Discover the New Gourmet Addresses of Rue des Bouchers in Brussels🍽️

Updated on November 10, 2024 by Pierre

Rue des Bouchers in Brussels is undergoing a complete metamorphosis. Formerly considered a street "tourist trap", It is today a modern gastronomic destination, welcoming innovative culinary concepts which combine tradition and trends. This ambitious transformation aims to restore the authenticity of this legendary downtown street while attracting customers looking for new taste experiences. In this article, we explain what's changing and reveal these new gourmet spots! 🍔🍹🍕

Do you know this “butchers’ street”?

Rue des Bouchers is a picturesque little street located in the heart of Brussels, in the district of the Sacred Islet, close to the famous Grand-Place. This pedestrian street is known for its historic facades and lively atmosphere. It is lined with restaurants and cafés that make it a must-see destination for gourmets and lovers of Brussels culture. You have probably already passed by, using the Saint-Hubert Galleries or by going to the famous Delirium coffee.

With its illuminated signs, small terraces and traditional storefronts, Rue des Bouchers has a unique charm that attracts both locals and tourists. Since its recent transformation, it has welcomed modern and innovative establishments, while retaining historic restaurants (like the Mythical At the Arms of Brussels which was my grandmother's favorite restaurant in the 70s), thus offering a mix of tradition and modernity. It is a walk not to be missed for those who wish to discover the vibrant and gastronomic character of the center of Brussels!

Don't expect to find butchers. In the Middle Ages, this Brussels street was mainly occupied by meat artisans: pork butchers, tripe sellers, sausage makers, etc. Over the centuries, the butchers have given way to cafés and restaurants while keeping the name that bears witness to its history. This is also where you will find Jeanneke Pis, a bronze statue installed in the Impasse de la Fidélité, in homage to the popular history of Brussels.

What changes in Butchers' Street?

With its restaurants that revisit Belgian classics or import exotic flavors, Rue des Bouchers has become a culinary hot spot where popular cuisine, vegan creations, Middle Eastern influences and other tasty discoveries. The goal of this revitalization? Enriching the culinary heritage of Brussels and transform this historic artery into a place where tradition and modernity coexist harmoniously.

"The revitalization of Rue des Bouchers embodies the dynamic that we want to breathe into the city center: a meeting between tradition and modernity that enriches our heritage, while meeting the expectations of a public in search of authenticity and culinary diversity. This can only strengthen the attractiveness of our city," emphasizes Quentin Crespel, co-manager of the attraction and commercial development strategy at Undertake Brussels.

Today, Rue des Bouchers welcomes new gourmet and original addresses, to be discovered absolutely. Here is a selection of the best spots to try!

The New Gourmet Addresses 🍴

1. Miska – Artisanal Lebanese Ice Cream 🍦

At Miska, artisanal ice creams are in the spotlight with authentic Middle Eastern flavors. Forget classic gelatos, here the ice creams are prepared with "salep", an orchid powder that gives them a unique and elastic texture. A delight to savor for a taste journey to the heart of Beirut!

(I.e. Bowl – Rue des Bouchers 32, 1000 Brussels

2. Kitsune – Asian Fusion Vegan Burgers 🍔🌱

Kitsune offers vegan burgers that combine the creativity of Asian fusion with the pleasure of fast food. With options like the Korean Fried Mushroom Burger, kimchi rice balls or vegan corndogs, Kitsune is a must-try for plant-based food lovers.

(I.e. Kitsune Burgers – 25 Little Butchers Street, Brussels

3. Mani Tapiocaria – Brazilian Flavors 🌮

Mani invites you to discover Brazilian tapiocas, gluten-free pancakes filled with savory or sweet ingredients. Inspired by the travels of its founder, this café-restaurant offers authentic or revisited Brazilian flavors, perfect for an original gourmet break.

(I.e. Mani Tapioca – 12 Petite Rue des Bouchers, Brussels

4. The Sneakers Café – For Lovers of Sneakers and Cocktails 👟🍸

The Sneakers Café is a hybrid concept where you can enjoy a cocktail while customizing your pair of sneakers. It is the ideal place for an immersive urban experience, where style and flavors meet in a trendy atmosphere.

