Best restaurants in Ruisbroek

Monsieur V

Bib Gourmand€€Classic Cuisine

Jan Verhaert cooks what he likes to eat, which is nostalgic Gallic classics with the occasional nod to Italy. His cosy neighbourhood restaurant rolls out confident bistro fare of the likes of pâté en croûte or a succulent pithivier (pie) of pheasant, mushrooms and foie gras in a butter-rich puff pastry shell. And what about a decadent flaky pastry millefeuille with vanilla-rich crème pâtissière for dessert? The razor-sharp precision of the cooking and the chef's penchant for gutsy flavours are truly noteworthy. A champion of French culinary tradition, Monsieur Verhaert delivers exceptional foo

La Branche d'Olivier

Bib Gourmand€€french

With its old tiled floor and leather seats, patinated woodwork, plus the peaceful terrace overlooking Kinsendaal Nature Reserve, this charming bistro is full of character. The many regulars come here to feast on classics such as foie gras maison, cod fillet in a chorizo crust with a saffron white wine sauce, and chocolate mousse for dessert. It is not without good reason that chef Demurger is hailed as a great sauce maker and rôtisseur. This Bib Gourmand restaurant is all about craftsmanship and generosity.

🕐 Mo-Fr 12:00-14:30, 19:00-23:00; Sa 19:00-23:00

Stone Dial

Bib Gourmand€€Chinese Contemporary

This venue is in a class of its own. Located on the Crabbegat path in the oldest building of Uccle, this slightly mysterious restaurant mingles vintage details, like the wooden ceiling and old wood-burning stove, with a subtle Chinese spin. You will find a jaw-dropping lineup of traditional delicacies in colourful, indulgent dishes. Succulent spring rolls stuffed with poultry and caramelised onions, noodles tossed with crunchy veg and Peking duck to die for… Authentic flavours that will set your tastebuds tingling showcased in a menu that is as varied as it is enticing.

Au repos de la montagne

Bib Gourmand€€Traditional Cuisine

From the black and white floor tiles and bistro chairs to the enamel signs that adorn the walls, this buzzy neighbourhood bistro oozes character. What’s more, the slate menu (more concise lineup at lunchtime) will set your tastebuds drooling: melt-in-the-mouth country pâté of wild duck with fresh green peppers or stew simmered lovingly in a rich brown sauce and served with piping hot fresh fries. The predominantly Gallic score is rolled out playfully, as are the vegetarian dishes, and every bite is followed by a wallop of gusto. Splendid lineup of local beers and natural wines. Ideal for a hea

🕐 Tu-Th 18:30-23:00; Fr-Sa 12:00-14:30, 18:30-23:00

Nesta

€€€italian

As you enter the lifestyle boutique, you will notice the snug restaurant at the rear leading into a pretty garden, where, as you sit on the patio, you may even be forgiven for thinking you’re in Italy! Chef Kayes Ghourabi soaks his recipes in Italian sunshine as recognisable Mediterranean aromas and flavours unfold and captivate our tastebuds. Examples include a pedigree vitello tonnato or a breast of duck with a hazelnut crumble and a drizzling of subtle cooking juices. Bang on every time and always open to new twists.

Le Pigeon Noir

€€€french

Stepping into Le Pigeon Noir is like travelling back in time to Brussels of yesteryear and this bistro has all the trappings of an authentic village cafe, including tightly packed tables, a few seats at the counter, a buzzy vibe and waiters in full garb. Hunger obliterating Burgundian staples set the scene on the menu. The chef works solely with premium produce whose honest forthright flavours he seeks to nurture and enhance without resorting to fancy frills. Examples range from a soufflé of powerful langoustine to wafer-thin slices of flawlessly fresh scallops enhanced by a subtle grapefruit,

Cinq

€€€Modern French

The young and not so young come here to be spoiled rotten in this contemporary villa near the ring road of Brussels. Chef Verzele rustles up a varied menu in tune with the zeitgeist, adding a new spin to his classical background. Examples include perfectly poached fillets of sole, paired with fried prawns, a velvety saffron-flavoured risotto and a knockout fish sauce. Cinq is the sort of place that invites you to dig into meals steeped in gutsy, big-boned flavours whilst enjoying the casual buzzy vibe. Should you have cause for celebration, we can recommend the lobster menu.

Le Passage

€€€french

This classical establishment in the Saint Job neighbourhood is a favourite with the locals. Kevin warmly greets diners, while his dad, Rocky Renaud, deftly crafts a traditional score, albeit dotted with the odd punchy international twang. A champion of top-notch produce, he never compromises on quality. An example: crispy calf’s sweetbread is paired with a gravy laced in vin jaune and served with potato fritters and morels in a dish that embodies this establishment’s generous nature. Just the ticket for a slap-up meal at lunchtime!

Charlu

€€French

This imposing 1920’s villa in the heart of the Saint Job neighbourhood is home to a genuine temple of bistronomy. Wainscoting, mirrors and tightly packed tables set the scene. The working language is French in both the menu and the wine list, the owner’s passion about which he frequently waxes lyrical. Hearty wholesome recipes from southwest France are what you can expect, like textbook cassoulet made with proper duck confit, smoked ham and Toulouse sausage, unless you wouldn’t prefer fritters of pig’s trotters or crispy sweetbread. Traditional down to the core and crafted with love is the eth