Every new season comes with new restaurants. And as usual in Brussels, the past few months have been packed with new hotspots opening everywhere. So here are our 6 favourite addresses for the festive season!
Barge
Barge could be defined as a gourmet restaurant, but without the fuss. Just a few months ago, Barbara, the sommelier, and Gregory, the chef, left the starred restaurant L’Air du Temps in Eghezée to open their own place. The result is a modern yet charming restaurant, with huge windows, brick walls, a large bar and a great vibe.
On the food side, Barge has a unique seasonal menu (44€ for 4 courses, 55€ for 5 courses) and natural wines. Because that’s what the duo has at heart : highlight simple and good products and work with local suppliers and in the most natural way possible. Yes, Barge might just become your new favourite restaurant in Brussels.
Address: Boulevard d’Ypres 33, 1000 Brussels
Info on their website.
Tigermilk
After the opening of their first successful address in Paris, the Tigermilk team set their hearts on Brussels for their second address, in the lively Châtelain neighborhood to be precise. The word “Tigermilk” is a reference to the “leche de tigre”, the name given to the emblematic Peruvian marinade made from lime juice, spices, red onions, salt and fresh fish. Drooling yet?
The restaurant has that modern canteen atmosphere that makes it the perfect spot for a dinner with your long-time-no-see best friend, but also for a nice lunch with colleagues. On the menu, it’s a Latin America flavours paradise : ceviche, quésadillas, guacamole… everything is fresh, tasty and surprising. The concept is to choose one main course and give it a little twist with sides, such as nachos or guacamole… And a cocktail, of course! More thirsty than hungry? The bar is also accessible to have a drink, a chat, and a good time.
Address: Tigermilk, rue du Bailli 46, 1050 Ixelles.
Info on their website.
Pois Chiche
Pois Chiche (the french word for “chickpea”) is the name of the new go-to place for falafel lovers! On the menu of this neo-canteen opened by two “echte Brusseleirs” (google it)? Delicious Middle Eastern street food, including humus, haloumi, shakshuka and of course, falafels.
Due to the quality of their food and service, this “fast good” opened in the Marolles neighborhood this summer has been a hit since day 1. Chickpea on the cake? Pois Chiche works with local and organic products. Oh, and they have a week-end brunch, too!
Address: Pois Chiche, place de la Chapelle 15, 1000 Brussels.
Info on their website.
The Poet
Drop everything, there’s a new hotspot in the EU area, just a stone’s throw from the Luxembourg Square! The Poet is a multi-faceted place that is bound to become your new HQ if you live or work nearby. From the breakfast buffet to the business lunch, afterwork drinks — with a large choice of great cocktails — and contemporary dinner, you could easily spend the whole day here.
The place has also been very tastefully decorated, but what really caught our attention is the huge marble bar in the center of the restaurant, a true masterpiece that makes The Poet quite unique.
Address: The Poet, rue du Parnasse 19, 1050 Brussels.
Info on their website.
Lil Boy
Okay, we’ll admit it, we’re cheating a little here. Not because Lil Boy isn’t new, but because it’s not a restaurant per say! Ever heard of Old Boy, that amazing belgian-asian fusion restaurant that opened not so long ago in the Châtelain area? Well, Lil Boy is basically their delivery and takeaway counterpart. No seating area, no dining room, just a kitchen and a counter. The food is pretty much the same as Old Boy’s, so it’s absolutely fabulous. And you don’t even have to dress up, nor pay crazy amounts of money to eat it. How great is that?
Address: Lil Boy, rue tenbosch 112, 1050 Ixelles.
Info on their Facebook page.
Tokidoki
Located in the heart of Saint-Gilles, Tokidoki has been in “coming soon” mode for a looong time. Loïc, the inspired and inspiring guy who opened this “Japanese home-cooking” place, fell in love with Japan, where he spent 5 years of his life. In his little restaurant, he serves an authentic, surprising and mostly vegetarian cuisine that is not sushi or ramen.
Grilled onigiri, wakame seaweed salad, silky tofu with shizo and Sichuan pepper… That’s the kind of dish you’ll discover at Tokidoki. The place is small, cute and welcoming, the food is great and pretty new for Brussels, and all of this is still pretty much a secret… You’re welcome.
Address: Tokidoki, 128 chaussée d’Alsemberg, 1060 Saint-Gilles.
