Home to the European Parliament, Place du Luxembourg – or Place Lux – is often described as the beating heart of the EU in Brussels. Packed with bureaucrats, diplomats, lobbyists and journalists on weekdays, the place has a number of elegant restaurants and bars where the multilingual gather to discuss policy or simply unwind over lunch or dinner. Here’s a list of some of the best dining establishments in the area.
1. The Beer Factory
Bar, Brasserie, Belgian, European, Wine, Beer
What’s in a name? If you prefer a nice frothy beer to a glass of wine with your food, you’ll want to cross the square to The Beer Factory. Especially enticing on chilly winter days is the comfort food with a homemade feel, such as local specialty stoemp (mashed potatoes) with sausage and bacon or a beef stew cooked in, of course, beer.
2. Maison du Luxembourg
Restaurant, French, Belgian, European
The real gastronomic Luxembourg experience – with the exception of actually visiting the country – can be found at Maison du Luxembourg. Chef Philippe Lecomte and his team focus on specialties originating in the country their restaurant is named after. The restaurant’s prices are a little steeper, but the presence of a sommelier guiding you through their small yet impressive wine selection more than makes up for the extra buck.
3. Le Nouvel Artiste
Bar, Restaurant, Italian, Mediterranean, European
All about the flavor and none of the frills, Le Nouvel Artiste offers simple Neapolitan cuisine in big portions and at reasonable prices. The lack of cohesive design only adds to its homey charm, and the warm staff is always happy to recommend daily suggestions.
4. Gourmand
Gourmand
If you’re looking to pair your food with a decent glass of wine, the cozy wine and food bar Gourmand has the best of everything. A highly selective menu with fresh fish and a mouthwatering Black Angus T-bone attracts both expats and Belgians.
Gourmand, Rue de Trèves 4, Brussels, Belgium, +32 2 502 36 16
Aperitif at Gourmand | Courtesy of Gourmand
5. EsKape
Restaurant, Mediterranean
EsKape stands out by keeping it simple and healthy; a balanced world food buffet awaits you for lunch, ready to let its overwhelming variety of tastes sweep you off to more exotic locations if only for a moment. The cantina-style eating arrangements are a refreshing alternative to the more traditional restaurants in the area. Vegetarians will be delighted to discover a wide array of options.
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Coco
On a trendier scale than the more traditional watering holes surrounding Place Lux, Coco is where the young EU diplomats get their food and drinks after work. Happy hours on Thursdays from six to seven make for the perfect aperitif occasion before delving into their signature ‘Coco deluxe’ hamburger.
Coco, Place du Luxembourg 10, Brussels, Belgium, +32 2 230 22 30
6. Quartier Léopold
Quartier Léopold
One of the better traditional brasseries encircling the square, Quartier Léopold offers up a classical Belgian kitchen with high-quality ingredients. Prepare for a ferocious scramble on sunny spring and summer days to secure one of the coveted terrace spots looking out on the stately façade of the old Luxembourg railway station.
Quartier Léopold, Place du Luxembourg 9, Brussels, Belgium, +32 2 280 25 52
Quartier Léopold’s terrace | Courtesy of Quartier Léopold
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