Snacks – All our local tips

This is great if you’re looking for a quick bite to eat in the centre of town without breaking the bank.

I’m not sure if it counts as a restaurant, fast food joint or take-away – it’s a bit of all three – perhaps noodle bar is the best description for this small, family-run place.

The inside is spotless and the décor unfussy. There are a few tables inside and a small terrace that looks out onto the cafes of St Jacques.

The menu is similarly straightforward, consisting of classic Asian dishes such as spring rolls, dumpling soup, sweet and sour, black bean or sate sauces. The main dishes come with a choice of meats and are served with either rice or noodles. It’s not ground-breaking cuisine, but it is tasty and cooked fresh in front of you.

The portions are large and ideal to share. There are a range of beers, wines and soft drinks that you can help yourself to from the fridge by the counter. The service is always friendly and fast.

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Asia Grill | Snacks, Restaurants (Asian) | Main dishes from € 6.00
rue marche au charbon, 98 | Center
Mon – Sat 10:00 – 22:00

Together with Gecko (see this article) this cosy place is definitely one of my favorite bars in Brussels.

In wintertime or during rainy days you can admire the wooden interior and mirrored walls. Music is always good, and the volume is often limited so you still can have a decent conversation with your friends.

In summertime, if the weather permits, you also can sit outside at the lovely terrace. Since it’s located in a pedestrian area you’re not attacked by exhaust fumes, making it an ideal spot to relax, read a book or to do some people-watching while you are sipping your cocktail.

Coke lovers, be warned, you won’t find any Coca or Pepsi in here. Other softdrinks are present, a wide range of beers as well. Cherry beer lovers, surprise yourself and ask the waiter if they have the special acid one.

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Au Soleil | Bars, Snacks
Rue du Marché au Charbon 86 | Center | +3225123430
Sun – Thu 10:00 – 01:00, Fri – Sat 10:00 – 02:00

This was the first bar I went to when I moved to Brussels. My friend brought me here to celebrate my new job. Since that time I can’t avoid a stop here if I’m in the neighborhood.

They have few tables, friendly staff, and a good choice of wine and beers. However, what attracts me most are the tapas. Just what you need while drinking a good glass. Try the quinoa salad or the cheese (not always available)!

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Delecta | Bars, Snacks | Beer € 2.00
Rue Lannoy, 2 | Ixelles
Mon – Fri 10:00 – 01:00, Sat 11:00 – 02:00

The world refers to them as French fries, although there is no population in the world that eats more of them and they are invented here, in this country. You spent all your money in chocolate stores and you’re running out of budget? Or you’re just looking for some quick and cheap snack? Try a typical ‘frietkot’ and head to Fritland, located in the tourist heart of the centre. Ready in a minute and you can eat them inside, outside on the terrace or as takeaway to enjoy your meal at the steps of the Bourse.

Wanna act like a local? Eat ‘french’ fries with mayo. And when you’re desperately looking for a bit of meat… try a mitraillette, Fritland has the best ones in town. No fear, no one will get harmed, it’s just a baguette with hamburger, lettuce, baked onions, cocktail sauce and – of course – Belgian fries.

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Fritland | Snacks, Restaurants (Friterie) | Mitraillette € 3.50
Rue Henri Maus 49 | Center | +3225140627
Sun – Thu 11:00 – 01:00, Fri – Sat 11:00 – 07:00

I believe street markets are the heart of a city. There are plenty in Brussels, but the most famous and busy is the one on Sunday morning around Gare du Midi.

You can find everything you want here, from clothes and flowers to household stuff. But Brussels locals mainly come here to get their weekly fruit and vegetable shopping, as it is one of the cheapest places in town.

There is plenty of choice and the prices will start dropping to almost nothing starting 13.30, when sellers want to get rid of the leftovers: a real chance to buy good quality products for the cheapest price.

And when your hands are full and you can’t take any more, you can enjoy some tasty Arabic food prepared in front of you.

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Gare du Midi market | Shopping, Snacks
Around Gare du Midi | The South
Sun 06:00 – 14:00

Working late? Dancing all night long? Having met this handsome guy and talked to him for hours? Your train was on strike and it took you 3 hours instead of 30 minutes? The meeting was long and your Japanese customers (who never heard about Spotted by locals) asked you for some tips about Brussels? Back in town in the middle of the night after 3 weeks of holiday?

You got the idea… we’ve all faced those situation who find us hungry after the opening hours of any decent shop. And certainly if you want some real bread and not some substitute they’re trying to sell us at the night shop.

Since years now, Au Vatel, a bakery in Etterbeek, had this smart idea to open its atelier while the bakers are busy preparing bread for the next morning. So you’ll be welcome to enter via the General Leman street after the bakery shop (and tea room) closes its door.

I can’t tell it’s the best bread in town, but when it’s 4 o’clock in the morning and you are starving… it sure is!

