286
Key to Price Guide see p284 Key to Symbols see back cover flap
CENTRAL BRUSSELS MuseumBrasserie z © ̊ ¡¡¡¡¡
Rue de la Regence 3, 1000 BRU Tel (02) 5083580 City Map 2 D4
The Musées Royaux des Beaux Arts de Belgique have raised their game on the culinary front with the MuseumCafé within
the museum and this separate brasserie. Designed with panache by Antoine Pinto, it offers excellent Belgian dishes refined
by top chef Peter Goossens. The place also to try first-rate Belgian wines. Closed Sunday evenings and Mondays.
CENTRAL BRUSSELS Sea Grill z ) © ̊ ¡¡¡¡¡
Rue du Fossé-aux-Loups 47, 1000 BRU Tel (02) 2179225 City Map 2 D2
An impressive entrance – the great glass atrium of the Radisson Blu hotel – leads to one of the greatest fish restaurants of
Europe (it has two Michelin stars). Fêted chef Marc Yves Mattagne has been in charge of the kitchen since 1989.
Absolutely first-rate service, in a classically elegant decor, with seashell motifs. Closed mid-July to mid-August.
GREATER BRUSSELS Café Belga z Δ ) © ¡
Place Eugène Flagey, 1050 BRU (Ixelles) Tel (02) 6403508 Road Map B5
The 1930s Art Deco Flagey radio building – known as the paquebot (steamship) for its shape – is now home to
a super-trendy café that draws a young and artistic crowd. On offer are beers, cocktails and sophisticated petite
restauration (light meals) of seasonal dishes, soup and sandwiches (9am–4pm). It is also a music and events venue.
GREATER BRUSSELS Chez Moeder Lambic ¤ ¡
Rue de Savoie 68, 1060 BRU (St-Gilles) Tel (02) 5441699 Road Map A5
This is a famous address on the beer-pilgrimage route – a welcoming pub with some 450 kinds of beer listed in
its printed menu. Guests who need advice will find that the staff are helpful, informative and able to skilfully
diagnose individual needs. Simple but wholesome bar food is available. Open 4pm–3am daily.
GREATER BRUSSELS Colmar z © ¡
Boulevard de la Woluwe 71, 1200 BRU (Woluwe-St-Lambert) Tel (02) 7629855 Road Map B5
This outpost of the Colmar chain of eateries is an excellent-value stop-off in the east of the city. Set in a converted
16th-century building that was once a Spanish prison, it is a buffet-style restaurant and grill. Various fixed-price
formulae offer a self-service buffet for starters and desserts, plus a main course, with wine or other drinks included.
GREATER BRUSSELS Chez Oki z ¡¡
Rue Lesbroussart 62, 1050 BRU (Ixelles) Tel (02) 6444576 Road Map B5
Japanese and French fusion is the formula for this highly rated restaurant. The inventive cuisine by Oki Haruki is
sensationally presented and includes dishes such as sushi with foie gras and soy sauce, and beef steak cooked
with acacia honey. Minimalist Japanese decor. Closed on Saturdays and Mondays during lunch, and on Sundays.
GREATER BRUSSELS La Porteuse d’Eau^ ¡¡
Avenue Jean Volders 48a, 1060 BRU (Ixelles) Tel (02) 5376646 Road Map A5
Located at the smarter end of St Gilles, this is one of the most visually stunning cafés in Brussels. Its ornate, refurbished
Art Nouveau interior is dazzling, with swirling organic lines, spiralling staircases and, to top it all, friezes of the delicate
water bearers who give the café its name. The food is decent; try the chicons au gratin or simply have a coffee or beer.
GREATER BRUSSELS La Canne en Ville z Δ ¡¡¡
Rue de la Réforme 22, 1050 BRU (Ixelles) Tel (02) 3472926 Road Map B5
Useful when visting the Art Nouveau district, La Canne en Ville is a delightful restaurant in a delicately converted butcher’s
shop, complete with the original tiled walls. The welcome is friendly and the cooking French-based, full of imagination and
first rate. Attractive south-facing terrace in summer. Closed Saturday lunch and Sundays and weekends in July and August.
GREATER BRUSSELS La Mirabelle Δ © ¡¡¡
Chaussée de Boondael 459, 1050 BRU (Ixelles) Tel (02) 6495173 Road Map B5
Close to the Université Libre de Bruxelles, this airy restaurant offers a European brasserie menu with inventive
touches – carpaccio of tuna, ham with Meaux mustard, grilled fillet of beef, fish and seafood, white-chocolate
mousse with goat cheese. There is a covered terrace, but on fine days, the large garden really comes into its own.
GREATER BRUSSELS La Scala f ¡¡¡
Chaussée de Wavre 132, 1050 BRU (Ixelles) Tel (02) 5144995 Road Map B5
A candlelit maison de maître is the setting for one of the city’s most popular Italian restaurants. The cuisine steps
beyond traditional Italian fare with inventive combinations such as shellfish and wild mushrooms, and ravioli with
foie gras and duck breast. A piano bar adds to the relaxed atmosphere. Closed Saturday lunch and Sundays.
GREATER BRUSSELS La Terrasse Δ ¡¡¡
Avenue des Celtes 1, 1040 BRU (Etterbeek) Tel (02) 7322851 Road Map B5
A classic Brussels brasserie, La Terrasse is known for its eponymous shaded front terrace and cosy interior, with wooden
benches and booths. Here, you can rub shoulders with MEPs from the nearby EU institutions over plates of hearty
Belgian food and an eclectic mix of international cuisine. Look out for the Beer of the Month.
GREATER BRUSSELS Le Délire Parisien z Δ © ¡¡¡
Rue Jourdan 16, 1060 BRU (St-Gilles) Tel (02) 5370694 Road Map A5
An agreeable restaurant with a modern feel, warmly decorated with candles, paintings and plants. The location
on a pedestrianized street makes the pavement terrace all the more inviting. As the name suggests, the menu is
primarily French, but with a handful of tasty Belgian standards for good measure. Closed Sundays.
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