Guidebook for Ixelles
Food Scene
Fresh and seasonal products, and a daily changing menu that varies according to the deliveries. 3 starters, a main course, and a dessert, completely organic, for 18 euros (lunch) or 25 (dinner).
Les Filles Plaisirs Culinaires
46 Rue du Vieux Marché aux GrainsFresh and seasonal products, and a daily changing menu that varies according to the deliveries. 3 starters, a main course, and a dessert, completely organic, for 18 euros (lunch) or 25 (dinner).
Café des Spores
103 Chau. d'AlsembergTHE place for mushroom lovers, all year around.
Because it's totally delish and it's exactly like your Italian grandma's food.
45 locals recommend
Osteria Bolognese
49 Rue de la PaixBecause it's totally delish and it's exactly like your Italian grandma's food.
a better, tastier and more refined alternative for Belgian food than la fin du siècle (and say goodbye to the long queues).
48 locals recommend
Nüetnigenough
25 Rue du Lombarda better, tastier and more refined alternative for Belgian food than la fin du siècle (and say goodbye to the long queues).
Do not forget to check out the stand selling Belgian fries! it's open till very late (i think 3 am but it could change subject to local politicians)
153 locals recommend
Flagey
Do not forget to check out the stand selling Belgian fries! it's open till very late (i think 3 am but it could change subject to local politicians)
Volle Gas
21 Pl. Fernand Cocqvery good belgian restaurant off the tourist route!
favourite hotspot of the Belgian surrealist, the older bar in Brussels (1600s). The clientele is mostly Flemish-speaking. Great in wintertime.
18 locals recommend
La Fleur en Papier Doré
55 Rue des Alexiensfavourite hotspot of the Belgian surrealist, the older bar in Brussels (1600s). The clientele is mostly Flemish-speaking. Great in wintertime.
Rockabilly espresso bar. Excellent coffee. Sometimes open at night, they have Spritz and Bellini.
Rue des Riches Claires 2
Rockabilly espresso bar. Excellent coffee. Sometimes open at night, they have Spritz and Bellini.
Excellent tea house, try their Assouan herbal tea (or any other choice, I also love Hermes). Very stylish spot. The extra tea price is worth the quality, calm and atmosphere. Take some home!
7 locals recommend
Comptoir Florian
17 Rue Saint-BonifaceExcellent tea house, try their Assouan herbal tea (or any other choice, I also love Hermes). Very stylish spot. The extra tea price is worth the quality, calm and atmosphere. Take some home!
Consistently rated the best ramen soup in Europe in this supertiny and authentic Japanese ramen bar.
20 locals recommend
Yamato
11 Rue FrancartConsistently rated the best ramen soup in Europe in this supertiny and authentic Japanese ramen bar.
L'Horloge du Sud
141 Rue du TrônePopular African restaurant in a beautiful 1950s building.
They say the best fries in town, however the public opinion is split between here and Flagey. Beware it's just a food stall! you can sit and drink in one of the bars around.
154 locals recommend
Maison Antoine
1 Pl. JourdanThey say the best fries in town, however the public opinion is split between here and Flagey. Beware it's just a food stall! you can sit and drink in one of the bars around.
Indochinese food, the place is really beautiful: it looks like the insides of a 1930s south-eastern Asian train.
15 locals recommend
Indochine
58 Rue LesbroussartIndochinese food, the place is really beautiful: it looks like the insides of a 1930s south-eastern Asian train.
pretty decent burgers and concerts. The place was the place to be for the 1970s generation before it closed down ten years ago. Now it's popular with all age groups.
68 locals recommend
l'Amour Fou Comptoir & Bar
185 Chau. d'Ixellespretty decent burgers and concerts. The place was the place to be for the 1970s generation before it closed down ten years ago. Now it's popular with all age groups.
DO NOT EAT HERE! it's overpriced and not very good. But the place is a total gem of 1910s liberty style, fully renovated.It used to be the place where the King of Belgium met his lovers 100 years ago.
9 locals recommend
De Ultieme Hallucinatie
316 Rue RoyaleDO NOT EAT HERE! it's overpriced and not very good. But the place is a total gem of 1910s liberty style, fully renovated.It used to be the place where the King of Belgium met his lovers 100 years ago.
Famed for its packed tables of chess-playing regulars. it's a large, square 1910s hall with a long bar down one side.
