🍽 We tested Barge Brussels: sustainable gastronomy and raw design near the canal
Updated October 6, 2025 by Pierre
I had heard a lot about it, without ever having been there. For my 40 years, my friends booked at Barge, the restaurant that everyone is talking about in Brussels.
And I understand why: here, you have to book several weeks in advance and even a down payment to confirm your table. Few seats, a calm atmosphere and a very unique concept.
A peaceful place, few tables, a poetic menu where each word evokes a dish: Tomato, lobster, squid, kiwi, duck… Reading the menu, we let ourselves be captivated by the first appetizers.
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🌿 A gastronomy that puts people and nature at the center
A stone's throw from the fish market, Barge has established itself as a benchmark in terms of sustainable and conscious cooking.
In this elegant corner building with a raw and contemporary style, Gregory Gillard and his team promote a cuisine that connects the products, the land and the people who cultivate them.
Here, every decision – from choosing a producer to creating a dish – is made with respect for living things.
We talk about seasonality, well-being at work, and environmental impact. All of this translates into a balanced, clear, and meaningful meal.
The restaurant has received critical acclaim: 15,5/20 in Gault&Millau, 1 Michelin star et 1 green star for his commitment.
👨🍳 Grégoire Gillard, a journey between rigor and sincerity
Before founding Barge in 2019, Gregory Gillard worked in several major houses:
Like home (Brussels), The Louis XV (Alain Ducasse, Monaco) and The Air of Time, where he was the second of Sang Hoon Degeimbre for four years.
These experiences have forged a very personal approach: a precise, inspired cuisine, which does not seek to impress but to move.
In 2020 he was appointed Young Chef of the Year by Gault&Millau. Three years later, he won a michelin star and green star for the consistency of its environmental commitment.
🏠 Atmosphere & design: calm, authenticity and light
As soon as you walk through the door of Barge's, you are struck by the serenity of the place.
The restaurant has only a few tables, well spaced out, and a young and smiling team who create an atmosphere relaxed and professional at the same time.
The decor mixes brick walls, clear wood et polished concrete floor with patina.
A simple, refined aesthetic, without superfluous decor: everything is designed to let the kitchen speak for itself.
🥕 The menu: 6 courses at €125 and wine pairings at €60
We chose the 6-course tasting menu for €125, accompanied by wine pairings at €60.
At Barge, there is no map. We trust.
Each dish is announced by a single word – Tomato, Lobster, Squid, Kiwi, Duck… – as an invitation to discovery.
The plates follow one another rhythmically, without excess.
Products change over time micro-seasons, which makes each visit different.
A cuisine of the moment, honest, precise and deeply rooted in its time.
🍇 Wine pairings: fluidity and balance
On agreements wines imagined by their chef are in the image of the place: coherent, fair and balanced.
Natural wines sit alongside fine European vintages, while the options alcohol-free surprise with their finesse.
Nothing is imposed: each glass accompanies the dish with measure and elegance.
🕓 Practical information about the Barge restaurant
- Address : Boulevard d'Ypres 33, 1000 Brussels
- Website : bargerestaurant.be
- Contact : 02 425 73 60 - info@bargerestaurant.be
- 🕒 Schedule : Tuesday to Saturday evening – Friday lunchtime (short menu)
- Closed : Sunday and Monday
- Booking : mandatory (often several weeks in advance)
- Advance payment : requested when booking
- Tasting menu : 6 services – €125
- Wine pairings : €60
- Awards : 15,5/20 Gault&Millau • ⭐ + ⭐ Michelin Green
⭐ Why InsideBrussels.be loves Barge
- There’s nothing quite like a immersive experience and seasonal, never fixed
- There’s nothing quite like a sustainable kitchen, sincere and full of personality
- Un quiet setting and elegant, with few tables
- specific wine pairings, thought of as an extension of the dish
- There’s nothing quite like a young and caring team that makes all the difference
- Un Belgian chef committed, recognized by Michelin and Gault&Millau
📸 InsideBrussels.be
InsideBrussels.be is the guide for curious Brussels residents: restaurants, bars, brunches, hotels and nature getaways.
We share our independently tested favorites.
👉 Also discover our other products favorite restaurants in Brussels on insidebrussels.be
Barely a foot in the Belgian capital, Pierre launched “InsideBrussels.be” more than 10 years ago, the idea is simple: “What to do? Where to go to eat or have a drink? “. Entrepreneur at heart, this is not his first project! Far from there. EatLocal.io; KingCard.be, Bricabrac.be … Like wine, with time the project improves!
Pierre does not hesitate to share his favorites and his best addresses of Brussels restaurants that he could recommend to you with his eyes closed.
