📚 La Galerie Bortier: A Renovated Jewel for Foodies and Book Lovers 🍴

Updated February 10, 2025 by Pierre

If you are a book lover or a foodie, chances are you've already walked the emblematic galleries of Brussels. But have you ever visited the Bortier Gallery ? Located in the heart of the Belgian capital, at 55 rue de la Madeleine, this emblematic gallery, closed for several decades, has just reopened its doors at the end of 2024 after a meticulous renovation. It is now a must-see place full of good addresses and promises you a unique experience where culture and gastronomy meet.

🏛️ A Rich and Timeless History

The Bortier Gallery, designed by architect Jean-Pierre Cluysenaar and inaugurated in 1848, has long been a haven for lovers of books and antiques. Nicknamed the "Galerie des Bouquinistes", it welcomed second-hand booksellers and specialist booksellers for over a century, making the hearts of literature enthusiasts beat faster. However, time and the lack of renovations had plunged the place into abandonment. Today, thanks to a renovation that respects its heritage, it is reborn to attract a new generation of visitors. Behind the project is Thierry Goor. His name may not mean anything to you, but you are surely familiar with his projects such as the Wolf, or even Fox.

🍷 Between Culture and Gastronomy

The transformation of Galerie Bortier would not have been possible without the vision of the founders of the Fox foodmarket, Thierry Goor and Pascal van Hamme. Their ambition was to create a place where the nourishment of the body and the mind meet. The program includes a literary café, bookstores specializing in art and second-hand books, and a program of varied events, such as signings, readings and intimate concerts.

👩‍🎨 Quality Craftsmen

The new gallery highlights artisans carefully selected for their know-how and authenticity. Among them, the literary café Kawa Club, inspired by English bookstores, offers an atmosphere conducive to reflection and exchange. The historic booksellers Pierre Cumans et Fanny Genicot present their literary treasures. At Kawa, once in the living room, you will be directly propelled into Agatha Christie's living room, except that here you will sip a delicious matcha.

🍲 High-flying gastronomy

For fine gourmets, several prestigious names liven up the counters:

• Yves Mattagne and his son Sébastien with their Indian address Naanry. In addition to the rather nice decor (old family photos and retro wallpaper), the food is pretty good. The naan is excellent, made with crispy chicken, curry mayo, Bombay coleslaw, pomegranate and mango. A vegetarian version made with roasted cauliflower is also available. Their price? €14, but there is enough food for two.
• César Lewandowski (ex-top chef) seduced with Octopus, a Mediterranean counter dedicated to seafood. For example, you can find octopus Banh-mi (€16) or Sea Club sandwich (brioche bread, gravlax of pickled trout, goat cheese with lemon cream, trout eggs, dill - €15)
• La delicatessen Dierendonck, where their pastrami caught our eye as well as their homemade pâté.
• The cheese factory Sisters, which offers a legendary Raclette Bowl
• Gazzosa, a tiny Italian restaurant located at the very back that is no more than a few square meters. Its micro-kitchen offers you white ragout tajarin (a bolo without tomatoes!). Upstairs, a few tables upstairs accessible via a small spiral staircase.

If you are thirsty, you will also find, in the middle of the gallery, a space dedicated to Belgian craft beers highlighting local know-how: "bar à bibine". This brings together seven Brussels breweries. If you are not a beer person but rather a wine person, they have very good organic wine at €4,50 a glass

🏛️ A Preserved Setting

Despite the introduction of gastronomy, the City of Brussels was keen to preserve the original elements of the gallery, including the historic façades and the iconic glass roof. The renovation was carried out in accordance with the rules of the art to breathe new life into this place dear to the people of Brussels.

🌟 A Must-See Place

With this reopening, Galerie Bortier asserts itself as an essential space in Brussels, combining literary heritage and culinary pleasures. Whether you are a book lover or a lover of good food, Galerie Bortier is a place not to be missed. Follow them on their website for the agenda📸 and immerse yourself in this unique experience.

Opening times : 🕘 Open 7/7, Monday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 22:30 p.m.

Address : 📍 55 rue de la Madeleine, 1000 Brussels

Contact : 📧 hello@bortier.be

And if you want more, be sure to visit the Queen's Gallery 👑, another architectural gem of Brussels.

Let yourself be tempted by this new cultural and gastronomic adventure! 🍽️📖