Gateway to Brussels

You would usually be advised to avoid the formula restaurants in the rue des Bouchers area, but Vincent, founded in 1905, is something different. For starters, you make your entrance through the bustling kitchen. That's a first overlook on what you'll later get in your plates!! No doubt about how fresh the meat is!!! The brigade of waiters, all men, all dressed in white and gold, treat you with professional respect.

The main room (ask for the salle carellée) is exquisitely tiled, with tables shaped like fishing smacks. But this is no theme restaurant; it offers serious Brussels cuisine and is as close as you can get to the traditional Bruxellois experience. Funny to see the waiter preparing and putting the final touch to your plate just before you get served. The usually prepare the dishes up front on a "work desk" in the middle of the room.

The restaurant is most of the time crowded and reservation even if not mandatory is recommended. That also means that it may be a little noisy for a romantic diner!

Food is delicious and the bill is very reasonable.

Belgium is the country with the best beer in the world. Therefore, your stay in Brussels cannot be complete without a visit to one of the many typical and beautiful cafes and pubs that you will find here. Try the local beers of Brussels Gueuze or fruit beer (cherry beer, raspberry beer, and peach beer) or a wonderful Trappist beer, made in one of the Abbeys of Belgium. Be careful when drinking a Trappist beer. These beers tend to be very strong (between 8% and 11.5% alcohol!!).

La Mort Subite (The Sudden Death) is perhaps the best fruit beer cafe in town. It's a very typical Belgium bar where you can enjoy dozens of local beers. It has a very warm ambiance and is often very crowded during after-office hours. People just walk in, have a beer, and chat. Cheese and sausage plates are available to pick at.