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L’Atelier Au Vatel | Snacks | Bread from € 0.90
8, rue Général Leman | Etterbeek/ Eur.Qt
19:00 – 07:00 daily

One of the spots I like to go to is L’Auberge espagnole. Funny, when I’m making appointment with French speaking friends, they’re so enthusiastic as it’s the name of a very popular french movie. But anyway, all this don’t tell you why it is my spot:

Once, I went there and tried their Chili Con Carne… and loved it. So few time later, I came back with one friend and on our way I was giving her all delicious details about this Chili… hmmm we were so hungry! It was around 9 pm, we arrived and… bad surprise: no more Chili. They told us that if I wanted to make sure I have to come back earlier or to make a booking… (something I never do).

So one week later; here we are, now the three of us and it’s… 7.30 pm. And again… bad news; no more Chili!! I was so desperate and hungry and angry.. “How early is not too early to have this Chili? It’s before 8 pm?” Well they were sorry but couldn’t help.

After this, they can hardly forget me, and each time I go there, I don’t have to order.. they know what I want! But now, I’m regretting to let you know about this place, ’cause we will be even more people to order that dish!

About the wine; the place is a wine bar. I can’t tell you much about wine, but it seems they have wine from Argentina, and some other Spanish speaking countries. And my friends told me it was good.

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L’Auberge espagnole | Bars, Snacks, Restaurants (Tapas) | Tapas from € 5.00
Parvis de la Trinité, 10 | Ixelles | +32473315979
Tue – Sat 18:30 – 23:00

Looking for a tasty crêpe and you don’t have time to go to Brittany or Normandy? We Belgians like pancakes too. The sweet ones are the most popular and widespread, most brasseries offer sweet pancakes as a dessert and it is a typical treat at children’s birthday parties.

Pancakes with savoury fillings are a little harder to find however. Maison des Crêpes is one of those places that offers both sweet and savoury fillings.

Enjoy your lunch/dinner or ‘in between’ in this cosy place with overfriendly service..and don’t forget to order your apple Cider… ;)

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La maison des Crêpes | Snacks, Restaurants (Crepes)
Zuidstraat 13 | Center | +322475957368
Tue – Sun 11:00 – 23:00

The first detail I discovered about the neighborhood I was going to live in: a step away I could find the best frites in the whole of Brussels.

Maison Antoine is widely known as one of the best places for French fries made from fresh potatoes, and although I can’t be the best judge on this typical Belgian food, I admit they are very good, just perfect when you add any of those dozen of sauces available.

What I also find very attractive is the deal they made with the pubs around the square. If you see in display on the windows of the pubs a “happy cone”, you are sure that they are happy to serve you a beer while you eat your “cone” of frites: very convenient!

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Maison Antoine | Snacks | Fries € 2.00
Pl. Jourdan, Etterbeek | Etterbeek/ Eur.Qt
Daily until 01:00

Opened 2 years ago, Mamma Roma is already one of the meeting points for quick and healthy food in town for any time of the day. The 3 shops are located near 3 of the main apero squares in town (Chatelain, Flagey, Jourdan) and they serve sliced pizza in 10 or more different flavors.

You choose which one, you choose how much and there you are: your quick dinner is ready. It’s good, really, I’m Italian and I have some knowledge about pizza. It’s cheap too. The “lunch” (anytime) is 2 slices plus a drink, and it’s just 7 euros! Also for take away, same price.

The only downside… it’s always crowded. I prefer the one in pl. Jourdan: it’s bigger and has a nice terrace.

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Mamma Roma | Snacks, Restaurants (Pizza) | Lunch € 7.00
Pl. Jourdan 37 | Etterbeek/ Eur.Qt
12:00 – 23:00 daily

After bargaining for fruit at the Midi Market (see the Midi Market article), it is a cheap reward to sit at one of those hidden tables and taste Maroccan flavours. Along the sides of the station, in Avenue Fonsny in front of Hotel Continental, behind the huge display of olives and spices… there you are, a corner of Morocco.

On the menu: pancakes with olives, vegetables, cheese, honey, and any combination requested. Be careful, they are huge! And don’t forget to get a glass of that sweet Moroccan tea, very good on a warm winter day.

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Moroccan pancakes | Coffee & tea, Snacks | Pancake € 2.50
Avenue Fonsny | The South
Sun 08:00 – 15:00

There is only one place vegetarian to go on the Anspachlaan. This little restaurant offers the best falafel ever. A counter, three tables, a fridge with beverages and a large salad bar are the settings for a cozy restaurant experience.

You order your falafel and watch the skilled cook preparing it. Then you take your falafel to the salad bar and you fill it up with a nice assortment of vegetables. Do not forget the delicious white tahin sauce that goes with a genuine falafel. This restaurant is a wonderful change from the abundant sandwich joints in Brussels, here you can eat a falafel that’s definitely worth the name.

The people of this place are opening another Mr. Falafel at the Horta Gallery soon. Tasting their falafel will have you wanting more. Especially the fresh sauces and salads that are full of flavour and herbs. I know you’ll be wanting to return or ask the owner to establish one in your hometown. And these must be the nicest restaurant owners in town.

