Guidebook for Ixelles
Food Scene
Tired of walking all day long throughout Brussels, have dinner at the Classico - 30 meters from the flat ! We love the decoration and the food (Belgian and French cuisine). aperol Spritz or great glass of red wine on the terrasse for the sunny days and/or perfect dinner. $$
6 locals recommend
Classico La Brasserie
124 Rue AméricaineTired of walking all day long throughout Brussels, have dinner at the Classico - 30 meters from the flat ! We love the decoration and the food (Belgian and French cuisine). aperol Spritz or great glass of red wine on the terrasse for the sunny days and/or perfect dinner. $$
No you are not dreaming, this tiny "not trendy at all ;-)" restaurant makes the best pizza ever (thin) ! available also for take away ! - also 50 m from the flat ;-)
9 locals recommend
Al Bacio cucina italiana
119 Rue AméricaineNo you are not dreaming, this tiny "not trendy at all ;-)" restaurant makes the best pizza ever (thin) ! available also for take away ! - also 50 m from the flat ;-)
Delicous korean kitchen ! don't forget to book your table in advance.
14 locals recommend
Maru Restaurant
510 Chau. de WaterlooDelicous korean kitchen ! don't forget to book your table in advance.
One of the two Best Bakkery in Brussels is located just around the corner !! Try their DELICIOUS "pain au chocolat"
2nd best bakkery is also rue Americaine : Nicolas Arnaud :-)
39 locals recommend
Le Saint-Aulaye SA
130 Rue AméricaineOne of the two Best Bakkery in Brussels is located just around the corner !! Try their DELICIOUS "pain au chocolat"
2nd best bakkery is also rue Americaine : Nicolas Arnaud :-)
One of the two Best Bakkery in Brussels is located just around the corner !! Try their DELICIOUS "croissant aux amandes !" :-)
Incredible chocolate patisserie and pralines as well :-)
14 locals recommend
Pâtisserie Nicolas Arnaud
93 Rue AméricaineOne of the two Best Bakkery in Brussels is located just around the corner !! Try their DELICIOUS "croissant aux amandes !" :-)
Incredible chocolate patisserie and pralines as well :-)
Delicious portugese pastriesfresh and handmade following the family recipe. Apart from the classic pastéis de nata (custard tarts), you can also find flavoured ones (lemon, raspberry, coffee, caramel, etc.), cakes and together with some gluten-free options. open on Sunday
46 locals recommend
Forcado Pastelaria (Saint-Gilles)
196 Chau. de CharleroiDelicious portugese pastriesfresh and handmade following the family recipe. Apart from the classic pastéis de nata (custard tarts), you can also find flavoured ones (lemon, raspberry, coffee, caramel, etc.), cakes and together with some gluten-free options. open on Sunday
New restaurant in the area !! My favorite for the moment ! asian inspiration - plates to share -- just incredible delicious.
no reservation possible... you might have to wait a bit - but their cocktail (with Gin and Ginger) are amazing.
18 locals recommend
OLD BOY
110 Rue de TenboschNew restaurant in the area !! My favorite for the moment ! asian inspiration - plates to share -- just incredible delicious.
no reservation possible... you might have to wait a bit - but their cocktail (with Gin and Ginger) are amazing.
open 7/7 from 8 am until 10pm - you will find almost everything
21 locals recommend
Delitraiteur Châtelain
10 Rue du Pageopen 7/7 from 8 am until 10pm - you will find almost everything
Unequivocal evidence that these fries are delicious is evident through a Facebook campaign from 2011 which saved Frit Flagey from shutting down. Instead, the owner of the friterie just moved it to another place, and the long queue moved to get a taste of those golden potato sticks, which seem to melt on your tongue. They are often titled (along with several others) as the best fries in the city.
