Walk into the Spinnekopke, "The Spider's Web", and it is as if you've accidentally wandered into someone's living room, with everything unchanged from a century ago - tiled floor, red-checked table clothes, wooden benches - everyone noisily chatting away like one big family. Bear in mind, though, that the place only operates as a bar before midday and between 3pm and 6pm; the rest of time it is restaurant-only, serving excellent French and Belgian cuisine. · Place du Jardin aux Fleurs 1, spinnekopke.be; Closed Saturday lunchtime and all day Sunday

A short walk from the Grand’ Place, In’t Spinnekopke maintains its classic, authentic bistro character – even the staff are typically Brusseleir – and unique ambiance in which to experience Belgian specialities. Come here for a wide variety of delectable mussels with crisp Belgian fries accompanied by excellent brown or blond beer brewed in Tubize. It’s very popular, so you’ll want to book your table.

True Flemish cooking flourishes in this reliable old favorite. The low ceilings and benches around the walls remain from its days as a coaching inn during the 18th century, and little has changed since---including the menu. Choose from among 100 artisanal beers.

It doesn’t get as traditional as In ’t Spinnekopke, a restaurant located in the heart of Brussels, a stone’s throw away from Place Sainte-Catherine. This bistro-style eatery serves classic Belgian favorites such as moules frites (mussels with fries), croquettes and waterzooi (a kind of meat stew). Of course, it wouldn’t be a Belgian restaurant without an extensive collection of artisanal beers, which pairs well with any meal; the waiters can help you choose the perfect beer to go with your food.

This legendary old-fashioned tavern combines passion and tradition, offering tasty specialities at affordable prices. The generous beer menu features an excellent selection of gueuzes, so there'll be something to please the beer lovers among us. Vegetarians will also find several dishes to their liking, with a few revisited classics, such as veggie versions of meatloaf or stoemp with sausage.

1762, it says on the facade of In ’t Spinnekopke, and it certainly looks the part!. We can’t vouch for all of its history, but it has been there ever since we moved to Brussels. However, in 2022 it was taken over by a team of young people, passionate about Brussels and hospitality, and they definitely succeeded in breathing new life into the centuries old estaminet!

This restaurant is set in a 17th-century two-storied cottage that specialises in beer cuisine and has come to occupy an important place in Brussel’s food scene. One can choose from among 100 artisanal beers to go with the food, a lot of which is also prepared in traditional lambic beer, including the mussels. Address: Place du Jardin aux Fleurs 1, 1000 Bruxelles

On a cold November evening, nothing warms the heart like a comforting meal at In t’ Spinnekopke. This historical establishment in the center of Brussels is one of those unique places where you feel like you're walking back in time. The old wooden doors and creaking floors add to the charm and welcome you in like a warm hug.

In’t Spinnekopke – we first discovered this Brussels restaurant on a beer tasting tour. But their menu won us over and although I must admit a visit is in order to ‘refresh’ our memory … from way back when, the food was great. Mussels and frites with a local twist, the ‘Marolles’ sauce sound very intriguing.

For seafood, we fell in love with Vismet, which served amazingly fresh seafood with just a touch of upscale. Belga Queen is old school fancy with an impressive dining space (think high ceilings, chandeliers, and servers in tuxedos). The seafood is good, expensive, and appropriate for expense account dinners.