Discover Benelux | Brussels City | The Capital of Europe
Top Belgian fare in Brussels’ heartland TEXT: LIDIJA LIEGIS | PHOTOS: LE QUARTIER LÉOPOLD
Belgian brasserie and restaurant Le Quartier Léopold sits in prime position on Brussels’ Place du Luxembourg. Opened 13 years ago, this chic establishment serves a vast array of FrancoBelgian specialties. Le Quartier Léopold is a modern restaurant with a high-end feel, combining a bar and restaurant designed in a contemporary style. High ceilings, impressive volumes, minimalist décor and tasteful furnishings are key. The brasserie has a superb terrace at the front, and a spacious garden at the back which provides an oasis within the city. In the kitchen, Chef Sebastien Desmet offers high-quality brasserie cuisine made from scratch with fresh produce and first-rate ingredients delivered daily. The classic Belgian dish of grey shrimp croquettes, as well as the freshly prepared ‘filet Américain’ (steak tartare), cheese croquettes and vol au vent all come highly 20 | Issue 39 | March 2017
recommended. The restaurant also has plenty of international-style dishes such as stir fry, teriyaki tuna and pasta options. The menu changes annually, and there are specialty dishes that change daily depending on seasonal availability of produce. Le Quartier Léopold has a fantastic range of French wines, a vast selection of abbey and Trappist beers, as well as a choice of spirits including an impressive whisky selection. “We’re the only place in Brussels that serves pilsner beers on tap,” notes the restaurant’s owner.
stylish décor sets us apart,” says the owner. “Our south-facing terrace is fantastic on warmer days, and not forgetting our magnificent garden, which is a real haven of peace.” Another bonus is its central location on the Place du Luxembourg, adjacent to the European Parliament and close to the city centre and major hotels. Le Quartier Léopold is open Monday to Saturday from 10am - 11pm. On Sundays, the restaurant can be hired out for private events. www.quartier-leopold.be
Le Quartier Léopold seats 260 people across the restaurant, terrace and garden. It also has a room available to hire for receptions and special events. On Thursday nights, the brasserie hosts a networking evening complete with a DJ. The daily happy hour is from 6pm - 7pm. What distinguishes Le Quartier Léopold from other brasseries? “Our cuisine and