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 picked out the 8 best restaurants in Saint-Gilles for your next getaway in this village-like district.
The 8 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. It overlooks the Saint-Gilles square, and its terrace is ideal for sunny days. Try theclam sauté, wild arugula, mullet poutargue or the classic eggplant parmigiana, basil gel and smoked provola fondue. Need some protein? The crusted sea bass fillet 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 delicious seasonal cuisine. Monday and Friday menus are €20! For each course, lunch or dinner, you can choose between three options. Let yourself be tempted by the Dam’s croque-monsieur. Then try, for example, grilled 8 o’clock octopus. But as the seasonal menu changes regularly, you’ll have to come back often to sample everything! And as for drinks, you’ll find a great 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 €31 business lunch is well worth it, and we highly recommend the pan-fried cod meunière with green beans, caviar tomato, almonds and vanilla sauce, as well as the delicious oeuf parfait with pan-fried oyster mushrooms, chanterelles and porcini cream.
📍Address: Avenue Brugmann, 52
Rubis Wine Bar
It’s aperitif time and you’ve settled down on the superb terrace of the 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, baked feta, 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 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 a good selection of salads, so veggie lovers will find something to their liking too. Enjoy!
📍Address: 28, Parvis de Saint-Gilles
Machina
Machina is a pretty, friendly restaurant with a warm, well-cared-for 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