Comptoir Florian Brussels
Tea in an art-nouveau house
Nettah from Brussels
There are times when I want to escape the noise of the city and ignore the corruptions of the 21st century. When a contemplative mood strikes and my inner Confucius rears its head, I head straight to Comptoir Florian. Housed in a beautifully restored art-nouveau townhouse, the tea shop at the front hides a miniature tea salon, with an incredible range of weird and wonderful teas, from white to green, and everything in between.
I always try to get a table in the back room, where one of the comfortable armchairs is the perfect place to read. The main space is equally relaxing, though, with a colonial allure that evokes bygone centuries of trade winds, tea clippers and opium dens.
Tea is taken seriously here and once you've tasted it you'll understand why. What you get is worlds away from the usual bag in boiling water fare. Instead, loose leaves are slowly brewed in filtered water, to give the taste that so delighted Chinese emperor Shennong when he accidentally discovered the beverage way back in 2737 BC.
I don't go there if I feel like a frenetic gathering of friends, or if I just need a quick drink. But, if I have some time to read or I want a pleasant conversation with a good friend, in hushed tones naturally, this is the place I choose. I can even be sure that nothing will disturb my serenity: a sign on the door reminds customers to switch off their mobile phones!
Brussels Spotter Nettah
About this spot
Our Brussels City Guide
Find your way with 295 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Loved it? Join us!
Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Brussels
Woodpeck 47
Discover the Woodpecker Family
"Woodpeck 47", located a stone's throw from the Grand Place, has to be one of the best gourmet addresses in downtown Brussels!
by
Charlotte
Mewis
Chicago Trattoria
Your new fav Italian place
"Chicago Trattoria" is a modern Italian café serving original Italian cuisine, pizza and weekend brunch.
by
Charlotte
Mewis
Les Tissus du Chien Vert
A reference for fabrics
Opened over 30 years ago in the Canal District, 3-floor store "Les Tissus du Chien Vert" is a point of reference for textile lovers in Brussels...
by
Petra
Perazzini
Boulengier
A bakery with a Viennese look
"Boulengier" in Brussels is definitely my favorite bakery. I like the fin de siècle look of the shop-atelier with its marble counters and stained glass!
by
Petra
Perazzini
Gare Maritime
Old freight station back to life
"Gare Maritime" is one of those places that make you feel proud to be living in Brussels. It recently underwent full renovation and the result is remarkable...
by
Petra
Perazzini
Musée Van Buuren
Journey in a world of Art Deco
"Musée Van Buuren" in Brussels is a private house turned into a glorious museum full of art nouveau masterpieces! A true example of 'total art!'
by
Petra
Perazzini
MICA
A successful healthy food grocery
"MICA" in Brussels is a healthy food grocery store that doubles as an amazing restaurant! Among my favorites are the quinoa salad and the fish cakes...
by
Petra
Perazzini
Fosbury and Sons
Co-working and more
"Fosbury and Sons" in Brussels is a co-working in an impressive building from the '70s. It's worth seeing on the inside and out...
by
William
Mertens
Place d'Arezzo
Walk around Ixelles and Uccle
In the communes of Ixelles and Uccle in the south of Brussels you can find some very nice neighbourhoods that are worth a stroll, like "Place d' Arezzo"...
by
William
Mertens
Oldboy
Asian bistro
"Oldboy" is an Asian-inspired restaurant in the Chatelain area of Brussels. It's a vibrant place with good music, friendly staff and an open kitchen.
by
William
Mertens
Heading to Brussels?
295 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 295 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Brussels
Our team loves Brussels
Get to know our other Spotters from Brussels
As featured on:
