Le Roy d'Espagne
Historic brasserie on Brussels' Grand Place, offering stunning views, traditional Belgian fare, and a step back in time.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical light shows
Le Roy d'Espagne
Best Time
Magical light shows
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic brasserie on Brussels' Grand Place, offering stunning views, traditional Belgian fare, and a step back in time.
"You don't come here for a Michelin meal, it's the beer, cheese, warm fire, and friendly conversation that brings people back."
🎯 Secure Upper Floor Seats
The third floor offers the best views, but seats are limited and often unavailable. Inquire about access fees.
🍺 Enjoy the Beer Selection
Le Roy d'Espagne is a classic Belgian pub; savor expertly poured beers in the appropriate glasses.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Grand Place Views
Upper floors
Unbeatable panoramic views of the stunning Grand Place, especially during light shows.
Belgian Fries
All day, Grand Place
Fresh, hand-cut, and perfectly crispy Belgian fries made with quality ingredients.
Medieval Ambiance
Interior
Step back in time with historical decor, murals, and costumed mannequins.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Grand Place Views
Beyond the Tourist Trail
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Secure Upper Floor Seats
The third floor offers the best views, but seats are limited and often unavailable. Inquire about access fees.
🍺 Enjoy the Beer Selection
Le Roy d'Espagne is a classic Belgian pub; savor expertly poured beers in the appropriate glasses.
🍟 Don't Miss the Fries
Freshly cut and fried to perfection, these Belgian fries are a must-try.
☀️ Outdoor Seating
If weather permits, dine al fresco for a great view of the Grand Place.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Secure Upper Floor Seats
The third floor offers the best views, but seats are limited and often unavailable. Inquire about access fees.
🍺 Enjoy the Beer Selection
Le Roy d'Espagne is a classic Belgian pub; savor expertly poured beers in the appropriate glasses.
🍟 Don't Miss the Fries
Freshly cut and fried to perfection, these Belgian fries are a must-try.
☀️ Outdoor Seating
If weather permits, dine al fresco for a great view of the Grand Place.
⏳ Be Patient with Service
Service can be slow, especially during peak times. Relax and enjoy the atmosphere.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Le Roy d'Espagne is lauded for its unbeatable location on the Grand Place, offering spectacular views and a historical ambiance. While the food is considered decent, particularly the Belgian fries, some visitors find it average for the price. Service can be inconsistent, but the overall experience is often enhanced by the lively atmosphere and excellent beer selection.
"I once heard someone say "Restaurants in tourist places are never good, the food is never good enough and you will spend a lot"
I tried this today, the food wasn't bad, but far from being anything memorable. You can see that the restaurant doesn't want to spend money to improve, after all they have already become a reference because of the location.
We received very poor service. The waiter never came, he didn't ask if we needed anything. The dishes were broken, the paper coasters were reused, and a decorative pumpkin next to us was moldy."
Samira Basmagi
"A beautiful spot with an amazing view of the Grand Place. The restaurant is spacious, with plenty of room between tables, making it a comfortable and relaxed place to dine. The interior has some unique character, with interesting art pieces that add to the atmosphere. That said, it is definitely better to sit outside if the weather is nice. The outdoor seating area offers a great view of the square and is well-shaded with umbrellas.
The staff were incredibly kind, attentive, and very knowledgeable about the menu and the history of Belgium. Service was quick and efficient, and the team made the overall experience feel warm and welcoming.
The menu had a good variety of options, and most dishes were well prepared and nicely presented. The only disappointment was the sausage, which I found to be dry and smaller in portion than expected. Everything else was excellent.
I would absolutely come back the next time I am in Brussels. A wonderful place to enjoy local food while taking in the beauty of the city."
Matthew Taylor
"What can I say about Le Roy that hasn't already been said? This is a classic Belgian pub that has greeted return travelers for generations. Le Roy's food is perfectly fine and offers a good variety of typical Belgian foods, but you dont come here for a Michelin meal, it's the beer, cheese, warm fire, and friendly conversation that brings people back time and time again. By the luck of proximity you can have an expertly poured bier, in the appropriate glass, with the absolute best view amongst the hallowed area of the Grand Place. Come here and enjoy all that Belgium is."
keith falter
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Le Roy d'Espagne is located directly on the Grand Place in Brussels, making it easily accessible by public transport. The nearest metro stations are Central (Lines 1 & 5) and De Brouckère (Lines 1 & 5), both a short walk away. Trams and buses also stop nearby.
While the ground floor is generally accessible, the upper floors with the best views may have limited accessibility. It's advisable to contact the restaurant directly for specific information regarding wheelchair access.
Walking from the Brussels Central train station is a popular and scenic option. Alternatively, many bus and tram lines stop within a few minutes' walk of the Grand Place.
Parking in the immediate vicinity of the Grand Place is very limited and expensive. It's recommended to use public transport or park in a nearby parking garage such as 'Interparking Albertine' or 'Interparking Grand Place'.
Yes, Le Roy d'Espagne offers excellent views of the Grand Place light show, especially from its upper floors.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Le Roy d'Espagne is a restaurant and bar, so no tickets are required for entry. However, there might be an entrance fee for specific viewing areas on the third floor during events like the Flower Carpet.
Le Roy d'Espagne is typically open daily, but hours can vary. It's best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date opening times, especially during holidays or special events.
Reservations are recommended, especially for window seats on the upper floors or during peak hours and special events. Some reviews suggest that reservations for upstairs seating are not always possible.
During special events like the Flower Carpet, there might be a fee of around €5 to access the third floor for better viewing.
There is no strict dress code. Le Roy d'Espagne is a brasserie and pub, so casual attire is perfectly acceptable.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Le Roy d'Espagne offers a menu of classic Belgian dishes, including mussels, stews, and their famous hand-cut fries. They also have a good selection of beers.
Reviews are mixed. While some praise the food and beer, others find it to be average, with the location being the main draw. It's considered a good spot for a traditional Belgian pub experience rather than fine dining.
The Belgian fries are highly recommended for their freshness and crispiness. Many also enjoy the traditional Belgian stews and the beer selection.
The menu primarily focuses on traditional Belgian cuisine, which can be meat and seafood-heavy. It's advisable to inquire directly about vegetarian or vegan options available.
Prices are generally considered to be on the higher side, reflecting its prime location on the Grand Place. Expect to pay a premium for the view and atmosphere.
📸 📸 Photography
The upper floors offer the most iconic shots of the Grand Place. Even from the ground floor or outdoor seating, you can capture the stunning architecture.
Yes, the interior with its historical decor, murals, and mannequins is quite photogenic.
Absolutely! Le Roy d'Espagne provides a fantastic vantage point for capturing the Grand Place light shows, especially from the upper windows.
Golden hour before sunset offers beautiful lighting on the Grand Place. Evenings are spectacular with the illuminated buildings and light shows.
Generally, casual photography for personal use is allowed. However, it's always good practice to be mindful of other diners and ask for permission if photographing staff or specific displays up close.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Grand Place Experience
During special events like the Flower Carpet, the Grand Place transforms into a vibrant floral masterpiece. While the carpet itself is viewed from ground level, the elevated perspective from Le Roy d'Espagne can offer a unique appreciation of the scale and design. Some travelers have noted that accessing these prime viewing spots might involve a small fee.
A Taste of Belgium
Complementing the food is an extensive beer selection. As a classic Belgian pub, Le Roy d'Espagne takes pride in serving expertly poured beers in the appropriate glassware, enhancing the overall tasting experience.
Historical Charm and Ambiance
The restaurant is described as spacious, with comfortable seating and unique art pieces. The combination of the historical decor, the lively Grand Place outside, and the traditional Belgian offerings creates a warm and welcoming environment.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit