In 't Spinnekopke is a belgian estaminet restaurant in Dansaert, Brussels.
Editorially verified May 20, 2026 by Lewis Vaughan, TableJourney editor. Source.
Signature dishes: Rabbit in gueuze, Eels in green sauce
Must order: Rabbit braised in gueuze, with bloempanch on the side and a Cantillon Geuze to drink.
Tip: Closed Sunday. The wooden banquettes are 1762 vintage; the cellar lambic list runs 30 bottles deep.
Address: Place du Jardin aux Fleurs 1, 1000 Brussels
Les Brigittines in Brussels sits on Place de la Chapelle in the Marolles in an Art Nouveau dining room. Priced at €€€. Kitchen leans belgian bistro.
Signature: Carbonnade flamande, Pied de cochon
Order: Carbonnade flamande with frites, or whichever offal cut is on the chalkboard menu that night.
Tip: Closed Saturday lunch and Sunday. The terrace at the back is the quietest seat in summer.
Brasserie Ploegmans in Brussels' Marolles is the wood-panelled local that runs Belgian standards: meatballs, shrimp croquettes, choucroute garnie.
Signature: Carbonnade flamande, Shrimp croquettes
Order: Carbonnade flamande with frites, and a Westvleteren 12 if it is on the board.
Tip: Closed Monday. Book ahead for Sunday lunch when the Jeu de Balle flea market is in full swing.
Volle Gas in Brussels' Ixelles is a 1924 Art Deco brasserie on Place Fernand Cocq. Kitchen leans belgian brasserie. At Place Fernand Cocq 21.
Signature: Mussels, Carbonnade flamande
Order: Whichever mussel preparation looks new on the chalkboard, with frites and a Tripel Karmeliet.
Tip: Open seven days, kitchen runs late. The Art Deco interior is the seat; book the corner banquette.
Au Stekerlapatte in Brussels' Marolles is the wood-panelled bistro on Rue des Pretres. Boudin noir with caramelised apples, shrimp croquettes.
Signature: Boudin noir with apples, Shrimp croquettes
Order: Boudin noir with caramelised apples, and shrimp croquettes to start.
Tip: Closed Sunday. Open evenings only; the dining room fills with the same Marolles regulars night after night.
Noordzee Mer du Nord in Brussels' Sainte-Catherine is the standing-only seafood counter. Priced at €€. At Rue Sainte-Catherine 45. Booking recommended.
Signature: Shrimp croquettes, Fish soup
Order: A bowl of fish soup, croquettes aux crevettes, and a glass of muscadet from the wine fridge.
Tip: No tables. Order at the counter, listen for your name, then carry the plate to a high-top across the street.
Friture Rene in Brussels' Anderlecht has run since 1932 on Place de la Resistance. Kitchen leans belgian friterie-bistro. At Place de la Résistance 14.
Signature: Hand-cut frites, Steak frites
Order: Steak frites or moules-frites, then anything from the long beer list.
Tip: Closed Monday and Tuesday. Lunch service runs to 14:30; the dining room books out on weekends.
