Chalet Robinson
While definitely not our favorite, we will start with the most well known – Chalet Robinson.
Chalet Robinson is a historic restaurant and event space located on a small island in the Bois de la Cambre park in Brussels, Belgium. The restaurant has been a popular destination for over a century, and is known for its charming atmosphere and beautiful lakeside location.
The restaurant building itself is a picturesque wooden chalet, with a large terrace overlooking the lake. The menu features classic Belgian cuisine, with a focus on seafood and grilled meats, as well as a variety of local and international beers and wines.
In addition to the restaurant, Chalet Robinson also serves as a venue for weddings, private parties, and corporate events. The island setting and rustic charm of the chalet make it a unique and memorable location for special occasions.
To reach Chalet Robinson, visitors must take a small ferry boat from the shore of the lake. The short journey adds to the charm of the experience, and gives visitors a sense of seclusion and escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Overall, Chalet Robinson is a must-visit destination in Brussels, offering a unique combination of natural beauty, history, and culinary excellence.
Check out our full review here.
Le Kiosk
Ok, now to our favorite – Le Kiosk.
Le Kiosk is a popular cafe and restaurant located in the Bois de la Cambre park in Brussels, Belgium. The cafe is housed in a charming wooden kiosk, and features a large outdoor terrace overlooking the lake, making it a perfect spot for a relaxing meal or a refreshing drink.
The menu at Le Kiosk features a variety of light bites, snacks, and drinks, including coffee, tea, fresh juices, and alcoholic beverages. The cafe is especially popular for its delicious waffles, which are a Belgian specialty.
In addition to its food and drinks, Le Kiosk also offers rental of boats and paddle boats for visitors who wish to explore the lake. It’s a great way to enjoy the beautiful scenery and nature of Bois de la Cambre, and to get some exercise at the same time.
Overall, Le Kiosk is a great place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Bois de la Cambre. Its charming atmosphere and delicious food make it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
Check out our full review here.
Brasserie de la Patinoire
Brasserie de la Patinoire is a restaurant and bar located in the park. The restaurant is situated in an historic building that was once a skating rink, and is one of the fancier dining options in Bois de la Cambre (but definitely not the best).
The menu at Brasserie de la Patinoire includes a range of classic Belgian dishes, like mussels, steak frites, and vol-au-vent, as well as a variety of salads, sandwiches, and other light bites. The restaurant is also known for its selection of Belgian beers, with a rotating selection of local and international brews on tap.
The interior of the restaurant is spacious and elegant, with high ceilings, large windows, and beautiful Art Deco details. In the summer, the restaurant’s outdoor terrace is a popular spot for al fresco dining and people-watching – which also has heat lamps for cold weather dining.
Le Flore
Café le Flore has a bit of a fairytale feel tucked away in the woods in the northern part of the park. The often twinkling fairy lights support the fantasy feel of the place. There are several seating areas and dining options from more formal seating inside, to an area for apero on the back terrace and front area.
Le Flore is open year round, but always best to check as it is usually only open on the weekends just for brunch/lunch, and then most evenings during the summer months. The venue is also available for private events.
Waffle trucks
There are several waffle trucks in Brussels that offer delicious Belgian waffles on-the-go. One popular example is the “Waffle Factory” food truck, which can often be found parked in different locations throughout the city, including a few spots (mainly around the lake) of Bois de la Cambre.
The Waffle Factory truck offers several waffle options, including both sweet and savory varieties. Some popular options include the classic Brussels waffle with powdered sugar, the Liege waffle with caramelized sugar, and the savory waffle with bacon, cheese, and herbs. The waffle trucks are a great option if you are looking for a small snack on the go, or to grab a quick beverage.
In addition to its waffles, the Waffle Factory truck also serves a variety of hot and cold drinks, including coffee, tea, and fresh juices. The truck is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike, and is a great way to sample some of the best Belgian waffles in the city while on the go.
Woodpecker
Woodpecker, located in the very center of the park, just north of the lake is a great, open air option for a drink or light snack. The cafe is part of a larger chain of cafes and kiosks throughout Brussels. With a similar vibe to Le Kiosk, it is also well situated to park your bike or have your kids play nearby on the ping-pong table or in the nearby gazebo.
The Woodpecker Bois de la Cambre location also often has music (sometimes live) in the warmer months, and has a good variety of warm drinks in the winter months – open all year round! However, they do close if the weather is bad enough, understandably.
[…] In Bois de la Cambre there is the wonderful Woodpecker (below). The Woodpecker is part of a chain throughout Brussels, most of which have great outdoor seating. Located in the center of the park, just north of the pond, it is a perfect terrace for a break while strolling, a central location to meet friends, or a perfect spot to people watch the passing bikers and park-goers. The Woodpecker also often hosts live concerts and events. See our full review of places to eat and drink in Bois de la Cambre here. […]