The Most Unique Dining Experiences In Brussels

In comparison to other European capitals, Brussels may be small for its size, but that certainly does not mean it is lacking on the foodie front. We pick 10 great dining experiences here that go beyond the ordinary in terms of concept, location and culinary adventure.

The Tram Experience

Imagine taking in the views of Brussels through the windows of a tram while enjoying fine cuisine. Through the Tram Experience, this dream becomes a reality, offering individuals the opportunity to wine and dine while enjoying a new perspective of the city. Its extravagance not only relies on the experience of being a ‘moving dinner,’ but also through the careful menu selection and attentive staff on board. Invitees can enjoy two different kinds of gourmet selection; the ‘Tram’ or the ‘Experience’ menus, consisting of six or seven courses. Seven tours are offered each week starting from Place Poelaert and passing through Place Flagey, Merode, Montgomery, the Museum of Trams and back through Buyl and Legrand. The whole tour lasts at least two hours. While perhaps not one of the cheapest dinners in Brussels, the experience is surely one of the most fascinating and entertaining.

Belga Queen

Located in the center of Brussels, the Belga Queen is housed in a former 18th century building, previously home to the Hôtel de la Poste and then the Crédit du Nord bank. Between its magical location and incredible, beautifully executed Belgian food combinations, Belga Queen has all the elements to create an extravagant evening in Brussels. Its stylish interior design adds to the exceptional ambience.

Dinner in the Sky

Since the concept of Dinner in the Sky celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2016, ten chefs have been hired to offer guests around the world a unique gastronomic experience enjoyed on a table hung from a crane overlooking the Brussels skyline. While Dinner in the Sky is certainly found in other locations, the Brussels edition is a phenomenal opportunity for a truly unique dining experience. All menus offer five courses accompanied with premium wines and Champagne Laurent-Perrier. Brussels’ Dinner in the Sky 2016 will be hosted in front of the Atomium, giving visitors a panoramic view of the monument at night while indulging in decadent cuisine.

La Quincaillerie

Restaurant, Brasserie, European, French, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-free, Fast Food, Street Food

Located in a former hardware shop and designed by a student of Victor Horta, La Quincaillerie is a peculiar brasserie that has preserved many characteristic elements of the former shop, such as its original giant clock, wood paneling, and walls of storage drawers. The unique location alone makes it a singular dining experience. Cuisine is focused on fresh seafood and the restaurant has developed two of its own oysters under the PQD label; Kara Savi, and the Vertes de Bardières.

Le Mess

Le Mess is housed in a former prison with its authentic architecture preserved. Based on two floors, Le Mess’ glass room is surely worth a visit. The chefs make sure that all the ingredients they serve are local and healthy; one of the reasons for which it has been included in the selection of best Slow Food restaurants in Brussels.

Chalet Robinson

Restaurant

The Chalet Robinson is a typical Belgian brasserie located on a small island, in the heart of the charming Bois de la Cambre and only reachable by a tiny boat. The ambience is unmistakably green and quiet, and the restaurant offers a wonderful view over the natural park. Not surprisingly, spring and summer are the best seasons to go and enjoy fresh and inventive menus. Their wonderful terrace is also open for a stunning view of the lake with a fresh drink in hand.

Undisclosed Dinner

The concept of the Undisclosed Dinner is simple: three chefs, one unique menu and a secret location. The fact that guests are not allowed to know where and what they can expect to eat until the moment they reach the location makes this a very unconventional dining experience. The most recent menu was created by the joint forces of three Belgian chefs: Jacques-Olivier Charles from Delicatessen, Mathias Dircx from aub-svp and Kenzo Nakata from Gramm. Keep an eye on the website to be the first one to register for the next edition.

About the author

Chiara Bellani

Chiara was born and raised in the Roman countryside, but always had quite an international vocation. She studied in Norway and Canada before moving to Brussels, where she works in the field of education and culture since 2013. Passionate about international and social affairs (with a special interest for environmental and gender equality issues), she is naturally inquisitive. She enjoys writing about art, travel, food and photography. Her not-so-hidden love for international food and Scandinavian Noirs novels explains why she has always chosen a Nordic destination for her academic and professional career.