Craving a taste of the sea without driving all the way to the coast? Good news: Brussels is home to spots where the fish is fresher than the breeze from the Zwin. Whether you’re a fan of oysters, lobsters, or giant platters to share, here are the seafood restaurants that are taking the capital by storm.
La Quincaillerie
Set in the spectacular settingof a former Art Nouveau hardware store designed by Victor Horta, this iconic spot serves seasonal oysters, seafood platters, and small plates to share. Committed to sustainability, the restaurant sources from local producers and even its own farm in Bresse! It offers cuisine where authenticity and quality come together with flair.
Beaucoup Fish
In an elegant yet unpretentious atmosphere, Beaucoup Fish celebrates seafood in all its forms. Wild-caught fish, shellfish, and crustaceanstake center stage on a menu that evolves with each day’s catch and the changing seasons. The restaurant on Rue Van Gaver focuses on precise and generous cuisine, featuring beautiful dishes to share and flavor combinations that let the seafood take center stage. A must-visit spot for treating yourself to a true taste of the sea in the heart of Brussels, whether for lunch or dinner.
Noordzee – North Sea
You can’t miss this legendary fish bar, a true landmark of Brussels street food. On the sidewalk of Place Sainte-Catherine, people crowd around the high tables. Here you can enjoy shrimp croquettes, fresh oysters, house-made kibbeling, or even a steaming bowl of bouillabaisse. And all of this, of course, washed down with a good glass of white wine! Here, the fish arrives ultra-fresh every day. It’s served “à la plancha” in a friendly atmosphere, bathed in sunshine, warmth, and pure Brussels spirit.
Les Brasseries Georges
Since 1986, Les Brasseries Georges have embodied the elegance of a French brasserie in Brussels, set in a sumptuous Art Deco setting, and were named “Best Oyster Shucker in Belgium 2022” thanks to Saïd Alaoui for his speed, meticulous shucking technique, and creative presentation. With the country’s largest oyster bar, the restaurant offers premium oysters, crustaceans, shellfish, and a variety of platters—perfect for discerning connoisseurs or for enjoying a convivial moment on the large, shaded terrace.
The Beautiful Market Gardener
A Brussels institution since 1973, La Belle Maraîchère carries on the art of classic seafood dishes, from shrimp croquettes to impeccable sole meunière. In this elegant bistro, where loyal Brussels locals, discerning gourmets, and visiting celebrities (led by Eddy Merckx) mingle, the Devreker family cooks with consistency and passion, offering a true immersion in the culinary history of the Poissonniers neighborhood.
Crab Club
As we mentioned in a previous article, the Crab Club has moved to the Flagey area! Its cuisine remains rustic and inventive, where the flavors of the sea sometimes blend with those of the land. From mackerel sashimi with ginger to razor clams with chanterelle mushrooms or a daring surf-and-turf dish featuring crispy pork and grilled octopus, every plate surprises with its intensity. A vibrant spot, perfect for adventurous diners seeking unique seafood experiences off the beaten path.
Fish Tank
Tucked away in the Marolles neighborhood, this new spot reimagines the seafood bar and fish-and-chips concept in a laid-back atmosphere. It’s the perfect spot for a quick bite of high-quality seafood street food, with Belgian fries done to perfection.
Master Crab
Located in the heart of the city, this newcomer offers the trendy Louisiana “seafood boil” concept. Here you’ll enjoy generous portions of seafood (langoustines, shrimp, lobsters) bathed in spicy sauces, all served in buckets to share and eat with your fingers.