Not sure where to start with Les Brigittines, but it remains HIGH on my list of favorite spots in Brussels. From the Art Nouveau décor to the outstanding food, the cost is 100% worth it. Les Brigittines is a Brussels classic, including quintessential Belgian service (a.k.a un-rushed, forgetful), but where is the fun if everything is flawless?! It was one of the first restaurants I went to in Brussels. It is definitely for special occasions and so it took nearly three years until I returned, and it was just as special and elegant as I remembered.
The space is easy to miss from the outside, despite being an old post office, the entry is narrow and the view from the street makes the restaurant easy to miss. The beautiful, well stocked bar and cozy fireplace make up for the inevitable rainy Belgian weather you must brave to get there!
The master chef, Dirk Myny, is of both Walloon and Flemish origins, which is well reflected in the fine, classic courses he creates. It is usually a fixed menu, with different options for special occasions. Both times I have been I have opted for the accompanying wine pairings. Rob and I opted for the wine pairing – Rob without hesitation, me with some skepticism. However, it was an excellent choice, as we were floored with how much we liked each round, and how well they paired with the food, admitting we would never usually go for such a selection. *Disclaimer: The generous pours might be somewhat accountable for this rave review.
While the décor is elegant and, for lack of a better word, fancy, the atmosphere is relaxed and comfortable. Rob and I went for our Valentine’s day dinner. Despite it being a rainy Monday, it was not surprising that by 8:30, every table was full.
Right as we were finishing our main dish at 10 pm, taking in flutter of Valentine’s day dinner, commenting on how much we were enjoying the place, something truly bizarre happened, making us go from enjoying Les Brigittines, to loving Les Brigittines. At 10 pm on the dot, they started blasting ABBA. I am not sure if this is common for the establishment, or a Valentine’s day special, but it was AMAZING. Every table turned to see what was going on, if this was part of some celebration, or perhaps a mistake… it remained unclear what the cause was, and everyone returned to their meal amused with the rather odd situation. Whether this is the norm or not (and I hope that it is), we will be returning… for sure!
Les Brigittines – Pl. de la Chapelle 5, 1000 Bruxelles
