How many restaurants offer the possibility of eating on an uninhabited island? Chalet Robinson does just that. With a name evocative of the Swiss Family and Mr. Crusoe, both of castaway fame, Chalet Robinson lies on a tiny islet in the middle of Bois de la Cambre, Brussels’ biggest park.
The restaurant offers a mixture of brasserie food and more international dishes. My favourite is the meatballs in red sauce and I tend to stick to that each time I go! The food, however, is only part of the experience. The place offers a unique getaway experience only a stone’s throw away from the city centre. To reach Chalet Robinson you have to take a barge that ferries you across the 50-odd-metre stretch of water. But that short distance is enough to provide a buffer from the hectic city life just outside the park perimeter. My children love the adventure! Not to mention that the islet is also home to colonies of swans and ducks with a few rabbits and plenty of space to run around!
As one might expect there is also plenty of room for eating outside and the Chalet even has a sun deck with deck chairs strewn among the greenery. Brussels might not be the sunniest of cities, but on those occasions when the sun shines, Chalet Robinson is definitely one of be places to be.
Ah, and don’t forget to take a sherbet from the captain’s treasure chest after the boat trip!
Find your way with 294 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
"Rambo" in Brussels will make you feel like you're in LA. Loud music, an open kitchen and three amazing types of burgers!
by
"Tero" in Brussels is so much more than a restaurant - it's a philosophy. It offers tasty, natural cuisine that follows the seasons!
by
"Certo" in Brussels is a tiny Italian restaurant on a corner just behind Place Saint Boniface and one of my favorites. Federico Mazzoni is the perfect host!
by
"Les Petits Bouchons" is a typical Brussels bistro with a lot of wood, some mirrors and old-skool lighting. Zwanzers love it!
by
"Belga & Co" in Brussels is one of the city's great coffee places. Everything made in-house, friendly service, big window, no frills - just good coffee.
by
Come at any point of the day and have a fresh drink, a burger, salad or chill and let your kids/dogs run in the park while you chat with your friends.
by
Even though it's a little out of the route for most, Glacier Zizi is definitely worth the detour! Ice cream, waffles, crêpes, smoothies... Your pick!
by
A simple but still refined style characterizes this café, which at night becomes a warm wine bar with small plates to share.
by
I haven't yet been able to identify all the villages/churches marked on the small stone wall but I'm sure I will at some point!
by
The Perché rooftop bar is on top of the JAM hotel, which is why not many people wander up here, but it's so worth it! It has a great view and comfy chairs.
by
With an extravagant vintage decore, the bar takes its name from Queen Fabiola, a Spanish noblewoman who was a very beloved Queen consort of the Belgians.
by
294 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 294 Insider Tips