Café
Mokafé
A long-standing café-brasserie inside the Royal Galleries of Saint-Hubert, known for its gallery terrace and crisp Brussels waffles with chocolate sauce.
Aksum Coffee House
A small coffee house in the Royal Galleries of Saint-Hubert serving certified-organic coffee from Ethiopia, along with baobab drinks, herbal teas and Ethiopian beer.
At a glance
- Type
- Ethiopian coffee house
- Area
- Royal Galleries of Saint-Hubert, Brussels, Belgium
- Price
- $ · Budget
- Official site
- aksumcoffeehouse.com
Good to know
- Organic Ethiopian coffee
- African drinks
- Herbal teas
Why we recommend it
Aksum Coffee House brings Ethiopian coffee culture to the heart of Brussels. Named after the ancient Ethiopian city of Aksum, it now sits in the King's Gallery of the Royal Galleries of Saint-Hubert, where the galleries' own listing describes it as a temple of coffee. Its beans are certified organic and come directly from Ethiopia, the birthplace of coffee, and are roasted by hand by its baristas.
Coffee is the focus, and Ethiopian beans are prized for their bright, often floral and fruity character, which makes a cup here noticeably different from a standard espresso. The menu goes beyond coffee, with African drinks such as baobab drinks, herbal teas and Ethiopian beer, so there is something for those who do not drink coffee too. Ask the staff for a recommendation if you are not sure which brew to try, and consider trying your coffee black first to appreciate the flavour of the beans before adding milk or sugar.
The café suits solo travellers, couples and anyone looking for an inexpensive, characterful coffee stop in the centre. It is a good alternative to the busier cafés around the Grand-Place, and it gives a glimpse of the international side of Brussels, a city where many communities have made their mark on the food and drink scene.
The galleries' listing gives opening hours of 09:00 to 21:00 from Monday to Thursday and 08:00 to 21:00 on Fridays and Saturdays; Sunday hours are not listed, so check locally if you plan to visit then. At busy times you may prefer to take your coffee away and stroll through the galleries. Prices are modest for such a central location.
The King's Gallery is part of the Royal Galleries of Saint-Hubert, the covered arcade just north of the Grand-Place. Brussels-Central station is a few minutes away, and the Rue des Bouchers, the Cathedral and the Grand-Place are all close, so Aksum makes an easy stop on a walking tour of the old town.
Coffee lovers can combine a visit here with a trip to one of the city's modern specialty roasters, such as MOK in the Dansaert district, to compare different approaches to coffee within a single day.
Aksum Coffee House FAQs
What kind of coffee does Aksum serve?
Certified-organic coffee that comes directly from Ethiopia and is roasted by hand.
Where is it?
At Galerie du Roi 3, in the Royal Galleries of Saint-Hubert.
What are the opening hours?
The galleries' listing gives Monday to Thursday 09:00 to 21:00 and Friday and Saturday 08:00 to 21:00; check locally for Sunday.
Are there drinks other than coffee?
Yes. Baobab drinks, herbal teas and Ethiopian beer.
Is it expensive?
No. Prices are modest for the central location.
Is it a good stop on a walking tour?
Yes. It is in the galleries close to the Grand-Place, the Cathedral and the Rue des Bouchers.
How do I get there?
It is in the galleries just north of the Grand-Place, a few minutes from Brussels-Central station.
Why is it called Aksum?
It is named after the ancient Ethiopian city of Aksum, reflecting its Ethiopian coffee.