After the national moules frites (mussels and fries) dish, steak frites is the second most loved dish in Belgium. There are plenty of restaurants serving this Belgian classic, but here’s our selection of the very best restaurants in Brussels for enjoying a great plate of steak frites.
Les Caves d’Alex is located in the European quarter, not far from Place du Luxembourg. The menu includes delicious options such as côte a l’os (T-bone steak), which is matured to perfection. Add to that thick cut fries and a homemade Béarnaise sauce and you are all set for a delicious dinner. Les Caves d’Alex also has an extensive wine list.
Au Vieux Bruxelles, Rue Saint Boniface | Photo courtesy of Colonel
Located on Place Saint Boniface, Aux Vieux Bruxelles is mostly known for its moules frites, but it also serves a delicious steak. There are several cuts one can order including a ‘ladies-size steak,’ a 180-gram steak. All steaks come with homemade fries. The restaurant does not take reservations (and gets very busy).
Colonel is located just off Place Stéphanie and serves an extensive menu. Diners can also choose their own piece of meat, the variety of beef, and the age of the beef from the butcher’s counter in the middle of the restaurant. The choice includes rib eye steaks for two or more, and the cuts of meat are cooked on sight on a Josper charcoal oven. The meat at Colonel is sold by weight and ranges between 80 and 120 euros per kilo.
Situated in the very heart of Brussels, just a street off the Opera La Monnaie, Restaurant Vincent serves authentic Belgian cuisine. This small, cozy restaurant is known for its delicious meat, displayed in glass cases by the open bar so diners can chose their own cut. It is then flambéed directly at the table.
Photo courtesy of De Hoef 1627 | Au Stekerlapatte, Brussels
Hidden behind the Palace of Justice, this traditional Belgian restaurant has attracted Brussels’ politicians as well as artists. Au Stekerlapatte serves a deliciously simple, no frills steak frites. There’s also a good selection of Belgian beers and homemade desserts.
De Hoef 1627, Brussels | Photo courtesy of De Skievelat
De Hoef 1627 is a longstanding favorite of the Ucclois (as the residents of the Uccle commune are known). Housed in the original location of a postal house (De Hoef) that dates from 1627, this restaurant is one of the only ones in Brussels that still has an open fire. Diners’ choice of meat is given a final grill on the open fire before being served. It comes with handcut frites fried in beef drippings.
De Skievelat is a traditional brasserie serving great food at decent prices, including a maxi-steak of around 350 grams to be enjoyed with handcut fries. The restaurant is usually buzzing, and also has an extensive menu of Belgian beers.
Aux Pavés de Bruxelles, Brussels | Photo courtesy of @onfoodandwine
Located two steps away from the Grand Place, on what is best known as the ‘pita street’, this restaurant often gets overlooked as ‘too touristy.’ However, the steaks at Aux Paves de Bruxelles are delicious: cooked to order, with homemade fries and tasty sides, they stand out both for their size and quality. The service is friendly and efficient, and the staff speaks English.
A typical brasserie, Le Chapeau Blanc has been an institution since 1890. It has the decor to match its history: mirror-framed walls, a wooden waiter holding a menu, and a long oyster bar. The food is typical brasserie-style fare with steak frites or moules frites the most popular choices.
L’Entrée des Artistes offers great traditional Belgian fare. Depending on the season, you can eat mussels or game and, of course, steak frites (which is always on the menu). Unusually for Brussels, L’Entrée des Artistes also offers gluten and lactose-free dishes.