66 locals recommend
Frit Flagey
Place Eugène FlageyUnequivocal evidence that these fries are delicious is evident through a Facebook campaign from 2011 which saved Frit Flagey from shutting down. Instead, the owner of the friterie just moved it to another place, and the long queue moved to get a taste of those golden potato sticks, which seem to melt on your tongue. They are often titled (along with several others) as the best fries in the city.
FRITKOT near the EU PARLIAMENT. Maison Antoine provides big portions of fries that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Bonus? Most of the bars surrounding Maison Antoine allow the fries to be eaten on their premises. The length of queues illustrates just how much people love Maison Antoine and many agree it is well worth the wait;
154 locals recommend
Maison Antoine
1 Pl. JourdanFRITKOT near the EU PARLIAMENT. Maison Antoine provides big portions of fries that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Bonus? Most of the bars surrounding Maison Antoine allow the fries to be eaten on their premises. The length of queues illustrates just how much people love Maison Antoine and many agree it is well worth the wait;
BELGA is one of the most visited bars in Brussels and an architectural landmark in Place Flagey as it’s housed in a 1930s Art Deco building which used to serve as the headquarters of Belgium’s first national radio station. Situated just opposite the Ixelles Ponds (Étangs d’Ixelles), it has one of the biggest and probably sunniest terraces in Brussels which makes it a great spot for people watching. During the warmer months the terrace is always full of people having brunch or lunch, drinking beer or just soaking up the sun.
355 locals recommend
Café Belga
18 Pl. Eugène FlageyBELGA is one of the most visited bars in Brussels and an architectural landmark in Place Flagey as it’s housed in a 1930s Art Deco building which used to serve as the headquarters of Belgium’s first national radio station. Situated just opposite the Ixelles Ponds (Étangs d’Ixelles), it has one of the biggest and probably sunniest terraces in Brussels which makes it a great spot for people watching. During the warmer months the terrace is always full of people having brunch or lunch, drinking beer or just soaking up the sun.
a cafe in the Marolles/Sablon serving probably the best pitas in town in beautiful Art Nouveau surroundings.
48 locals recommend
Le Perroquet
31 Rue Watteeua cafe in the Marolles/Sablon serving probably the best pitas in town in beautiful Art Nouveau surroundings.
you can eat endless spare ribs with a delicious jacket potato. Enjoy your meal in a vintage atmosphere, with red lights and music from the ’30s, in a room filled with tons of books and pictures
48 locals recommend
Amadeo
26 Rue Sainte-Catherineyou can eat endless spare ribs with a delicious jacket potato. Enjoy your meal in a vintage atmosphere, with red lights and music from the ’30s, in a room filled with tons of books and pictures
With his convivial and fancy steakhouse, the famous Irish butcher is a requirement to visit for carnivores in Brussels. All the classic cuts of meat figure are on the menu, such as Angus fillet, US beef rib eye, or lamb chops served with cherry tomatoes or jacket potatoes and a sauce of your choice. Let yourself succumb to the smell of meat from Jack’s grill, you won’t regret it.
8 locals recommend
Jack O’Shea Chophouse
32 Rue Sainte-CatherineWith his convivial and fancy steakhouse, the famous Irish butcher is a requirement to visit for carnivores in Brussels. All the classic cuts of meat figure are on the menu, such as Angus fillet, US beef rib eye, or lamb chops served with cherry tomatoes or jacket potatoes and a sauce of your choice. Let yourself succumb to the smell of meat from Jack’s grill, you won’t regret it.
Forget about other sushi chains, Makisu gives you the opportunity to create your own maki with fresh products. After having chosen your style of maki, pick a protein, like fish (salmon, tuna) or chicken, then add some veggies and top it off with your choice of sauce. If you aren’t feeling particularly creative, simply pick some of the already-prepared maki sold by the eight piece pack. For only 2.50 Euros, feel free to add to your menu a miso soup or some fresh edamame. With more than 30 ingredients, maki combinations are infinite at Makisu.
