Friture René Brussels
'Allo Allo!' fancy fries
Davy from Brussels
Many tourists coming to Brussels hope to find the best Belgian fries in the capital. ‘Crispy on the outside, sweet soft potato on the inside’, that’s how you recognize them. I’m afraid I’ll have to disappoint these tourist gold diggers. Ironically, Brussels is actually one of the least favorable spots to enjoy our Belgian delicacy.
However, some hotspots do exist: Frit Flagey at Flageyplein, Maison Antoine at Jourdanplein (where Angela Merkel always comes for a bite) and Friterie de la Barrière at Parklaan. Downside: these are all booths, so you can’t sit down and eat inside.
Therefore, whenever I want to have the best fries I head for Friture René. This is no ordinary booth. A former friture dating from 1932 was turned into a fancy friture-restaurant in 1967. It is family-run since then. I adore coming here with friends for what seems like a trip down memory lane. It actually feels like you’re in an old Paris brasserie (red-white tablecloth, white tiles on the wall, red barstools), but the food and drinks can’t get more Brussels than this: mussels from Brussels drowning in garlic sauce, carefully prepared huge steaks, shrimp croquettes, homemade mayonnaise, cheese croquettes, beef stew, local beers... And of course: the excellent homemade fries.
Fun fact: Friture René is located on the Verzetsplein (‘Resistance Square’), referring to the German occupation of Belgium during World War II. That's why I always hope to find René "Allo 'Allo!" Artois behind the counter baking my fries. Sadly without success so far.
Brussels Spotter Davy
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:
