Le Falstaff is one of the historic brasseries of central Brussels. Established in 1903 at the base of a large 19th-century building, the café quickly became part of the city’s lively social scene. Its name evokes the jovial Shakespearean character Sir John Falstaff, a fitting reference for a place devoted to good food, good drink, and convivial company. Today the brasserie continues this tradition, offering classic Belgian cuisine alongside vegetarian options, with a focus on quality ingredients and warm hospitality.

The building itself is a small architectural curiosity. The decoration was created by carpenter Émile Houbion, a collaborator of the renowned Belgian architect Victor Horta. The façade reflects a playful blend of styles: the two rounded windows and entrance display delicate Art Nouveau ornamentation, while the glass canopy above the entrance is inspired by American Art Deco design. Art Nouveau stained-glass panels highlight the upper corners of the windows, and the vertical sign is distinctly Art Deco, creating a striking visual contrast that reflects the artistic transitions of the early 20th century.

Inside, the café preserves the layered character of its origins. The décor mixes Art Nouveau curves with elements of 19th-century Eclecticism, producing a richly detailed interior that feels both elegant and welcoming. Such interiors were once common in the great European cafés where writers, artists, and intellectuals gathered, but few have survived intact. As a result, Le Falstaff stands today as one of the rare remaining examples of Brussels’ early-20th-century café culture.

Recognizing its historical and architectural value, the establishment was officially listed as a protected monument in October 2000. Visitors who step through the door will discover not only an atmospheric interior but also a classic brasserie experience—whether enjoying a cup of coffee, sampling traditional Belgian dishes, or relaxing with a freshly poured Belgian beer.

Resisting the allure of Belgian pastry shop windows is like trying not to smile at a puppy playing the piano – practically impossible! And let's be real, those scrumptious treats usually taste even better than they look. But, for those who want to march to the beat of their own biscuit drum, consider snagging some of the equally famous biscuits from a specialist like Dandoy. This historic bakery, established way back in 1829, churns out mouthwatering handmade 'speculoos' (Belgian spiced biscuits) and waffles that are dressed to impress with chocolate sauce, fruit, and whipped cream. With five branches sprinkled around the city, you can even cozy up in this one, which happens to have its very own tearoom – right off the Grand Place, no less!

Tucked at the rear of a small alleyway just two blocks away from the Grand Place, this pub – touted to be one of the oldest in the city – is a proper little hidden gem. Once inside, you'll find a cozy and original 19th-century beer room with a quiet understated charm and mostly bench-style seating, where everyone sits together – though, weather permitting, you may also enjoy a small external seating area. The decoration features lots of dark wood paneling, iron chandeliers, framed photo portraits of former Belgian kings and queens and, of course, lots of charming old images of the woodcock (bécasse) which gives the pub its name.

The choice of in-house beers is pretty good – they serve the Lambic range and you can try a sampler platter of four (in either smaller or bigger sizes) or simply have one poured in a cute ceramic pitcher. Food mostly consists of traditional snacks to compliment the beers you drink, and prices are pretty good for what is a touristified area.

If you are looking for an authentic beer hall with loads of character, then head here!

À l’Imaige Nostre-Dame is one of Brussels’ most historic estaminets. The tavern officially opened in 1884, though it occupies a building dating back to 1682—one of the rare structures in the area that survived the devastating bombardment of Brussels in 1695. Hidden behind a small arched doorway at the end of the alley, the establishment preserves the atmosphere of old Brussels, with rustic wooden furnishings and a traditional bar serving Belgian beers and simple regional dishes.

The building’s history stretches far beyond its role as a tavern. According to long-standing local lore, the cellars once served as detention cells for prisoners awaiting execution on the nearby Grand Place. Over time, this somber chapter gave way to a more convivial purpose as the premises evolved into a gathering place for drinkers, artists, and writers. In the early 20th century, it became especially popular with literary and artistic circles, including members of the Brussels cultural scene who met there for conversation and inspiration.

Today, À l’Imaige Nostre-Dame remains a distinctive reminder of the city’s café culture. Its setting—reached through an alley marked by a niche containing a statue of the Virgin and Child—recalls a time when pictorial signs helped guide residents through Brussels’ unnumbered streets. Visitors come not only for the beers and traditional snacks, but also for the sense of stepping into a place where centuries of urban life have left their traces, turning a once-hidden corner of the city into a living piece of Brussels’ heritage.

Chez Léon is one of Brussels’ most famous restaurants that has become a culinary landmark for both locals and visitors seeking an authentic taste of Brussels. The story of Chez Léon dates back to 1867, when Léon Vanlancker opened a small five-table restaurant near the Grand-Place called À la Ville d’Anvers. A few decades later, in 1893, he moved a short distance away to Rue des Bouchers and established what would become the legendary “Friture Léon.” From these modest beginnings, the restaurant gradually expanded, eventually spreading across several adjoining buildings and growing into one of the largest restaurant complexes in Brussels.