34 locals recommend
Greenwich Café Bruxelles
7 Rue des ChartreuxFamed for its packed tables of chess-playing regulars. it's a large, square 1910s hall with a long bar down one side.
The triumph of grandmothery kitsch cum rococo, they serve nice brunch! open only fri-sat-sun
Rue de Vergnies 2
2 Rue de VergniesThe triumph of grandmothery kitsch cum rococo, they serve nice brunch! open only fri-sat-sun
Lisbon in Brussels, azulejos included. Unmissable pastéis de nata and good coffee!
34 locals recommend
Pâtisserie Garcia
75 Av. de la CouronneLisbon in Brussels, azulejos included. Unmissable pastéis de nata and good coffee!
Yeti is an organic Canadian bistro in the park but it is momentarily only open at lunch-time during weekdays. In summer on Friday evening they have apéro with excellent tapas and wines.
8 locals recommend
Viaductpark
133 Rue du ViaducYeti is an organic Canadian bistro in the park but it is momentarily only open at lunch-time during weekdays. In summer on Friday evening they have apéro with excellent tapas and wines.
Don't try their food, it's overpriced and not good! sit instead in their lovely outdoor terrace and have a beer.
17 locals recommend
Gemeenschapscentrum De Markten
5 Rue du Vieux Marché aux GrainsDon't try their food, it's overpriced and not good! sit instead in their lovely outdoor terrace and have a beer.
Excellent mid-range French restaurant in a very stylish atmosphere (all white tiles).
About 50 Euros for dinner, 25 for lunch.
Chaussée de Wavre 168
Excellent mid-range French restaurant in a very stylish atmosphere (all white tiles).
About 50 Euros for dinner, 25 for lunch.
New addition to the neighbourhood. Eastern Mediterranean tapas in a very Scandinavian deco, it's becoming a locals' favourite.
Chaussée de Wavre 151
New addition to the neighbourhood. Eastern Mediterranean tapas in a very Scandinavian deco, it's becoming a locals' favourite.
Peruvian diner with amazing interior design. The current hotspot for cool people.
Chaussée de Charleroi 227
Peruvian diner with amazing interior design. The current hotspot for cool people.
You don't come here for the decor, that's for sure! but to savour an excellent bacalhau a braz (chips, onions, eggs and cod). Recommended by my Portuguese friends
Boondaalsesteenweg 4
4 Chaussée de BoondaelYou don't come here for the decor, that's for sure! but to savour an excellent bacalhau a braz (chips, onions, eggs and cod). Recommended by my Portuguese friends
beware they close at 9!
Communal tables with a daily, organic, fixed menu (25 euros).
GREAT CONCEPT, GREAT LOCATION (inside a house), GREAT FOOD!
Rue du Vieux Marché aux Grains 46
46 Rue du Vieux Marché aux Grainsbeware they close at 9!
Communal tables with a daily, organic, fixed menu (25 euros).
GREAT CONCEPT, GREAT LOCATION (inside a house), GREAT FOOD!
Very, very popular Belgian restaurant both with locals and tourists.
174 locals recommend
La Fin de Siècle
3 Av. de l'ArméeVery, very popular Belgian restaurant both with locals and tourists.
Bia Mara
41 Rue du Marché aux PouletsOutstanding fish and chips parlour. Nice deco.
Livornostraat 125
125 Rue de Livournehip and trendy spot for Vietnamese spring rolls. The deco is great!
Le Citron Poilu
118 Rue Lesbroussarttypical bistro , there is nothing but goodness on the menu!
bakery and bar, they also sell their own coffees and teas. delicious and classy!
29 locals recommend
Maison Renardy
111B Chau. de Wavrebakery and bar, they also sell their own coffees and teas. delicious and classy!
Le Clan des Belges
20 Rue de la PaixNice and hearty brunch!
I have never tried a better cheesecake in my life! sweet little spot, there's a friendly mutt (Cézanne) but don't give him sweets even if he gives you "the eyes"!
17 locals recommend
A.M. Sweet
4 Rue des ChartreuxI have never tried a better cheesecake in my life! sweet little spot, there's a friendly mutt (Cézanne) but don't give him sweets even if he gives you "the eyes"!
CHAFF
21 Pl. du Jeu de Ballebar and concert spot, with amazing views on the fleamarket. I love it!
good bar if you need reliable wifi, it's a cool brick interior. The terrace is very popular.