131 locals recommend
Makisu
5 Rue du BailliForget about other sushi chains, Makisu gives you the opportunity to create your own maki with fresh products. After having chosen your style of maki, pick a protein, like fish (salmon, tuna) or chicken, then add some veggies and top it off with your choice of sauce. If you aren’t feeling particularly creative, simply pick some of the already-prepared maki sold by the eight piece pack. For only 2.50 Euros, feel free to add to your menu a miso soup or some fresh edamame. With more than 30 ingredients, maki combinations are infinite at Makisu.
Mer du Nord is a true Belgian institution in Brussels for anyone who wants to enjoy seafood at reasonable prices. Looking for a place to have a glass of wine and eat some fresh fish? This is the one for you. The concept is simple: order at the counter, give your name, grab a table across the street and enjoy your meal. Make sure to give the Belgian shrimp croquettes a try.
208 locals recommend
Mer du Nord
45 Pl. Sainte-CatherineMer du Nord is a true Belgian institution in Brussels for anyone who wants to enjoy seafood at reasonable prices. Looking for a place to have a glass of wine and eat some fresh fish? This is the one for you. The concept is simple: order at the counter, give your name, grab a table across the street and enjoy your meal. Make sure to give the Belgian shrimp croquettes a try.
Italian restaurant Open all day, including weekends, which makes it very versatile. You can either grab a coffee or a panini on the go, enjoy a homey Italian meal or after work drinks with friends. On the menu a few dishes – antipasti, two mains (pasta and meat of the day) and dessert
37 locals recommend
Gazzetta
12 Rue de la Longue HaieItalian restaurant Open all day, including weekends, which makes it very versatile. You can either grab a coffee or a panini on the go, enjoy a homey Italian meal or after work drinks with friends. On the menu a few dishes – antipasti, two mains (pasta and meat of the day) and dessert
Japanese restaurant famous for serving some of the best ramen in Brussels.
39 locals recommend
Kokuban
53 Rue Vilain XIIIIJapanese restaurant famous for serving some of the best ramen in Brussels.
Amazing Japanese restaurant ....ONE STAR MICHELIN - quite expensive :-) but the quality of the food is just incredible and the service is great ! menu as from 65eur pp Lunch is a great alternative 25eur pp. RESERVATION NEEDED
24 locals recommend
Kamo
550A Chau. de WaterlooAmazing Japanese restaurant ....ONE STAR MICHELIN - quite expensive :-) but the quality of the food is just incredible and the service is great ! menu as from 65eur pp Lunch is a great alternative 25eur pp. RESERVATION NEEDED
Great italien restaurant. The chef is not always simpatic but the pasta are simple and always good ! The place is very small. make a reservation.
La Locanda
433 Chau. de WaterlooGreat italien restaurant. The chef is not always simpatic but the pasta are simple and always good ! The place is very small. make a reservation.
Japanese-inspired restaurant.the lunch menu is also great value: for 13€ you get three gyoza and a donburi – a healthy option if you resist the chicken fried burger that’s also available during lunch time.
16 locals recommend
Takumi Flagey
8 Rue LesbroussartJapanese-inspired restaurant.the lunch menu is also great value: for 13€ you get three gyoza and a donburi – a healthy option if you resist the chicken fried burger that’s also available during lunch time.
Another restaurant that serve delicious BELGIAN MEATBALL ! and near the flat !
11 locals recommend
BALLEKES (JANSON)
174 Chau. de CharleroiAnother restaurant that serve delicious BELGIAN MEATBALL ! and near the flat !
Meatballs is another Belgian staple with many variations depending on the region. Whether cooked with beer, sirop de Liège or cherry sauce, they’re delicious and usually served with frites.
51 locals recommend
Balls & Glory
35 Rue Henri MausMeatballs is another Belgian staple with many variations depending on the region. Whether cooked with beer, sirop de Liège or cherry sauce, they’re delicious and usually served with frites.
