Chez Léon in the heart of the capital is a mussels specialist. In an authentic, bustling atmosphere, it serves a variety of traditional Belgian dishes, but it’s the mussels that people flock here for. Focusing on quality, the cooks not only select the freshest mussels but also use the freshest ingredients available to prepare the sauces.

Huge, jam-packed Chez Léon (rue des Bouchers 18; tel. 32/2/511-14-15; www.chezleon.be) has been the city's top spot for mussels since 1893. Though it has spun off several branches, this noisy hall on rue de Bouchers, with its checkered paper tablecloths and open kitchen, still serves the most flavorful mussels -- fried, baked au gratin, steamed, even raw in season -- not to mention wonderfully crispy frites. Its closest rival is convivial wood-paneled Au Vieux Bruxelles (Rue St-Boniface 35; tel. 32/2/503-31-11; www.auvieuxbruxelles.com), dating from 1882, which presents a few more daring ways to serve mussels -- with curry sauce, for example, or with blue cheese.

Chez Léon, a beloved name in Belgian gastronomy, invites you to savor the essence of Belgian cuisine in a warm and inviting atmosphere. Known for its rich heritage of serving up traditional Belgian dishes, especially the iconic moules-frites (mussels and fries), Chez Léon has been a culinary institution for locals and tourists alike. With a commitment to preserving the flavors that define Belgian culture, a visit to Chez Léon promises an authentic journey through the heart of Belgium’s culinary traditions, where hearty dishes and warm hospitality come together to create an unforgettable dining experience.

Chez Leon is another famous institution in Brussels that has been serving up delicious moules-frites (mussels and fries) since 1893. The restaurant offers a range of different sauces and toppings for the mussels, as well as other traditional Belgian dishes such as Stoemp (mashed potatoes with vegetables) and carbonade Flamande (Flemish beef stew). The prices are reasonable, and the portions are generous, making it an excellent option for students looking for a taste of traditional Belgian cuisine.

Chez Léon, not to be confused with Léon de Bruxelles, is another treasure of Brussels’ bustling culinary scene. This family-run business has been serving mouthwatering fares since 1893 and stands out for its unwavering dedication to Belgian specialties. The laid-back aura of the eatery, along with its prime position near Grand Place, provides the perfect setting for both tourists and locals to savor some of the best moules-frites in the city.

Welcome to Chez Léon, the land of French fries where dreams of crispy golden goodness come true. This charming little eatery in Brussels is like a cozy time capsule, transporting you back to the roaring Belgian 19th century, minus the questionable fashion choices. Prepare yourself for a gastronomic adventure as you indulge in mountains of tantalizing fries, served with a side of quirky history and a dollop of mayonnaise.

This over-100-year-old, family-run restaurant has become an institution of its own in Brussels, for locals and tourists alike – especially if on the lookout for moules-frites. The chefs here have been preparing the freshest of mussels for generations in three primary ways – in a pot, à la plancha (grilled) or in a foil. Located in the city centre, their large space is most often booked to capacity.

Chez Léon serves typically Belgian dishes since 1893 — the restaurant is managed by the same family to this day. Their mussels with fries are world famous, but don’t overlook the rest of the menu. Decoration is as interesting as the food, as the walls tell you more than 120 years of history, including the numerous celebrities who have dined there and how the menu has changed.

One cannot go to Brussels and not try its most-iconic dish, moules frites, or mussels and fries. First served in Liège in 1875, moules frites are a traditional culinary specialty emblematic of Belgian cuisine. You can find moules frites in almost every restaurant in Brussels, but not all are as good as the one served at the mussel specialist Chez Leon.

Highlighted on the itinerary above, you will see “Chez Leon”, “La Brouette” and “Mini-Europe”. Even though Mini-Europe is an attraction, we didn’t get it free with the card, but a discounted ticket fee. For the restaurants, we got a free drink in “La Brouette” which was worth around 10€ per person: the price of a beer in Grande Place.

For Christmas Eve dinner, we turned to Chez Leon, a Brussels institution famous for their mussels and frites. Our meal was satisfying not only due to the exquisite food, but also because this bustling restaurant allowed us to spend our holiday meal with the entire family — Quigley included!

This is the biggest restaurant of Brussels, it is situated in the mythical “Rue des Bouchers” and their specialty is of course the “moules frites”. Their impact has been so major that the restaurant has started expanding into a chain in France and London. Prices range from 11 € to 20 €.

Chez Léon stands as a veritable institution in Brussels, renowned for its exceptional rendition of moules-frites, a quintessential Belgian dish with a French flair. Established in 1893, this restaurant has been delighting patrons with its rich family history and dedication to quality.

It’s a tourist favourite, but for good reason: five generations of the Vanlancker family have been wrangling mussels since 1893, so you’re in the safest of hands. If your initial portion of frites looks a bit undersized, don’t panic – seconds, and even thirds, come as standard.

Chez Leon This is one of Brussels’ most emblematic restaurants, founded in 1893. The star of the menu is “moules frites”, the quintessential Belgian dish. These can come in a variety of sauces: marinara, white wine, tomato or garlic, just to name a few.

Chez Leon is the favourite restaurant of many tourists because it serves the best ‘Mussels from Brussels’(Mussels). The restaurant is located in the heart of Brussels: less than 500 meters from Manneken Pis and 200 meters from the Grand Place.

Once If you’re hungry again continue the theme of sampling traditional Belgian foods with a dinner at Chez Leon, one of Brussels’ most famous restaurants to eat mussels at. Get a pot of mussels, fries, and beer for only €15,95!

Restaurant Leon was created rue des bouchers in Brussels in 1893. Today it is the largest restaurant area in Brussels. Over time, the restaurant specializing in mussels transformed into an international chain.

Chez Leon – as true a typical Brussels restaurant as it can possibly get. I know many shy away from Chez Leon thinking it is a ‘tourist trap’. Well, take it from a local – it isn’t.

Otherwise, Chez Leon may attract tourists with its Rue des Bouchers location, as does Aux Armes de Bruxelles (see the brasserie section), but the mussels are reliably good.

For some of the best moules-frites in Brussels, head over to Chez Léon. This place is super popular, so be prepared for a wait!

These were the mussels that I had at a restaurant called Chez Leon. It was a touch touristy, but the meal was still excellent.

Another is at Chez Leon, one of the few quality restaurants found near the Grand Place on Rue des Bouchers.