20 May '15

Off the beaten pavement: Brussels’ hidden terraces

Summary

Tired of noisy, crowded terraces on the street? Head to the back gardens of these restaurants in Brussels for a bit of peaceful web surfing or lingering meals

 

Back gardens

Residents of Flanders often think of Brussels as a concrete jungle and don’t consider it when making plans to spend a little time outdoors. Combining our love for eating with the search for a little tranquillity, we sought out some of the capital’s nicest behind-the-scenes terraces. You can’t see them from the street, which makes them lovely spots to linger over your meal.

Kamilou, Mundo B
Kamilou is the restaurant on the ground floor of Mundo B, an ecological building found near Naamsepoort that is home to dozens of environmental NGOs. Open only for lunch, Kamilou gets busy, as much for its inventive organic food and drink as for its enormous back garden with plentiful tables, which sees the sun all afternoon long.
Edinburgstraat 26, Elsene

Vert de Gris
Inside and out, Vert de Gris manages to marry elegance with comfort in this grand old house. While the interior is lavishly decorated with bold colours and baroque chandeliers, out back, simple wooden tables and chairs fill a large, tree-shaded garden. A lovely spot to lunch. These days, the French restaurant has become a Brussels staple, with a loyal crowd of tourist and locals.
Cellebroersstraat 63, city centre

Aglio e Olio
You can’t do much better on a spring evening than enjoy the authentic Italian cooking of Aglio e Olio. The food is solid Italian standbys – pastas, pizzas, some well-grilled meats – but it’s worth the trip just for the stunning back garden. Ambiance is everything at this family joint in Elsene. Stay long enough and by the end of the evening you’ll likely be sipping vino rosso with your neighbouring tables.
Vleurgatsesteenweg 25, Elsene

L’Hirondelle d’Or
With €5 and €7 daily specials, you can’t beat the prices at L’Hirondelle d’Or, one of many Asian-fusion restaurants to choose from in the Kastelein neighbourhood. The only thing that makes it better is its enormous back garden (pictured). With its odd-looking tree and ivy creeping over the painted brick walls, it’s a charming spot for some grub and a beer. \ Katy Desmond
Baljuwstraat 34, Elsene

Related articles