Bistro restaurants in Brussels
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Dansing Chocola
Things get loose at this old-fashioned café, with staff grooving behind the bar or vaulting Tarzan-like up to the wrought-iron mezzanine railing to take orders, while busking violinists serenade diners. Dishes – Belgian and a few international options like spicy Thai soup – are simple and incredibly filling (go for ‘small’ portions unless you’re ravenous), and there are sensational fries (€3 a bowlful). The kitchen closes at 10pm.
reviewed
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House of Eliott
Flamboyantly camp turn-of-the-20th-century décor here includes period-dressed mannequins and candelabras in the street-level parlour/dining room, and old coffee grinders, sewing machines and Wedgwood-tiled walls in the basement ‘servants’ quarters’. The latter opens to a terrace jutting right over the canal, and features a tank full of live lobsters, the house speciality.
reviewed
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A
Chéri Chéri
Carnival-like red, blue, green, yellow and orange striped walls, scrubbed floorboards and a stripped-concrete back room give this brand-new ‘canteen’ a casual-chic ambience. Smart bistro fare like risotto or gratin of endives is brought out on funky crockery, and lopsided glass sugar bowls accompany your coffee, but service is pretty patchy. Still, it’s early days.
reviewed
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Gran Kaffee de Passage
A mix of regulars and travellers staying at the adjoining hostel, Passage, give this candlelit, alternative Art Deco–styled bistro one of the best atmospheres in town. Its menu of hearty traditional dishes, such as stoverij (local meat in beer sauce) as well as filling tofu creations, is a bargain.
reviewed
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B
Le Perroquet
Perfect for a drink, but also good for a simple bite (salads, sandwiches etc), this Art Nouveau café with its stained glass and timber panelling is an atmospheric, inexpensive stop in an area that’s light on such places.
reviewed
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C
Arcadi
The jars of preserves, beautiful cakes and fruit tarts of this classic bistro entice plenty of locals, as do well-priced meals like layered eggplant and cheese, all served non-stop by courteous staff.
reviewed
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Berlin
A magnet for everyone from stylish shoppers to students using the free wi-fi, the black-painted Berlin is great for breakfast, homemade bistro fare or just a cocktail or beer.
reviewed
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D
Pottenbrug
Vintage posters, cosy tables and a lovely alfresco terrace make this old bistro an enduring favourite for authentic and hearty local dishes.
reviewed
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E
L'Amour Fou
Head deep into Ixelles to find this simple bistro and long-time favoured late-night bite stop.
reviewed
