Laurent Gerbaud Chocolatier

Laurent Gerbaud is a Brussels chocolatier whose shop on Rue Ravenstein doubles as a small tea room. The space has welcomed guests for more than ten years and combines a boutique, a tearoom, an ice cream counter and a workshop, making it one of the most pleasant places in the upper town to sit down with something chocolatey rather than simply buy a box to take away.

The drinks are a highlight. The house hot chocolate is made with 70 per cent cacao, and coffee comes with a ganache on the side, an ideal way to try the chocolates. The boutique displays the house creations, and in warmer months, ice cream adds another reason to stop. The founder's philosophy, as the shop puts it, is that life is a celebration and you should treat yourself.

The tea room suits couples, solo travellers looking for a quiet break and anyone who wants to understand Belgian chocolate a little better. It is a smaller, more personal alternative to the big-name chocolatiers on the Sablon and in the galleries. Workshops are offered at the Ravenstein shop, so check the website if you would like to try making chocolates yourself, which can be a good activity for older children and groups.

According to the official website, the shop and tea room are open from Tuesday to Sunday, 12:00 to 18:00, and closed on Mondays. Afternoons are the natural time to visit, perhaps after a morning in one of the museums nearby. At busy times you may need to wait for a table.

Rue Ravenstein runs alongside the Bozar Centre for Fine Arts, a few minutes' walk uphill from Brussels-Central station. The Mont des Arts, the Musical Instruments Museum, the Royal Museums of Fine Arts and the Royal Palace are all close by, which makes the tea room a convenient pause in a day exploring the Royal Quarter.

Chocolates bought here make good gifts, and the staff can help you choose an assortment. If you are planning to compare several chocolatiers during your stay, this is a good place to start, as the tea room lets you taste in comfort before buying.