117 locals recommend
Café Maison du Peuple
39 Parv. de Saint-Gillesgood bar if you need reliable wifi, it's a cool brick interior. The terrace is very popular.
this one goes for Brussels food! emphasis on offal, not for the faint of heart (but very good)
35 locals recommend
Viva M'Boma
17 Rue de Flandrethis one goes for Brussels food! emphasis on offal, not for the faint of heart (but very good)
this is my favourite bar in the area! i go with my gals all the time there. Definitely popular with those in their 30es.
29 locals recommend
Lord Byron
8 Rue des Chartreuxthis is my favourite bar in the area! i go with my gals all the time there. Definitely popular with those in their 30es.
Haven't tried the restaurant, but the bar/bistrot is pretty stilish and good. nice lunch specials at 9 euro.
25 locals recommend
Galerie du roi
3 Galerie du RoiHaven't tried the restaurant, but the bar/bistrot is pretty stilish and good. nice lunch specials at 9 euro.
L'Arcadi
1B Rue d'ArenbergSimply the best, fluffy, delicious quiches in this old-style brasserie.
Everything Else
This is the most beautiful philosophical gardens I have ever seen. I will one day get married here.
The whole area, while technically in Brussels, makes you travel back in time and space.
8 locals recommend
Erasmushuis station
This is the most beautiful philosophical gardens I have ever seen. I will one day get married here.
The whole area, while technically in Brussels, makes you travel back in time and space.
on Monday afternoons, there is an excellent market where you can also have wine and drinks. Hot local spot to see and to be seen
School Integral Roger Lallemand
73 Rue de la Croix de Pierreon Monday afternoons, there is an excellent market where you can also have wine and drinks. Hot local spot to see and to be seen
Wijnbar Titulus
167A Chau. de WavreFine wine bar and shop (more shop than winebar though!)
our swimming pool is 110 years old! open till 6 pm (mondays: 9 pm) beware you need a bathing cap
14 locals recommend
Piscine d'Ixelles
10 Rue de la Natationour swimming pool is 110 years old! open till 6 pm (mondays: 9 pm) beware you need a bathing cap
The biggest fleamarket in Brussels, a great spot to hang out and buy souvenirs! real cool and "real" atmosphere. Loads of interesting shops in the adjacent streets.
47 locals recommend
Vossenplein station
The biggest fleamarket in Brussels, a great spot to hang out and buy souvenirs! real cool and "real" atmosphere. Loads of interesting shops in the adjacent streets.
It used to be my favourite second-hand music shop, now it's a boho eatery specialised in bento. I kinda miss old prélude, but this one's cool too.
Rue Antoine Bréart 82
It used to be my favourite second-hand music shop, now it's a boho eatery specialised in bento. I kinda miss old prélude, but this one's cool too.
another old-school brasserie, they have jazz concerts on saturdays at noon, nice to have coffee there!
48 locals recommend
Aux Pavés de Bruxelles
1 Kaasmarktanother old-school brasserie, they have jazz concerts on saturdays at noon, nice to have coffee there!
Drinks & Nightlife
You'll probably find me hanging out in this terrace, or at Stam (opposite).
Very popular with the artsy crowd, dark and cozy interior. Great outdoor terrace, you'll feel in southern France.
34 locals recommend
L'Athénée
2 Rue Jules BouillonYou'll probably find me hanging out in this terrace, or at Stam (opposite).
Very popular with the artsy crowd, dark and cozy interior. Great outdoor terrace, you'll feel in southern France.
Supercozy after-work or after theater bistrot, summer or winter. prices are very correct, they have nice house wine and tapas. it was a former butcher's. Nice terrace.
27 locals recommend
Les Pénates
42 Rue de VergniesSupercozy after-work or after theater bistrot, summer or winter. prices are very correct, they have nice house wine and tapas. it was a former butcher's. Nice terrace.
possibly the best beer bar in Brussels. No tourists but local crowds of artists, students and freaks. I once saw there a fox. Closes very late (I was once there at 4am).
179 locals recommend
Moeder Lambic Original
68 Rue de Savoiepossibly the best beer bar in Brussels. No tourists but local crowds of artists, students and freaks. I once saw there a fox. Closes very late (I was once there at 4am).
Not the greatest food, but the place itself is s marvel of the de Stijl artistic movement. You'll spot some Mondriaan-inspired lamps you'll love!