(I.e. The Sneakers Café – 6 Petite Rue des Bouchers, Brussels

5. Bouillon – Popular Belgian Cuisine 🇧🇪🍲

Bouillon immerses you in traditional Belgian cuisine with generous dishes such as carbonnade flamande and leek-sausage stoemp. With its Art Deco style and long, convivial tables, Bouillon is a tribute to local flavours and conviviality.

(I.e. Brussels broth – Rue des Dominicains 7-9, Brussels

6. L'Ogenblik – A Belgian-French Address of Character 🍽️🇧🇪🇫🇷

Ogenblik is a true gem for gourmets looking for a historical atmosphere, authenticity and timeless flavours. This iconic Brussels restaurant offers refined brasserie cuisine, mixing French and Belgian specialities, to the delight of many celebrities, but not only. The decor captures the essence of a bygone era, with a special detail: the white sand spread on the parquet floor, a tribute to the tradition of the old Brussels cafés where sand was a daily companion of the tavern keepers. Located in the majestic Galeries Royales, this restaurant has preserved its authentic charm for 55 years.

(I.e. The Ogenblik – 1 Galerie des Princes, Brussels

7. Aux Armes de Bruxelles – The Brussels Tradition Since 1958 🏠🍴

For over 60 years, Aux Armes de Bruxelles has been promoting Brussels cuisine in the heart of the Îlot Sacré. Founded in 1921, this restaurant has become a true institution, particularly during the 1958 Universal Exhibition. In a warm setting and a bourgeois decor typical of Brussels, you will taste authentic recipes that have not changed for decades. Whether for a quick lunch or a festive dinner, Aux Armes de Bruxelles remains the essential address for lovers of Brussels gastronomy.

(I.e. At the Arms of Brussels – 13 Rue des Bouchers, Brussels

8. Chez Vincent – ​​Tradition and Flavors in a Unique Decor 🍷🍖

Chez Vincent is the ideal place to discover authentic Franco-Belgian cuisine, with a menu centered on meats carved and flambéed in the dining room. Since 1905, this former rotisserie has been renowned for its selection of homemade Brussels specialties. The establishment focuses on short supply chains and local produce to guarantee impeccable quality. With its large painted ceramic paintings, listed by UNESCO, the place seduces as much by its unique decor as by its exquisite flavors.

(I.e. At Vincent's – 8 Rue des Dominicains, Brussels

9. Chez Léon – The Most Famous Mussels and Fries in the Capital 🦪🍟

At Leon's, It has been the essential reference for mussels and fries in Brussels since 1893. This iconic restaurant, now in its sixth generation, is a meeting place for lovers of Brussels cuisine. In a friendly, family atmosphere, you can savour Belgian classics, including their famous moules-frites, with the same passion that has driven the establishment since its beginnings.

(I.e. Chez Leon – Rue des Bouchers 18, Brussels

10. L'Estaminet Toone – An Unusual and Secret Bar with 18th Century Charm 🍺🎭

Estaminet Toone, a secret and unusual place, combines Brussels history and puppet culture. Located near the Grand-Place, this estaminet offers a selection of more than 60 Belgian beers, ranging from the most classic to the most original, such as blackberry or peach. But what makes Toone unique is its immersive atmosphere in the world of puppet theater. Popular with Brussels residents and the curious, it even has a secret garden set up in the heart of the block.

(I.e. Toone Royal Theater – 66 Brussels

Did you know? There were Three Butchers' Streets! 🏛️

Initially, there were three Rue des Bouchers: the "long" Rue des Bouchers (which became simply Rue des Bouchers in 1853), the "small" Rue des Bouchers, and another which is now Rue des Dominicains. This street has been called "Bouchers" since the Middle Ages, because it was once home to many meat artisans - from pork butchers to tripe sellers, including specialist butchers.

This street also has a rich cultural past. It has hosted a cinema, concert cafés, and even the jazz club "La Rose Noire", where Jacques Brel made his debut in 1953. And at the end of the impasse de la Fidélité, you can still admire the bronze statue of Jeanneke Pis, the female version of the famous Manneken Pis.

With its culinary revival, picturesque atmosphere and fascinating history, Rue des Bouchers is today one of the most captivating places in Brussels. Bon appetit and happy exploring!