple of Place Sainte-Catherine since 1973. No matter what you order, it will be exquisite and beautifully presented. I always refer to it as the Classic of all Classics. This is the place you come to when you have something to celebrate or when you just want to treat yourself.
Savage
Savage is a culinary experience that brings your taste buds on an adventure. The very inventive dishes are filled with preparations such as pickled and fermented vegetables, slowly cooked cod and aburi torched mackerel. This is a refined cuisine that leans towards quality, instead of quantity.