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 295 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
Delicatesse Declerc will offer you all the cheesiness you've been missing in the heart of Ixelles. Soft creamy, old, blue, any type of cheese...
by
What I love about Perruche is that it caters to all needs. It is a place frequented by families, students and friends (big tables for your bday drinks!).
by
It has everything anyone with a little interest in art would want: photographs, exhibitions, coffee, cakes, and even some animals and farming activities.
by
This cultural center organizes activities year-round from feminist conferences to cultural exhibitions. Check out their upcoming events before you go!
by
I love museums where I can touch and experience the things they're trying to show. At the Museum of Urban Transport Brussels you can do just that!
by
Le Chat is one of the most famous cartoons in Belgium for being cynical and very on point (and I think it perfectly embodies the Belgian way of life).
by
What I love about La Ferme Rose is that it brings together many artists from the neighborhood at the many markets it organizes on the weekends.
by
"Flamme" in Brussels keeps it simple: here you'll find an assortment of sausages prepared in front of you on the grill, above the fire...
by
"Brasseries Georges" is one of the veritable culinary institutions of Brussels. I like its shellfish and beef cuts and its long, continuous opening hours!
by
"Le Balmoral" Brussels started back in '89 as a milk bar and today it looks more like an American diner. I always feel like I've gone through a time warp.
by
"Station Brussels-Congress" is my favorite train station in Brussels. It is often dead. Except when an event is held! Then, the bar opens...
by
295 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 295 Insider Tips