The gastronomic mecca took place in early November 2025. In front of a crowd of over 2,000 professionals, Gault&Millau struck hard. It lifted the veil on the long-awaited 23ᵉ edition of its Guide Belux! It’s the result of a year of discreet investigations. In 2025, anonymous inspectors sifted through the best tables in Belgium and Luxembourg. The verdict is in: the guide features more than 1,340 addresses, including 153 newcomers and 166 that have moved up the rankings. Among them, the famous guide features many talents and prize-winners – including the Prix-Plaisir winners.
The Gault&Millau experts also named the Chef of the Year 2026. And the prize for the Brussels region goes to David-Alexandre Bruno (restaurant Quartz). At this chic gastronomic restaurant in Ixelles, the 4-course menu costs €88. However, it’s to a more affordable winner that we turn our attention (and our wallets). The Prix-Plaisir spotlights addresses that combine excellence with reasonable prices. And it’s Pénar that has come out on top! An ixellois jewel to be savored as a matter of urgency.
What exactly is the Gault&Millau “Prix-Plaisir de l’Année”?
Gault&Millau doesn’t just reward the most Michelin-starred or expensive restaurants. On the contrary, the guide also highlights addresses that offer excellent value for money. This is the very definition of the Prix-Plaisir de l’Année. This distinction rewards a restaurant that offers an outstanding culinary experience at an affordable price. These award-winning establishments combine high-quality dishes with prices that don’t break the budget. In Flanders, Béus in Zonnebeke (Passendale) was honored. In Wallonia, the choice fell to Le P’tit Gaby in Hannut. And of course the one we’re interested in: Pénar in Brussels.
Pénar, the heart winner in Brussels
The award-winning Brussels address is located in Ixelles. Pénar scored 13/20 in the guide. The restaurant charmed the anonymous inspectors with its sincerity and inventive cuisine. The place is warm, relaxed and simple, and the menu changes frequently. It’s available à la carte or in 4 courses at 57€, in 5 courses at 67€ and in 6 courses at 77€. The icing on the cake is the chef’s emphasis on local, seasonal produce.
He offers quality bistronomic cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere, and the service is impeccable. In short, the address ticks all the boxes and is the ideal place for a successful meal with friends. The title of Gault&Millau Pleasure of the Year 2026 is well deserved!
📍Pl. Georges Brugmann, 18 – 1050 Ixelles