Founded in 1829, Maison Dandoy is one of the most renowned Belgian brands and a true Brussels institution. Fun fact: the company is actually slightly older than Belgium itself! Its main specialty is speculoos, crunchy biscuits made with brown sugar and spices. quite expensive...:-)
49 locals recommend
Maison Dandoy
14 Rue Charles BulsFounded in 1829, Maison Dandoy is one of the most renowned Belgian brands and a true Brussels institution. Fun fact: the company is actually slightly older than Belgium itself! Its main specialty is speculoos, crunchy biscuits made with brown sugar and spices. quite expensive...:-)
TAN
95 Rue de l'AqueducBIO Grocery shop around the corner
Great for Lunch: the Pistolet Original is located a few steps away from the Place du Grand Sablon and serves what my Belgian friends called “gourmet belgitude”, i.e. traditional pistolets (small round bread buns) filled with Belgian quality ingredients.
23 locals recommend
Pistolet Original - Sablon
26 Rue Joseph StevensGreat for Lunch: the Pistolet Original is located a few steps away from the Place du Grand Sablon and serves what my Belgian friends called “gourmet belgitude”, i.e. traditional pistolets (small round bread buns) filled with Belgian quality ingredients.
Pei et Mei has managed to strike the perfect balance between modern and traditional both in terms of food and atmosphere. I immediately felt at ease upon entering: exposed brick walls, Scandic decor details and a handful of tables overlooking the open kitchen make the space cozy yet slick. Foodwise, there are various set menus to choose from for dinner but If you find yourselves around noon in the area, go for the lunch tasting menu, which includes 3 different dishes and a glass of wine at a bargainous price.
Peï & Meï
15 Rue de RollebeekPei et Mei has managed to strike the perfect balance between modern and traditional both in terms of food and atmosphere. I immediately felt at ease upon entering: exposed brick walls, Scandic decor details and a handful of tables overlooking the open kitchen make the space cozy yet slick. Foodwise, there are various set menus to choose from for dinner but If you find yourselves around noon in the area, go for the lunch tasting menu, which includes 3 different dishes and a glass of wine at a bargainous price.
cafe -restaurant on a tiny ISLAND at the Bois de la Cambre / Ter Kameren Bos in Brussels. great for brunch during the week-end
83 locals recommend
Chalet Robinson
1 Sent. de l'Embarcadèrecafe -restaurant on a tiny ISLAND at the Bois de la Cambre / Ter Kameren Bos in Brussels. great for brunch during the week-end
yummy spring rolls healthy(very low in gluten and lactose free) with different fillings.Each roll costs around 4€ and can be accompanied by homemade sauces that compliment perfectly the flavours and side dishes (small bowl of sticky rice or salad). Perfect for a quick bite during lunch, takeaway or a casual dinner between friends.
73 locals recommend
Knees to Chin
125 Rue de Livourneyummy spring rolls healthy(very low in gluten and lactose free) with different fillings.Each roll costs around 4€ and can be accompanied by homemade sauces that compliment perfectly the flavours and side dishes (small bowl of sticky rice or salad). Perfect for a quick bite during lunch, takeaway or a casual dinner between friends.
Housed right next to the Trinity church in Chatelain, just a few choices of dim sum and Chinese signature dishes. Really good and not too expensive.
17 locals recommend
Dam Sum
11 Parv. de la TrinitéHoused right next to the Trinity church in Chatelain, just a few choices of dim sum and Chinese signature dishes. Really good and not too expensive.
