Welcome to our edition of our “evening out” guides. We wanted to put together some neighborhood options for where to start your night, where to eat and where to keep the fun going, so you don’t find yourself trekking across town to have a good time. Of course, spontaneity is key, and hopefully our suggests are a good starting point!
Drinks – to start, or end, the night!
Dynamo Bar de Soif:
Best for: Craft beer lovers.
Located a bit off the main tourist trail, Dynamo has a superb selection of Belgian beers, including some lesser-known local brews that are perfect for exploring together. The laid-back, industrial decor adds to its charm, making it the perfect place to enjoy a drink before or after dinner.
Calmos Wine Bar:
Best for: Natural wine and people watching.
If you and your date are more into wine, Calmos (below) is your spot. This intimate wine bar offers a well-curated selection of natural wines, often paired with small plates and charcuterie boards. The knowledgeable staff can help you choose the perfect wine to match your mood, whether you’re looking for something bold or light and fruity. With its cozy, candle-lit atmosphere, Calmos is perfect for a romantic evening.
Drinks at the Parvis:
Best for: Lively outdoor drinks in the summer and watching sporting events.
In the summer, the Parvis de Saint-Gilles comes alive with locals and expats enjoying drinks al fresco. Several bars line the square, and grabbing a drink from one of them and enjoying it outside is a quintessential Brussels experience. It’s casual, lively, and gives you the perfect opportunity to soak up the vibrant atmosphere of the neighborhood. The bustling energy and street musicians make it an ideal place for a relaxed, spontaneous date.
Bar du Matin:
Best for: DJs and cocktails on the terrace.
While technically in Forest, we can count it as right on the border and thus qualifies for our Saint Gilles guide, this trendy bar offers a perfect mix of chill vibes and good cocktails. Located just a short walk from the Parvis, Bar du Matin often hosts live DJ sets, making it a lively stop on a Friday or Saturday night. With its inviting outdoor terrace, it’s a great place to enjoy an early evening cocktail in the warmer months or to cozy up inside during colder weather.
Avenue Adolphe Demeur: A Culinary Mini-District
This charming stretch, directly in front of the Saint-Gilles town hall (often praised as the most beautiful in Brussels), is packed with excellent places to eat and drink—all within a few paces of each other.
Rubis:
Best for: Wine with a view.
This elegant wine bar draws a more mature, local crowd. The terrace, perfectly placed in front of the town hall, is an ideal spot to sip a glass of red and soak in the architecture. Inside, it’s classy without being pretentious, and the bites are as good as the wine list.
Gamin:
Best for: Trendy ambiance and cool crowd.
Just across the street from Rubis, Gamin leans more modern, attracting a younger, hip crowd. Think stylish interiors, a compact but solid wine list, and a small terrace for people-watching. A bit more urban edge, but still welcoming and warm.
The Modern Alchemist:
Best for: Cocktails with a flair.
Craving something stronger? Just a few doors down, The Modern Alchemist serves up inventive cocktails in a relaxed yet stylish setting. There’s a terrace here too, making it a great warm-weather choice for pre-dinner drinks.
And now for dinner…
Belle Lurette:
Best for: Stylish dining.
When you’re ready to eat, Belle Lurette is right next door. Casual in vibe but refined in execution, it’s on the pricier side but worth it for the food and the atmosphere. Expect beautifully plated dishes and a setting that keeps the night feeling special.
203 (Upscale): If you’re looking to impress, 203 is your go-to for an upscale dining experience. With its modern European menu that focuses on seasonal ingredients and creative presentations, 203 (picture below) is the perfect spot for a memorable night. The sleek, minimalist decor provides a chic backdrop for any date. Expect dishes like perfectly cooked meats, fresh seafood, and innovative vegetarian options, all paired with an excellent wine list.
Fernand Obb Delicatessen:
Best for: Casual and fun (on the fast side).
A more casual, yet equally delightful, option is Fernand Obb. Known for its inventive takes on Belgian classics, like the mitraillette sandwich or croquettes, this spot is perfect if you’re looking for a low-key yet delicious dining experience. It’s also an excellent choice for lunch if you want to turn your date into a daytime affair. The laid-back atmosphere, paired with comfort food done right, makes Fernand Obb a winner for both a casual date night or a relaxed lunch. See our guide here.
Le Damoiselle (In-Between):
Best for: Really local food.
For those who want a balance between sophistication and casual dining, Le Damoiselle offers a cozy bistro atmosphere with top-notch food. The restaurant is known for its fresh, seasonal dishes and rustic charm. However, a word of caution: Le Damoiselle is only open on weekdays, so plan accordingly if you want to dine here! The menu often features French and Belgian-inspired dishes that are comforting and perfectly portioned for sharing. See our guide here.
La Porteuse d’Eau (casual):
Best for: Groups and easy dining.
Easily one of our favorite “classic Belgian” restaurants. Even on a rainy, cold weekday, the inside is lively and warm. You can expect CLASSIC Belgian dishes such as Waterzooi a la Gantoise, moules, and of course, a vast selection of Belgian beers, including Trappist, Orval, leffe, and beyond. The menus are in French, Dutch, and English! The service is attentive, friendly and very willing to advise on a beer or dish.
A few extras…
Cafe La Pompe:
Best for: Brussels buck-list – it’s a classic!
Cafe La Pompe is a staple of the neighborhood. On any day of the week, most of the day, no matter the weather, you can see groups of friends clustered around wobbly wooden tables on the sidewalk out front, or huddled around the bar. La Pompe has your classic mixed drinks, cheap beer, and bar snacks, making it a great afternoon gathering spot, meeting point, or night cap bar!
La Bagarre:
Best for: Small bites.
In case you are in the mood for a varity of drinks, as well as light bar snacks, La Bagarre is a new spot in town, just across from Calmos. The bar has quickly established itself as a casual neighborhood meeting point, well located in the middle of Saint Gilles. It has a friendly environment and an easy variety of food/drink.
Fight Club:
Best for: NY style pizza.
Fight club is a fun mix between trendy bar and pizza dive – a great combination for a casual slice (YES, PIZZA BY THE SLICE), with a good variety of drinks. recommended if a very casual dinner, or snack is what you are after.
