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Belgian EstaminetDansaert
In 't Spinnekopke in Brussels is an 18th-century estaminet on Place du Jardin aux Fleurs. Located in Dansaert. Kitchen leans belgian estaminet.
OrderRabbit braised in gueuze, with bloempanch on the side and a Cantillon Geuze to drink.
TipClosed Sunday. The wooden banquettes are 1762 vintage; the cellar lambic list runs 30 bottles deep.
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Belgian BrasserieSainte Catherine
Restaurant Vincent in Brussels has run on Rue des Dominicains since 1905, with Maurice Grimme's 1912 ceramic murals still on the walls. Priced at €€€.
OrderChateaubriand flambeed at the table, with a side of pommes pailles.
TipOpen seven days. The narrow row of side tables along the open grill is the seat to ask for at dinner service.
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SeafoodSainte Catherine
Noordzee Mer du Nord on Rue Sainte-Catherine in Brussels is the standing-only seafood counter the city is built around. The kitchen runs fish soup.
OrderA bowl of fish soup, croquettes aux crevettes, and a glass of muscadet from the wine fridge.
TipNo tables. Order at the counter, listen for your name, then carry the plate to a high-top across the street.
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Belgian BistroMarolles
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.
OrderCarbonnade flamande with frites, or whichever offal cut is on the chalkboard menu that night.
TipClosed Saturday lunch and Sunday. The terrace at the back is the quietest seat in summer.
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BelgianIxelles
La Quincaillerie in Brussels' Ixelles sits in a 1903 former hardware shop on Rue du Page, with the original mezzanines and oak drawers preserved.
OrderSix oysters from the bar and steak frites from the grill, with a bottle of Loire white.
TipClosed Sunday lunch. The upstairs mezzanine seats are the quietest; book a fortnight ahead for Friday or Saturday.
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Belgian BrasserieIxelles
Le Varietes in Ixelles sits on the ground floor of the Flagey Liner on Place Sainte-Croix. Brasserie-rotisserie cooking off a Belgian classics carte.
OrderSpit-roasted chicken with house jus.
TipKitchen runs lunch and dinner Mon-Fri, then non-stop noon to 22:00 Saturday and Sunday. Book a window seat for the Flagey square view.