Brussels Restaurants
 

Any suggestions for a mid-priced dinner or lunch restaurant with good local fresh Belgium food? Thanks! Brian

Close to La Grand Place, in what we call 'l'Ilôt sacré' (THE toursity place with waiters picking you from the streets - I hate that) :
- chez Vincent : an old brasserie type with kitchen in front;
- Galerie St Hubert : la taverne du passage : great 'américain' (not US tourist but raw meat prepared with egg, onions, some sauce)
- rue quai aux briques (close to marché au poisson) : a brasserie with 'Marie' in the name.

These are my favourites.

1. Le Wine Bar du Sablon des Marolles

This fine dining restaurant not only serves good food but also has an affordable menu. Their dishes have a price range of 24 euros to 78 euros. They have a carefully selected list of good wines to choose from. Located in a 17th century house with decorations reminiscent of the era, it is the perfect place to stop for dinner after a morning of shopping at the famous Broncante market in the Jeu de Balles. Their starters, ranging from 8 euros to 10 euros, are ideal for sharing. Main courses include the chicken liver pate, smoked Morteau suasage with Puy lentils or braised beef in red wine. Their fish dish changes daily according to what's good in the market. End of your romantic meal with some cheese and a glass of wine.
2. Le Chou de Bruxelles

If you are in Brussels, mussels are the number one food that you should not miss out. They have a massive menu of 30 different variations of mussels. If you are overwhelmed by the choices, you can order Mussels of the Chef which are cooked with vegetables, garlic, white wine and cream.

It is really worth it to get away from the tourist epicenter around the GP.

Why not head up to the Chaussee de Waterloo area in Ixelles and try the local restaurants there? Non-chain, non-touristy, moderately priced.

Example: Le Fruit Defendu http://sitebe.resto.com/l/LeFruitDefendu/ (reservations essential)

Or...you could try Le Martin Pecheur over on the Ave Georges Henri/Ave Brand Whitlock intersection, which is very popular with the locals (reservations limited). There are bus stops right by the restaurant or you can walk from either the Montgomery metro stop or the Georges Henri tram stop.
http://www.lemartinpecheur.be/Home.html
http://www.lemartinpecheur.be/Info.html

We've eaten in both of those at least a dozen times and never been disappointed.

Note: Le Martin Pecheur is not in Ixelles, only Le Fruit Defendu.

If you are looking for a uniquely Brussels foodie experience, you absolutely can’t miss Noordzee on Place St. Catherine. Noordzee is a fish-seller, but their outdoor food counter is one of the best-kept foodie secrets of Brussels.

The menu depends on the season and the catch of the day. A local favourite is a plate of fresh-shucked oysters washed down with a glass of champagne. Most menu items are under €10.

Address: Mer du Nord / Noordzee
Rue Ste Catherine 45
1000 Bruxelles

it’s nice to leave a small tip in your room for the housekeeping staff when you depart but it's not required.