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Mr Falafel-snackbar | Snacks, Restaurants (Egyptian) | Falafel € 3.50
Lemonnierlaan 53 | Center
12:00 – 00:00 daily

Do you know this feeling? You want to eat this particular dish that you use to eat when you were still leaving at your parents’ place… but you know the preparation takes long, you’re not sure about the recipe and you don’t see yourself calling your mum (who’s not living in the same town by the way) to ask her to prepare it…

Fortunately, I found out in my neighborhood a snack offering salads, soups and… traditional Moroccan food! And I found exactly what I was looking for: the taste from my childhood.

Obviously, I’m not the only one: many Moroccans eat there as well. It’s true that in the neighborhood there’s a Moroccan community: and some of them use to go there to drink the traditional tea, have a chat altogether, listening to the traditional music…

Sometimes, I have the feeling I’m in one of the many snacks in Casablanca… and it’s even true, when the waiter starts to sing an Arabic song while serving everyone!

I’ve tried nearly everything and was not disappointed, but I especially recommend the “Tagine Kefta” (ask for ‘la totale’ with potatoes and eggs), the “Soupes de lentilles”.

Oh, and did I tell you? Yes, they have Couscous, of course!!!

Bsaha (Arabic word to say ‘bon appetit’)

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Perle D’Orient | Coffee & tea, Snacks, Restaurants (Moroccan) | Soup € 3.00
rue Malibran, 23 | Ixelles
Mon – Fri

The Rue Jourdan is one of the places to be when you’re looking for a cozy street full of nice resto terraces in the Louiza Area. Located close to movie theatres UGC Toison d’Or and Vendôme (check the Vendôme article) makes it a good spot for a pre-movie dinner.

Italians are well represented in this street, Al Piccolo Mondo, I Trulli, Il Rinascimento , Il Vecchio Mulino… your pick!  Fancy French food? Try a Coq au vin in Le Délire Parisien or French/Belgian cuisine in Au Boeuf Gros Sel while Kwiling will feed the ones looking for Asian kitchen.

Take a look around the corner in Rue Dejoncker for other (and more budget-friendly) options such as Libanese and Vietnamese restaurants and a regular brasserie.

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Rue Jourdan | Bars, Snacks, Restaurants
Rue Jourdan | Ixelles
Early breakfast – late dinner daily

A bar you should definitely visit is the newly opened Supermercado bar. This little bar is not that far from the ‘Louise’ metro stop in Ixelles. the neighbourhood is populated mostly by Brussels expats. Italian, English, Spanish and Belgian people all mix in this small homely bar.

Next to your regular cafe menu they serve excellent wines, mojito’s, coffee’s and several small delicate foods. The cutely organized terrace gives a magnificent view of the beautiful art deco buildings in the neighbourhood. Since this bar is located out of the main shopping streets it offers a quiet surrounding. There are practically no cars passing by as with the regular terraces in busy areas. Most of the people visiting there know each other: consider it as a meeting spot for locals and expats.

The wall inside the bar shows a drawing transcending into a photograph which contributes to this bar’s unique personalized character. It is not like the various dull and uniform decorated bars. It can mostly be described as a typical Barcelona Cava bar.

The owner also serves delicious small snacks. This can be marinated olives or other tapa like dishes depending on what’s available for the day.

This cute little black bar is definitely something to see when in Brussels, a nice time guaranteed!

Supermercado seems to be more true to its supposed opening hours. They are now open in regular fashion each Tuesday till Saturday from five o’clock.

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Supermercado | Bars, Snacks | Wine € 2.50
Rue de Florence | Ixelles
Tue – Sat from 17:00 until ..

You must know it already if you were reading my articles, I like jazz music (and soul, funky, groovy, hip-hop music, …): so I can’t keep this legendary place in Brussels for myself and the very few who like Jazz. It’s located in a little street near the city hall of Ixelles; The Sounds.

The name itself sounds like this is the place were things happens. And things have been happening for more than 20 years now at the Sounds!

I can’t explain you more than that, it’s not something you have to read, it’s something you should hear and live by yourself. The atmosphere is similar to other places for initiates. It’s warm, cosy, friendly and the sound in the air is one of the best in town.

Every Monday, you’ll enjoy the Master Sessions (with very good Belgian jazzmen), every Wednesday the sound is more latino, I’m sure none of us will complain.

And there’s a concert every other day, so you must find what you’re looking for (and even be well surprised).

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The Sounds | Bars, Music, Snacks
Rue de la Tulipe, 28 | Ixelles
Mon – Sat 20:00 – 04:00

Therese et Dominique is one of those places where ordering the regular would be a true crime.

Although this is ‘just’ a sandwich bar, it would be a pity to go for the baguette with tuna fish you always eat. Apart from the usual stuff they have a bunch of specialties worth to be discovered. Try for instance an adapted chico bello, mozzarella-tomato with sweet peppers and fried aubergine slices, divine.

When it’s nice weather I like to take-away my treasure and eat it sitting in the sun of the Poelaert square while doing some tourist watching, but it’s also possible to eat at the place itself, inside or in the cute garden.

Measured by the queues that might appear at the entrance it seems I’m not the only fan of the place, make sure you’re in it. Don’t worry, they work fast, you never have to wait too long.

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Therese et Dominique | Coffee & tea, Snacks | Baguette € 3.50
Dejonckerstraat 23 | Ixelles
Mon – Sat