Saint-Gilles is undoubtedly one of Brussels’ favorite neighborhoods. The variety of stores, bars and restaurants makes it one of the capital’s liveliest spots. And its bohemian flair is certainly not to be sniffed at! Bruxelles Secrète has selected the 9 best restaurants in Saint-Gilles for your next getaway in this village-like district.
The 9 best restaurants in Saint-Gilles
Le Cipiace
Le Cipiace’s privileged location and delicious Italian cuisine have made it one of the neighborhood’s must-visit restaurants. In fact, it overlooks the parvis de Saint-Gilles and its terrace is ideal for sunny days. Try the fresh calamari stuffed with turnips and provola cheese and puttanesca sauce, or the risotto with rapeseed tops and wild herbs, Polignano carrots and ricotta marzotica. Need some protein? Sliced tuna is a pure delight. Don’t forget to accompany all this with a delicious Italian wine, or one of Cipiace’s signature cocktails. Saluti!
📍Address: Parvis de Saint-Gilles 49A
Fernand Obb Delicatessen
In need of a good dose of Belgiancomfort food? Look no further than Fernand Obb Delicatessen. This restaurant, whose aim is to showcase Belgian and Brussels gastronomy and culture, offers a diverse menu that will make you want to try everything! We recommend the plate of smoked salmon trout or the delicious Déliburger version gaufrite! The Brussels shrimp croquette, which won a gastronomic award a few years ago, is another menu staple. And of course, accompany all this with a refreshing Brussels beer.
📍Address: Rue de Tamines 27
Le Dam
Le Dam is a “bistrot canaille” dedicated to offering delicious seasonal cuisine. The lunchtime menu costs €23 for 2 courses and €28 for 3. Le Damoiselle also offers an evening menu, at €42 for three courses. For each course, lunch or dinner, you can choose from three options. Try the white asparagus velouté served with raw green asparagus and croutons. Then try the fish of the day, for example, and finish with a rhubarb and mascarpone tartlet. Still hungry? The restaurant offers a plate of raw-milk cheeses from FROM. Mmm… And as for drinks, you’ll find a wide selection of wines by the glass, as well as beers and a few ciders.
📍Address: Rue de Lombardie, 28
Le Brugmann
If you’re looking for quality products in a sophisticated setting, the luxury brasserie Brugmann is the place for you. The decor is both elegant and romantic, with walls adorned with works of art, but above all you’ll be making excellent gastronomic discoveries. The chef’s specialty is French cuisine, with modern touches and influences from elsewhere, especially Asia. The €29 business lunch is well worth it, and we highly recommend the crispy nobashis (shrimp) with carrot, orange and ginger vinaigrette, as well as the delicious saffron-coated sea bass, which melts in your mouth.
📍Address: Avenue Brugmann, 52
Chez Martine
In the mood for something gourmet, but also very healthy? Chez Martine is a place (in the team’s own words) “where the alchemy of beauty and taste is accomplished”. To achieve this, they combine fresh produce and transform it into dishes that are as beautiful to look at as they are tasty. The menu changes regularly, depending on what’ s in season, so be sure to return from time to time to discover it! Chez Martine also offers a catering service, so the next time you want to impress your guests, you know where to go!
📍Address: Chaussée de Charleroi, 80
Rubis Wine Bar
It’s aperitif time and you’ve settled down on the superb terrace of Rubis Wine Bar? Excellent choice! This wine bar, which is also a tasting room and a wine shop where you can buy excellent bottles, will charm you. The selections of the day change, so every time you go, you may taste a different wine. Jump at the chance to drink an orange wine or Japanese sake (also available as a daily selection). Feeling peckish? The Rubis offers all sorts of delicious nibbles, including boquerones (anchovies) with shiso, pâté with Espelette pepper, Savoy sausage, fish rillettes and a variety of croquettes. You name it!
📍Address: Avenue Adolphe Demeur, 41
Le café maison du peuple
Whether you’re looking for brunch or an aperitif, you’re looking for a place with an unbeatable atmosphere? You’ve come to the right place! Located right on the square in front of Saint-Gilles, the atmosphere at Café maison du peuple is lively, dynamic and full of life. The brunch menu moves away from the classic egg and bacon to offer brioche toast with all kinds of things. The MDP, for example, is made with homemade minced pork, fennel, cheddar and mustard pickles. In the evening, several dishes to share are also on the menu, such as artisanal sausage or nachos. The salads, which change weekly, are especially tasty. “Get the party started”, they tell us on their website!
📍Address: Parvis de Saint-Gilles, 39
Green Mango
Green Mango specializes in hamburgers of all kinds (the menu offers no fewer than 40 recipes!) and the restaurant’s atmosphere is young and dynamic. The products are all super-fresh and the portions copious. And Green Mango doesn’t just appeal to carnivores: although it offers the classic beef and chicken burgers, fish and veggie recipes are also available. The fish burger, featuring a breaded flounder fillet with cheddar and tartar sauce, is delicious. Green Mango also offers weekend brunches, with egg classics to suit all tastes, or formulas made up of various small dishes. The Pacific formula, for example, contains an açaí bowl, avocado toast, smoked salmon, goat’s cheese and a little lemon zest. All accompanied by freshly squeezed orange juice and a hot drink of your choice. Bon app’!
📍Address: 28, Parvis de Saint-Gilles
Machina
Machina is a pretty, friendly eatery with a tasteful, warm decor. It offers fresh, sophisticated Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. The menu is very extensive, but start, for example, with the caramelized salmon salad with pomegranate, a deliciously fresh combination. Prefer hot starters? The duo of shrimp and cheese croquettes is for you. Then opt for one of our tasty risottos. The morel and truffle risotto is succulent. And don’t forget that all the traditional Belgian dishes are on the menu, so this is the ideal place to enjoy dumplings with Liège sauce or Brussels waffles!
📍Address: Rue du Jourdan, 24