Brussels is a lively, hip city and was such an enjoyable place to visit. It is definitely somewhere I want to go back to again and again!
In addition to the beauty of the city, I was thrilled with the variety and quality of the food offerings (for a great price). Here are a few of my favorite spots that I continue to daydream about even after returning to the US. They are not to be missed if you find yourself in Brussels:
A La Mort Subite
A La Mort Subite is a classic bar in Brussels (that happens to be over one hundred years old). Inside you will find rows of tightly packed wooden tables, which create a lively and upbeat ambiance. You will also find a few tables outside (in warmer weather) where you can sip your beer and watch passerbys go about their day. The beer selection and the atmosphere make it a perfect spot for aperitivo. I enjoyed the cheese cubes as a snack to go along with my beer, which they serve with mustard for dipping - YUM! (pictured below).
Website: https://www.alamortsubite.com/en/
Address: Rue Montagne-aux-Herbes Potagères 7 B-1000 Bruxelles
Budget: $-$$
La Mer du Nord / Nordzee
This is a great local spot in the center of Brussels, located on the corner of a busy intersection on the lovely Place Sainte-Catherine. La Mer Du Nord/Nordzee is a small fish market that also has a counter where locals and tourists can enjoy a glass of wine or a refreshing beer accompanied with the delicious seafood offerings. The menu is handwritten on a whiteboard, and includes a variety of fresh seafood dishes, such as: a traditional seafood soup (my absolute favorite dish), mussels, shrimp croquettes, fried calamari, scallops, razor clams, grilled fish, etc. After ordering, you can move to one of the standing tables across the street in the square and enjoy your food while taking in the beauty of the city and the lively scene surrounding you. The perfect afternoon meal.
View from the plaza across the street
Calamari, razor clams and seafood soup - delish!
Website: http://vishandelnoordzee.be/
Address: Rue Ste Catherine 45 1000 Brussels
Budget: $
NOTE: Some places in Brussels will have two names listed (as is above). This is because while French is the official language in Brussels, Dutch is also commonly spoken. As a result, many signs and places are labeled with both their French and Dutch names.
Umamido
This restaurant, which has a small ramen-focused menu, was so incredibly good! It was so good that I had to visit it more than once during my stay in Brussels. Apparently the restaurant started as a stall at Flagey market, and has since upgraded and expanded to a few locations. I visited the one located at Place Saint-Catherine. I believe it was founded by a Belgian gentleman who spent time living in Kyoto, Japan. They offer a vegetarian ramen that is FANTASTIC, along with the more traditional meat ramen options. Cute, minimalist ambiance as well.
Website: http://www.umamido.be/
Address: A few locations (listed on website)
Budget: $$
Au Soleil
This is a cozy bar that is perfect for enjoying a caffeinated beverage or a beer/glass of wine. During the warm months they provide ample outdoor seating options. I went to this spot a number of times, and it was always filled with people. It is located in a pedestrian area, so it is a perfect spot to hang with a friend, people watch, or read a book. Fun and enjoyable.
Website: None
Address: Rue du Marché au Charbon 86, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
Budget: $
Winehouse Osteria
In the mood for Italian? This is the PERFECT place to enjoy a delicious meal or a romantic evening with someone special. The space is tiny, intimate and super cosy (so I would recommend making a reservation if you plan to go there). Lovely meal and great wine list. A hidden gem. Highly recommend. (address: Rue de la Grande Ile 42)
Website: http://wine-house.be/en
Address: Rue de la Grande Ile 42, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
Budget: $$
** Unfortunately I didn't manage to snap any pics of this meal, but trust me, it was wonderful!!
Thanks for reading this post! If you found it enjoyable, I hope you will check out my post on some awesome wineries in Mendoza, Argentina here: https://steemit.com/travel/@hannahlaurel/tasting-wine-in-mendoza-argentina-part-one