Ok – where to begin? Brasserie Surrealiste is a bar, brewery, restaurant, concert venue… and much more. Originally a banana warehouse built in the 1930s, the 1,500 sqm space has been converted into a beautiful Art Deco restaurant/brewery.
The restaurant is tucked away at the back of Place du Nouveau Marche aux Grains, but the impressive view from the street makes it easy to spot. The façade is floor to ceiling windows, exposing giant, elegant chandeliers – at first it feels like maybe you are entering a 1920s era party full of flappers and champagne towers. The entryway is a large, yet intimate courtyard bar, open year round. Up a small flight of stairs, and through another floor to ceiling wall of windows is the bustling restaurant.
While online they point out the often the “best nights are the unplanned ones,” and they do not require a reservation for small parties, I would say a reservation is DEFINITELY a good idea if you plan to eat, given the popularity of this place.
The interior is a great mix of intimate, unique spots for a drink, and small and large tables for dinner service. While the restaurant feels a bit hectic, and there is a lot going on, the service is friendly and attentive. It is a small, but EXCELLENT menu. We were worried the portions would be small and leave us hungry, but two starters, two mains, and one dessert, and we left perfectly satisfied.
We got the burrata – above – and beet tartar to start, served with bread, and delicious. Followed by Pommes Dauphine (below) and steak (also below). The steak was PERFECTLY cooked, and the potatoes… creamy and filling. Of course, the meal was accompanied by some house beers (La Grande Bellezza, a few of the Blanche, and maybe a few more that I have since forgotten :)).
We had an intimate table tucked away against the wall, but it looked as if the restaurant does a great job catering to parties of all size (and even a few much larger office parties going on), while smaller groups of people drinking clustered around the bar.
Once we finished, a friend joined for drinks at the bar, and our waiter informed us a concert was planned in the back space. So ultimately, it was a terrific place to start the night, continue the night… and stay even a bit longer! Highly, highly recommend! (The only real downside was it was a tad loud and our booth was a bit dark – but that is all part of the ambience)
Brasserie Surrealiste – Pl. du Nouveau Marché aux Grains 22-23, 1000 Bruxelles
[…] See our full post here. […]