Restaurant
Comme chez Soi
A family-run Brussels institution since 1926, holding one Michelin star, known for its Horta-style Art Nouveau dining room and classic sauces.
Aux Armes de Bruxelles
A classic Belgian brasserie on the Rue des Bouchers since 1921, serving mussels, Flemish carbonnade and seafood waterzooi in historic dining rooms.
At a glance
- Type
- Traditional Belgian brasserie
- Area
- Îlot Sacré (City Centre), Brussels, Belgium
- Price
- $$$ · Upscale
- Opening
- Open daily
- Official site
- auxarmesdebruxelles.com
Good to know
- Open daily
- Historic dining rooms
- Group bookings
Why we recommend it
Aux Armes de Bruxelles has been serving Belgian classics from the same address in the heart of the city since 1921. It was founded by Calixte Veulemans and has become one of the best-known traditional restaurants in Brussels, with Cédric Callenaere now leading the kitchen. Set on the Rue des Bouchers, a narrow street of restaurants just off the Grand-Place, it offers a calmer, more polished alternative to the touts and set menus that dominate the street.
The menu is a showcase of Belgian cooking. Mussels are the headline, served in generous pots, alongside Flemish carbonnade, the slow-cooked beef stew made with beer, and a seafood waterzooi, the creamy Ghent-style stew. Shrimp croquettes made with North Sea grey shrimp make a classic starter, and there are other old favourites such as eel in green herb sauce and vol-au-vent. Chips come as standard, and Belgian beers sit alongside the wine list.
The restaurant is divided into several historic rooms, including the Brasserie and the Rotonde, where one table is linked to a famous Brussels regular, the singer Jacques Brel. The atmosphere is traditional and lively without being formal, which suits families, couples and groups, and first-time visitors who want to try Belgian staples in a reliable setting.
The official website lists opening hours of 18:00 to 22:30 on Mondays and 12:00 to 22:30 from Tuesday to Sunday, which makes it a useful option for a late lunch or an early dinner after sightseeing. Booking is recommended, especially at weekends and in high season; use the reservation link on the website, phone or email. Mussels are traditionally at their best in the colder months, so ask what is in season.
The Rue des Bouchers runs alongside the Royal Galleries of Saint-Hubert, two minutes' walk from the Grand-Place and close to Brussels-Central station. The Jeanneke Pis statue is in a small alley off the same street, and the Grand-Place makes a fine place for an evening stroll after dinner.
If you are unsure what to choose, a pot of mussels with fries is the classic order, but the carbonnade makes a hearty alternative on a cold day. Portions are generous, so starters are optional for lighter appetites. Larger groups should book well ahead and mention the occasion, as some rooms are better suited to bigger tables than others.
Aux Armes de Bruxelles FAQs
When is Aux Armes de Bruxelles open?
The website lists Monday 18:00 to 22:30 and Tuesday to Sunday 12:00 to 22:30.
When was it founded?
It has been at the same address since 1921 and was founded by Calixte Veulemans.
What should I order?
Mussels, Flemish carbonnade, seafood waterzooi and shrimp croquettes are the classics.
Do I need to book?
Booking is recommended, particularly at weekends; reserve online, by phone or by email.
Is it good for families?
Yes. The traditional brasserie atmosphere suits families and groups.
Is there a Jacques Brel connection?
Yes. A table in the Rotonde room is associated with the singer Jacques Brel.
Where is it?
On the Rue des Bouchers, two minutes from the Grand-Place and next to the Royal Galleries of Saint-Hubert.
Are Belgian beers served?
Yes, Belgian beers are served alongside wine.