During the week Little Tokyo serves Japanese-inspired dishes, such as ramen (soup with udon or soba noodles), donburi (fish or meat with vegetables on rice) as well as smaller bites, like gyoza and tempura vegetables. Brunch is served every Sunday between 10:30 – 15:30 and includes an all-you-can-eat buffet, a small portion of ramen or donburi plus a warm drink for €19,50 –
20 locals recommend
Little Tokyo Restaurant
15 Rue Saint-BonifaceDuring the week Little Tokyo serves Japanese-inspired dishes, such as ramen (soup with udon or soba noodles), donburi (fish or meat with vegetables on rice) as well as smaller bites, like gyoza and tempura vegetables. Brunch is served every Sunday between 10:30 – 15:30 and includes an all-you-can-eat buffet, a small portion of ramen or donburi plus a warm drink for €19,50 –
a fine grocery shop / neo organic lunch place. two steps away from Brugmann square. a big black wall with the daily specials, pretty chairs that are all different, cool cushions, naked lightbulbs hanging from the ceiling and a counter made from raw wood.
11 locals recommend
Ici
35 Rue Darwina fine grocery shop / neo organic lunch place. two steps away from Brugmann square. a big black wall with the daily specials, pretty chairs that are all different, cool cushions, naked lightbulbs hanging from the ceiling and a counter made from raw wood.
Great small Italian restaurant - speciality fish, octopus and pasta. nice wine as well. don't forget to reserve
11 locals recommend
Ricciocapriccio
90 Rue AméricaineGreat small Italian restaurant - speciality fish, octopus and pasta. nice wine as well. don't forget to reserve
One of the two Best Bakkery in Brussels is located just around the corner !! Try their DELICIOUS "pain au chocolat" 2nd best bakkery is also rue Americaine : Nicolas Arnaud :-)
39 locals recommend
Le Saint-Aulaye SA
130 Rue AméricaineOne of the two Best Bakkery in Brussels is located just around the corner !! Try their DELICIOUS "pain au chocolat" 2nd best bakkery is also rue Americaine : Nicolas Arnaud :-)
Shopping
FAMOUS BELGIAN CHOCOLATIER (A little expensive but delicious) located on the corner of the Sablon Square
116 locals recommend
Pierre Marcolini
1 Rue des MinimesFAMOUS BELGIAN CHOCOLATIER (A little expensive but delicious) located on the corner of the Sablon Square
THE FAMOUS 2ND HAND SHOP just around the corner ! (book in all languages, furniture, clothes, decoration, toys...) There is everything !! everything is very cheap (2nd hand) all the benefits go to Belgian associations !! open from 10:30 - 18:00
22 locals recommend
Les Petits Riens - Magasin central
1 Rue AméricaineTHE FAMOUS 2ND HAND SHOP just around the corner ! (book in all languages, furniture, clothes, decoration, toys...) There is everything !! everything is very cheap (2nd hand) all the benefits go to Belgian associations !! open from 10:30 - 18:00
On Wednesdays the main square (Place du Chatelain / Kasteleinsplein) turns into an open-air market, where locaL producers sell pretty much everything from fresh meat, fish and vegetables to cheese, bread, olives, candy and flowers. If you arrive around 14:00 when the market opens, you’ll be able to do your shopping at ease . The real attraction however takes place towards its closing when people make their way to the Chatelain market for after-work drinks (or an “apéro”, as the locals call it). The whole area comes alive as buzzing crowds gather on the square sipping wine or beer, tasting fresh oysters or nibbles from the various food stands and catching up with old and new friends.
16 locals recommend
Kasteleinsplein
Place du ChâtelainOn Wednesdays the main square (Place du Chatelain / Kasteleinsplein) turns into an open-air market, where locaL producers sell pretty much everything from fresh meat, fish and vegetables to cheese, bread, olives, candy and flowers. If you arrive around 14:00 when the market opens, you’ll be able to do your shopping at ease . The real attraction however takes place towards its closing when people make their way to the Chatelain market for after-work drinks (or an “apéro”, as the locals call it). The whole area comes alive as buzzing crowds gather on the square sipping wine or beer, tasting fresh oysters or nibbles from the various food stands and catching up with old and new friends.