69 locals recommend
Ultime Atome
14 Rue Saint-BonifaceNot the greatest food, but the place itself is s marvel of the de Stijl artistic movement. You'll spot some Mondriaan-inspired lamps you'll love!
Former lovers' hotel in a shady street, its incredibly well-preserved art-déco interiors now boast a very cool bar. check out sometimes they have 1930s parties!
7 locals recommend
Le Berger Hotel
24 Rue du BergerFormer lovers' hotel in a shady street, its incredibly well-preserved art-déco interiors now boast a very cool bar. check out sometimes they have 1930s parties!
If you feel like splurging 12 euros on a cocktail in the caves of the former Vatican embassy, this is the place to go.
41 locals recommend
Humus x Hortense
2 Rue de VergniesIf you feel like splurging 12 euros on a cocktail in the caves of the former Vatican embassy, this is the place to go.
My other favourite terrace in the neighbourhood! nice mix of African and gentrified clientele. Heated terrace.
Bouréstraat 1
1 Rue BouréMy other favourite terrace in the neighbourhood! nice mix of African and gentrified clientele. Heated terrace.
Although not my favourite bar in the area (it's pretty gentrified), you have to try it. As all bars in Brussels, you can have breakfast/small lunch/brunch on saturdays and some tapas in the evening.
355 locals recommend
Café Belga
18 Pl. Eugène FlageyAlthough not my favourite bar in the area (it's pretty gentrified), you have to try it. As all bars in Brussels, you can have breakfast/small lunch/brunch on saturdays and some tapas in the evening.
1930s jazz bar with original furniture and old-style cocktails. A must-see.
146 locals recommend
L'Archiduc
6 Rue Antoine Dansaert1930s jazz bar with original furniture and old-style cocktails. A must-see.
More than once I found myself there at 4 am with too many drinks on me. Cool atmosphere but packed.
61 locals recommend
Bonnefooi
8 Rue des PierresMore than once I found myself there at 4 am with too many drinks on me. Cool atmosphere but packed.
Nice meets Berlin meets London in this terrace. Please beware is full of snubs, but prices are correct.
79 locals recommend
Chez Franz
30 Av. du Haut-PontNice meets Berlin meets London in this terrace. Please beware is full of snubs, but prices are correct.
Popular with leftist students and chess players, it's a great place in wintertime (very cozy).
64 locals recommend
Le Pantin
355 Chau. d'IxellesPopular with leftist students and chess players, it's a great place in wintertime (very cozy).
If Brussels was Paris, this place'd be 10 times more expensive. It's a liberty gem. It was a Jacques Brel's favourite. Try half and half here (half sparkling wine half white wine).
43 locals recommend
Le Cirio
18 Rue de la BourseIf Brussels was Paris, this place'd be 10 times more expensive. It's a liberty gem. It was a Jacques Brel's favourite. Try half and half here (half sparkling wine half white wine).
trendy gay bar with techno music, a place to see and be seen. The terrace is nice in summer!
12 locals recommend
Fontainasplein
Place Fontainastrendy gay bar with techno music, a place to see and be seen. The terrace is nice in summer!
1930s bar, popular with students, artists and locals. If Sartre was living in Brussels in 2014, Brasserie Verschueren would be his home away from home.
84 locals recommend
Brasserie Verschueren
11 Parv. de Saint-Gilles1930s bar, popular with students, artists and locals. If Sartre was living in Brussels in 2014, Brasserie Verschueren would be his home away from home.
Roskam
9 Rue de Flandretypical brussels bar, popular with flemish youths.
I used to love Monk more when it was more old-fashioned. the new owners have made it cooler, but there's still some atmosphere left! love the brown café interiors.
125 locals recommend
Monk
22 Rue Sainte-CatherineI used to love Monk more when it was more old-fashioned. the new owners have made it cooler, but there's still some atmosphere left! love the brown café interiors.
If you want to see the Flemish intelligentsia, including choreographer Anne Teresa de Keersmaeker, this is the place. I find it pretentious, but some friends swear by this place.
8 locals recommend
Vlaamsesteenweg 37
37 Rue de FlandreIf you want to see the Flemish intelligentsia, including choreographer Anne Teresa de Keersmaeker, this is the place. I find it pretentious, but some friends swear by this place.