Chez Léon built its reputation on classic Belgian dishes, especially moules-frites—fresh mussels served with crisp fries—which became its signature specialty. Over time, the restaurant’s menu developed into a showcase of Belgian culinary traditions, featuring seafood, hearty meat dishes, and regional favorites prepared in a convivial brasserie setting. The aim has always been to offer visitors a genuine Belgian dining experience in the heart of the capital.

Today, Chez Léon continues to welcome diners with the same warm, bustling atmosphere that made it famous more than a century ago. Combining historic surroundings with classic Belgian flavors, it remains one of the city’s most recognizable places to experience the enduring tradition of Brussels brasserie cuisine.

Aux Armes de Bruxelles offers a glimpse into the city’s culinary past. Opened in 1921, the restaurant has preserved the atmosphere of a classic Belgian brasserie, where dining is as much about tradition and setting as it is about the food itself.

The interior reflects this old-world charm. Wood-paneled walls, stained-glass windows decorated with coats of arms, and comfortable, formal dining rooms evoke the elegance of early twentieth-century Brussels. Waiters in formal attire move briskly between tables, maintaining a style of attentive service that has largely disappeared from modern restaurants. The setting feels deliberately traditional, offering visitors a sense of stepping back into a quieter era of the city’s dining culture.

The menu celebrates many of Belgium’s best-known dishes. Guests can choose from classics such as eels in sorrel sauce, veal kidneys in mustard, beef carbonnade slow-cooked in beer, and the creamy chicken stew known as waterzooi. Seafood also plays a prominent role, with oysters, lobster with mayonnaise, and sole meunière among the specialties.

According to tradition, the latter dish was particularly favored by Leopold III, who reportedly visited the restaurant regularly. Meals typically end on a sweet note with Belgian waffles, rich crêpes flambéed with liqueur, or other classic desserts, completing an experience that reflects a century of Brussels’ gastronomic heritage.

Le Cercueil is one of the most unusual bars in the historic centre of Brussels. Opened in 1974, the establishment quickly gained attention for its distinctive horror-inspired concept. The name itself—meaning “The Coffin”—reflects the bar’s theatrical atmosphere, where dark décor and macabre humor combine to create an experience unlike any typical Brussels café.

The interior is deliberately gothic and eccentric. Tables are designed as coffins, skeletons decorate the walls, and drinks are often served in skull-shaped cups, reinforcing the playful yet eerie theme. The concept reportedly took shape after the release of the horror film The Exorcist, which inspired the original owner to create a venue where Halloween seems to last all year. Dim lighting and deep red tones enhance the mysterious mood, making the bar feel both theatrical and surprisingly cosy.

The menu features Belgian beers alongside cocktails with mischievous names that match the bar’s dark aesthetic. Visitors often choose the signature drinks served in ceramic skull mugs or cocktails presented with dramatic flair.

Dolle Mol is a historic café closely linked to Brussels’ libertarian and alternative cultural scene. Originally opened in a wine cellar on Rue du Marché aux Fromages and relocated in 1971 to Rue des Éperonniers, the café quickly attracted members of the surrealist circle, including Marcel Mariën. In the 1970s it became a gathering place for left-wing youth after the May 1968 protests, with an upstairs underground bookshop and multilingual alternative press library reinforcing its countercultural reputation.

Over the years, the venue became popular with beatniks and the capital’s intellectual circles. Musicians and writers such as Bob Dylan, Tom Waits, and Léo Ferré are said to have visited, along with poet William Cliff and artist Walter De Buck. Even Andreas Baader reportedly stayed here while on the run across Europe. The Flemish Belgian section of Amnesty International was also founded in the café.

Today, Dolle Mol still reflects its unconventional past, with a quirky interior filled with posters, artworks, and memorabilia that create a bohemian atmosphere. The bar specializes in Belgian beers from smaller and lesser-known breweries, making it a rewarding stop for beer enthusiasts seeking something beyond the usual selections. Guests can sit at tables inside the main room, outside along the street, or upstairs on the first floor.

Friday nights often bring an added layer of energy, when improvisation and jam sessions take place. Musicians gather informally, and visitors are welcome to join in, creating a lively and spontaneous atmosphere that keeps the café’s long tradition of artistic exchange very much alive.

The Secret Rooftop by Warwick offers a refined yet relaxed escape above the city’s historic centre. Perched atop the four-star Warwick Brussels, this elegant terrace pairs sweeping views of the skyline—including the ornate Town Hall spire—with a setting that feels both intimate and unpretentious. The space blends rustic charm with comfort, featuring lounge sofas, standing tables, and foldable sun chairs that invite guests to linger, whether for a sunset drink or a quiet evening above the bustle.

The rooftop serves a diverse selection of drinks, from classic cocktails to locally inspired creations and Belgian gins. While it operates without reservations, adding to its spontaneous appeal, the venue can be privatized for events. The addition of an indoor area means it now functions year-round, transforming into a cosy winter garden when temperatures drop. That said, access depends on weather conditions and occasional private bookings, so checking ahead is advisable. Whether for a casual after-work drink or a more romantic evening, this “secret” spot lives up to its name as one of Brussels’ quietly impressive rooftop experiences.