Getting Around
Central Station ! Take the tram 93 (Bailli stop) or 92 (Janson stop)
43 locals recommend
Gare Centrale station
Central Station ! Take the tram 93 (Bailli stop) or 92 (Janson stop)
Brussels South Station (Gare du Midi - Zuid Station). Where all the EUROSTAR / THALYS / TGV arrive ! Take the tram 81 to the flat.
118 locals recommend
Bruxelles-Midi station
47B Avenue FonsnyBrussels South Station (Gare du Midi - Zuid Station). Where all the EUROSTAR / THALYS / TGV arrive ! Take the tram 81 to the flat.
Louise station
Louise Metro Station
TRAM 93 to LOUISE - to the SABLON - PARC ROYAL.... TRAM 8 to LOUISE (METRO STATION)
21 locals recommend
Bailli station
TRAM 93 to LOUISE - to the SABLON - PARC ROYAL.... TRAM 8 to LOUISE (METRO STATION)
Janson station
Tram 82 => direction Louise => Royal ....
TRAM 81 MIDI STATION OR TO MONGTOMGERY BUS 54 to PORTE de NAMUR ... TRONE (ROYAL PALACE OF BRUSSELS)
16 locals recommend
Trinite station
TRAM 81 MIDI STATION OR TO MONGTOMGERY BUS 54 to PORTE de NAMUR ... TRONE (ROYAL PALACE OF BRUSSELS)
Sightseeing
One of the most frequented spots by both locals and visitors in Brussels is the famous open-air antique market in Place du Jeu de Balle / Vossenplein. Located in the heart of the Marolles area, right opposite Pin Pon, the market is full of second-hand items, so be prepared for some serious treasure-hunting and a bit of bargaining! Open-air markets are a great part of life in Brussels? The Place du Jeu de Balle flea market brings together numerous merchants who sell all sorts of things from second-hand clothes and jewelery to props, ornaments and other curiosities. The market is open throughout the week (6:00 – 14:00), including weekends when it stays open until 15:00.
364 locals recommend
Vossenplein
Place du Jeu de BalleOne of the most frequented spots by both locals and visitors in Brussels is the famous open-air antique market in Place du Jeu de Balle / Vossenplein. Located in the heart of the Marolles area, right opposite Pin Pon, the market is full of second-hand items, so be prepared for some serious treasure-hunting and a bit of bargaining! Open-air markets are a great part of life in Brussels? The Place du Jeu de Balle flea market brings together numerous merchants who sell all sorts of things from second-hand clothes and jewelery to props, ornaments and other curiosities. The market is open throughout the week (6:00 – 14:00), including weekends when it stays open until 15:00.
Entertainment & Activities
The nearest Cinema ! 20 min walk from the flat or 7 min in TRAM (stop at Louise)
211 locals recommend
UGC Toison d'Or Cinema
8 Av. de la Toison d'OrThe nearest Cinema ! 20 min walk from the flat or 7 min in TRAM (stop at Louise)
Cinéma Vendôme
18 Chau. de WavreIndependant small cinema (no blockbuster type)
Essentials
Delhaize Molière
536 Chau. de WaterlooSupermarket Bigger than the GB express
Pharmacie Frenkel
20 Rue du Pagepharmacy around the corner ! The pharmacist is super friendly !
Rue du Page 33
33 Rue du PageWASSOMAT
Laundry just around the corner
Small supermarket 50 m away from the flat. open every day until 20pm.
81 locals recommend
Carrefour express
179 Rue RoyaleSmall supermarket 50 m away from the flat. open every day until 20pm.
Grocery store a little expensive but sell many ready to eat take away lunch and dinner. OPEN EVERY DAY UNTIL 10pm (which is rare in Belgium :-)!)
21 locals recommend
Delitraiteur Châtelain
10 Rue du PageGrocery store a little expensive but sell many ready to eat take away lunch and dinner. OPEN EVERY DAY UNTIL 10pm (which is rare in Belgium :-)!)