Arts & Culture
if you're tired of sightseeing, treat yourself to a silent film with live piano accompaniment in our beautiful cinematheque. The entry price is 4 euros.
73 locals recommend
Musée du cinéma de Bruxelles
9 Rue Baron Hortaif you're tired of sightseeing, treat yourself to a silent film with live piano accompaniment in our beautiful cinematheque. The entry price is 4 euros.
Majestic building that hosts some local art and good exhibitions. I really love the corner.
61 locals recommend
Museum of Ixelles
71 Rue Jean Van VolsemMajestic building that hosts some local art and good exhibitions. I really love the corner.
French theatre with a diverse range of productions, mostly very good.
16 locals recommend
Théâtre Varia
78 Rue du SceptreFrench theatre with a diverse range of productions, mostly very good.
You into hardcore, metal or rock and roll? this is your place. 100% authentic. love it!
15 locals recommend
Magasin 4
158 Av. du PortYou into hardcore, metal or rock and roll? this is your place. 100% authentic. love it!
Café Central
14 BorgwalGreat concerts, regulars seem to come out of a Bukowski's novel.
Rideau de Bruxelles
7a Rue Goffartsmall indie theatre with interesting and contemporary plays
Specialised in indie and out-of-the-ordinary films, the cinema boosts an incredibly cool decadent and crazy bar where to savour the very best local ales.
44 locals recommend
Nova
3 Rue d'ArenbergSpecialised in indie and out-of-the-ordinary films, the cinema boosts an incredibly cool decadent and crazy bar where to savour the very best local ales.
Shopping
very good beer shop, yet a bit pricey (unfortunately microbreweries often are).
Excellent choice of beers to bring back home (400+ beers).
24 locals recommend
Beer Mania
174 Chau. de Wavrevery good beer shop, yet a bit pricey (unfortunately microbreweries often are).
Excellent choice of beers to bring back home (400+ beers).
in need for some fancy stockings, socks or tights? this place is awesome.
6 locals recommend
simone simone
17 Rue de la Paixin need for some fancy stockings, socks or tights? this place is awesome.
Consistently rated one of the most beautiful bookstores of Europe. Just stand in front of the building to find out why.
Lesbroussartstraat 39
39 Rue LesbroussartConsistently rated one of the most beautiful bookstores of Europe. Just stand in front of the building to find out why.
Excellent vintage shop, I once bought myself a 1990s moschino dress for 40 euros here.
13 locals recommend
Isabelle Bajart
25 Rue des ChartreuxExcellent vintage shop, I once bought myself a 1990s moschino dress for 40 euros here.
Another excellent vintage shop, this one specialises in 1920s to 1960s. Comes with a price.
11 locals recommend
Gabriele Vintage
27 Rue des ChartreuxAnother excellent vintage shop, this one specialises in 1920s to 1960s. Comes with a price.
Sightseeing
most newlyweds come here for their wedding pictures- it's such a romantic abbey with a lovely park.
75 locals recommend
Abdij ter Kameren
Abbaye de la Cambremost newlyweds come here for their wedding pictures- it's such a romantic abbey with a lovely park.
Keienveldstraat 48
48 Rue KeyenveldBirthplace of Audrey Hepburn
EU fans and kids will love visiting the parlamentarium! lots of gadgets are included.
106 locals recommend
Espace Léopold
60 Rue WiertzEU fans and kids will love visiting the parlamentarium! lots of gadgets are included.
Korte Malibranstraat
Petite Rue MalibranSuch a beautiful corner!
La bellone is the most beautiful house of brussels, hidden away inside the bellone café. a must see!
14 locals recommend
Bellone Café
46 Rue de FlandreLa bellone is the most beautiful house of brussels, hidden away inside the bellone café. a must see!
Essentials
Place Eugène Flagey 24
24 Place Eugène FlageyExcellent French bakery, they have lunch specials.
Lidl Supermarket
138 Chau. de Wavrebecause you need to eat from time to time!
Carrefour Express Bruxelles
1 Pl. Raymond Blyckaertsopen till 21h and on Sundays, closed on Wednesday.
ALDI Ixelles Supermarket
91 Rue Goffartdiscount store, open until 19h.
Delhaize Flagey
18 Rue de Henninthis is the biggest supermarket in the area! closes at 20h
Charli
34 Rue Sainte-CatherineExcellent bread and cake, famous for French clafoutis!