Aux Armes De BruxellesCity/Region: Brussels
Founded in 1921, this is a true
Brussels legend that serves the freshest of mussels and finest of French fries to locals and visitors alike. You are advised to approach your moules et frite Bruxelles style by eating the first mussel with your fingers and then using the shell as an implement to eat the rest. The entire menu is excellent, especially the beef stewed in beer and the delicious waterzooï. Prices are reasonable and quality unwavering. Their website has further details on the restaurant's history including excerpts
from its guestbook. Don't miss the front room's vintage Art Nouveau interior.
Address: 13 rue des Bouchers
Website: http://www.armebrux.be/en
Comme Chez SoiCity/Region: Brussels
Belgium's most famous restaurant satisfies even the most demanding palate. With three
Michelin stars and a global reputation, this gourmet pilgrimage site never fails to deliver with exceptional quality and refined flavors. Chef Pierre Wynants works with his son-in-law
Lionel Rigolet to create both a warmly welcoming atmosphere and truly memorable dishes such as chicken with turmeric and apple chutney, and apricot soufflé with crunchy pistachios and red fruits. Advanced booking is essential - preferably months ahead. Closed Sunday and Monday.
Address: 23 Place Rouppe
La Truffe NoireCity/Region: Brussels
If you have a passion for truffles, pay a visit to this shrine created by Italian chef
Luigi Ciciriello. Despite its Michelin star status, this is a friendly establishment renowned for serving superb truffle-focused dishes in its warm and relaxed environment. Don't miss the carpaccio truffles with olive oil and parmesan for starters and the fresh tagliatelle with lobster and truffles for mains.
Address: Boulevard de la Cambre 12
Website: www.truffenoire.com
La QuincaillerieCity/Region: Brussels
Housed in a former hardware store, the La Quincaillerie has all the raw materials for a fabulous dining experience. The staff are friendly if slightly frenetic; the interior's Horta-inspired industrial qualities are striking; and the food is quite simply fantastic, especially the impeccably fresh seafood. It opens until very late so stay on after your meal for a party if you're in the mood. Book well in advance.
Address: Rue du Page 45
Website: www.quincaillerie.be
Le Grain de SelCity/Region: Brussels
Delicious food doesn't always need to be expensive as
Grégory Yarm's down-to-earth family-run restaurant proves. They are famous for home-spun delights such as tomato with goat's cheese and pigeon with lentils - the menu however changes regularly and is normally limited to three or four choices per course. During summer book a table in the charming courtyard when it is resplendent with roses. Closed Saturday lunchtime, and all day Sunday and Monday. Book in advance.
Address: Chaussée de Vleurgat 9
Raconte-Moi des SaladesIf you love salad and enjoy healthy eating in a trendy setting then make a bee-line for this fun and great value eatery on the banks of the Ixelles. Portions are generous and flavors truly inventive. The carpaccios are justly celebrated and the pastas are also perfectly prepared. Al fresco dining is the order of the day during summer. Closed Sundays. Book ahead.
Address: Place du Châtelain 19
Website: www.racontemoidessalades.com
Les BrassinsCity/Region: Brussels
Belgian brasseries are scattered throughout Brussels so it's hard to tell which are truly outstanding and worth seeking out. We've heard consistently good reports about this local secret tucked away at the end of a back street in Ixelles. Enjoy tasting some of the 50 local brews while tucking into hearty dishes like carbonnades flamandes (beef stew cooked with beer) and stoemp (puréed potatoes and vegetables with meat or sausage, and a mustard sauce).
Address: 36 rue Keyenveld
Website: www.lesbrassins.com
Chez LeonCity/Region: Brussels
Don't be put off by the picture menu and touristy look - this is the real deal. For flawless mussels at great prices and super fast service, the original
Chez Leon near the Grand Place (watch out for imitations!) is the perfect place to satisfy your cravings.
Address: 18 rue des Bouchers
Website: www.chezleon.be
