Matongé and Saint-Boniface: cosmopolitan neighbourhoods with trendy bars

04 March 2026

Feel like you need to get away? Matongé and Saint-Boniface will satisfy your desire for travel. They form a very cosmopolitan, lively district, mainly frequented by locals.

Matongé is Brussels' African neighbourhood. It takes its name from a district of Kinshasa in Congo. People go there to immerse themselves in an exotic atmosphere, get their hair done and have a good time. Saint-Boniface is famous for its many trendy bars, restaurants from all over the world and many cafés.

An architectural walk

Saint-Boniface's architecture is a concentration of European trends. Start your walk in front of the Gothic Saint-Boniface church. A little further on, at 15, 17, 19, 20 and 22 rue Saint-Boniface, you'll find the Art Nouveau façades — so similar and yet so different — of famous architect, Ernest Blerot. Walk to place Fernand Cocq, where the neoclassical Ixelles town hall stands. It has an impressive entrance and wedding hall. Fancy a spin on two wheels? Visit Pro Velo to rent a bicycle for the day. 

African atmosphere

Matongé is a veritable microcosm where a multitude of typically African activities are concentrated. Here, for example, you'll find the best Saka saka (Central African dish made from cassava leaves), numerous specialised hairdressing salons and grocery stores selling tropical fruits and vegetables. Some unmissable addresses: L’horloge du Sud for its moambe or maafé, but also for its cultural and musical activities. At Kuumba, you can visit exhibitions, take part in African cooking workshops, attend concerts or simply have a drink. Finish your immersion at Soleil d’Afrique and taste the best chicken moambe in the capital.

Time for an aperitif

Saint-Boniface is the ideal place to have a drink. As soon as the sun comes out, Brussels residents descend upon the coloured chairs of L’Athénée, where blonde beer flows freely until late at night. If you prefer wine, head to Titulus. They offer more than 350 wines and cheeses, charcuterie and homemade ceviche! On place Fernand Cocq, the stylish Café Tulipant is a real must. You can enjoy its beautiful interior, homemade cocktails and Mediterranean sharing dishes.

Take your taste buds on a trip around the world

Matongé and Saint-Boniface offer you culinary journeys to all four corners of the globe. Looking for a change of scenery? Here are a few unmissable addresses. Osteria Bolognese is a small but extremely popular Italian restaurant where a Bolognese chef prepares delicious dishes. A word of advice: book well in advance! At the cosy Certo, the Italian chef will wow you with his honest, robust cooking style. On the same street, colour and creativity burst from Le Longue Vie's facade and menu. The striking green frontage of Savage is a nod to the restaurant's excellent plant-based menu and sustainable philosophy. For a succulent 100% American pastrami, Elbow is the place to be. Looking for quality fast food from the Far East? Yamato is an authentic ramen that’s a favourite of many of Brussels' Japanese community. Kitchen 151 offers a menu that's full of flavours, inspired by the Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine. Are you a fan of the Swedish tradition of coffee and pastries? Then welcome to Fika! You can enjoy your coffee indoors or even relax in the charming garden at the back of the establishment. Be sure to take a break at Maison Renardy, a renowned cafe and teahouse dating back to 1912, offering a wide assortment of pastries. For even more coffee delights, head to Caleo, a cosy neighbourhood bistro where you can enjoy a delicious breakfast or lunch. If you still can’t decide between all these spots, then head to Ratz! This food market on Rue Saint‑Boniface is brimming with stalls offering culinary influences from the four corners of the world.

Nightlife

This lively neighbourhood is also bursting with great nightlife venues! Let yourself be transported by the blues and jazz of the Sounds Jazz Club or the intoxicating world music notes of Muziekpublique! For contemporary French-language theatre head to Théâtre Le Rideau. After your dose of culture, enjoy a drink until late at L'Athénée (mentioned above) or at one of the lively cafés-with-terrace on the buzzing Place Fernand Cocq! 

culture - ixelles - diversité - multiculturalité - détente - concerts- matonge
Muziekpublique © Fabrice Deramaix
The cultural hotspots of the area

Getting there

Brussels is like a village; its various neighbourhoods are easily walkable. However, public transport is another excellent way to reach them. Matongé and Saint-Boniface are accessible by metro (lines 2, 6 – stop Porte de Namur/Naamsepoort) and by bus (lines 71, 54 – stops Porte de Namur/Naamsepoort, St.-Boniface or Fernand Cocq). 

Plan your route with the STIB app.

STIB app