A new survey has revealed that the eating out habits of Belgians may be changing.
Trade federation Comeos says that the poll it commissioned shows Belgians go less often to restaurants and more often to fast food places.
The survey shows attendance in restaurants is down 10.8 per cent compared to 2019 while the opposite applies to fast food chains where business has rocketed from 9.4per cent to 17.1 percent over the last four years.
But there is at least one excellent Brussels eating establishment that is bucking the trend – and flying the flag in other ways too.
Le Roy D’Espagne is a long established, well respected and fondly regarded brasserie right at the heart of Brussels.
In fact, if there’s a better located resto in the city than this then it would be good to know.
The reason is that anyone eating here has arguably the best view possible in the “capital of Europe” – a bird’s eye view of the lovely Grand Place.
It is situated right on the iconic square with the city’s town hall to one side and La Maison du Roi (The King’s House) on the other.
If you are able, try to grab a window seat which allows you to gaze in wonder at the scene outside, along with enjoying a very pleasant and filling meal.
The brasserie is spread over two floors with the ground floor, the one you enter from the Grand Place, benefiting from a roaring fire in the centre which is particularly welcome at this time of the year but lends itself perfectly to the general ambience of the place.
A flight of stairs takes you to the first floor which is made up of smaller tables ideal for couples and which gives arguably even better views of the Grand Place.
The whole place, which can seat up to 350 people, really does ooze history and tradition, with the walls adorned by posters from the various international expositions held in Brussels over many years and a rich assortment of memorabilia and artefacts. Good to know also that there are several rooms available for private functions such as seminars, birthdays and weddings.
It’s almost worth a visit just to wonder at the décor and take in wonderful atmosphere but, of course, the main reason to come here is to have a nourishing meal or sample one of the many great drinks they serve.
Like the setting, you will not be disappointed whichever you opt for: food or drink.
The menu, wonderfully presented in a small leather-bound “booklet”, is like a trip down memory lane for the best of traditional and classic Belgian cuisine.
