Belgians have always enjoyed a good glass of wine. Now, they're also wine growers. And judging by the number of wine bars, Brussels is the true capital of the drink of the gods. The selection is nothing short of astonishing. We've picked out a few spots where you can enjoy a lovely glass of wine with expert advice and (in many cases) excellent food. Cheers! In moderation, of course.
© German Prado
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Brussels centre
Nightshop
Hidden behind an ordinary garage door on rue de Flandre, Nightshop cultivates a sense of mystery. In a rustic, candlelit setting, you can enjoy a carefully curated selection of natural wines, accompanied by creative sharing platters. The menu changes with the seasons and availability, and the open kitchen adds to the spectacle. This hugely popular wine bar definitely isn't your run-of-the-mill neighbourhood night shop.
Rue de Flandre 167, 1000 Brussels
© Nightshop - Sam A Harris
La Flaque
It did not take long for the funky La Flaque to find its place in the lively Sainte-Catherine district. Customers can enjoy the cosy interior with its deliciously chaotic vintage decor, or the terrace from which they can watch tourists stroll by and foodies rush to Gaston's ice cream parlour. The wines, chosen with knowledge and passion, are natural and can be enjoyed as you relax, with or without tapas to share.
Quai aux Briques 84, 1000 Brussels
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Saint-Gilles
Gamin!
As its name suggests (gamin is French for "kid"), this is one of the capital's youngest wine bars. Located near place Van Meenen, Gamin! boasts a selection of wines from vineyards that respect nature. They also offer a selection of craft beers and even cider. What's more, you can order some snacks made with local produce to accompany your drinks. Be sure to give Syrah, the charming resident Corgi, a little tickle!
Avenue Adolphe Demeur 34, 1060 Saint-Gilles
Calmos
A self-proclaimed "Bistroquet", Calmos plays the "old-fashioned" card when it comes to decor, with its zinc counter and typically French bar-style tables. The wines are natural and varied, some on tap and kept in barrels. The price range is wide. The menu features a small selection of tapas to share. The small space opens onto a beautiful terrace. This friendly, cosy place was created by two friends who were fed up with spending too much money in the city's wine bars.
Rue de Tamines 1, 1060 Saint-Gilles
© Calmos
Oeno TK
Oeno TK is a must-visit wine bar located behind Trinité church. Fill your glass with its fine collection of wines from around the world. Antoine, the sommelier, only serves wines he has tasted. Novices can come and take part in wine-tasting classes. To complete the offer, Oeno TK serves delicious small dishes and tapas. The warm, relaxed atmosphere makes a visit essential, especially on Wednesdays when the nearby Châtelain market takes place.
Rue Africaine 31, 1060 Saint-Gilles
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© Simon Beuzart
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A bonus in Saint-Gilles
badi.
(Cider bar)
With over 80 ciders available, badi., Maxime and Victoria's dream venue opened in 2023 as the city's second cider bar. The decor is natural and uncluttered, featuring angles and straight lines. A hint of eccentricity can be found in the bubbles of the ciders the pair spent three years collecting. The ciders are Belgian, Breton and Norman, of course, but also Lorraine, Swiss, Polish, Latvian and Swedish. In terms of food, there is something for every appetite, big or small, always with a focus on carefully crafted, sophisticated and original dishes. With buckwheat pancakes, of course.
Rue de l'Hôtel des Monnaies 80, 1060 Saint-Gilles
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Ixelles
REBEL
On the face of it, REBEL (despite its name) is like all the other, new, natural wine bars to spring up in town. The decor is simple and unpretentious, with the focus on the essentials, i.e. the products served. The wine list is represented by a wall of bottles, and the bar is small but extends out onto the terrace. Where it really stands out, though, is in the kitchen. Rebel has adopted the nomadic chef concept, with new chefs coming into the kitchen to offer up their creations.
Rue Lesbroussart 48, 1050 Ixelles
Le Petit Canon
This is one of the city's most charming wine bars. It is popular as much for its warmth in winter as for its brightness and its terrace in summer. Le Petit Canon quickly established itself as a must-visit address. The friendly venue serves natural and organic wines from small producers. The drinking and snacking suggestions are rethought regularly. It almost feels like a holiday. Or being at home. It is typically the kind of place you don't want to leave.
Rue Lesbroussart 91, 1050 Ixelles
© Le Petit Canon
Titulus
Founded in 2011, Titulus is one of the world's leading wine suppliers, for individuals and professionals alike. Located in the Rideau district, this polymorphous venue has adapted to become a wine shop, delicatessen and dining cellar all rolled into one. The wines are natural and come in a wide range of prices, including the Têtes series vinified by Titulus! The food menu contains dishes created by chef Lyla Bangels, who changes the menu every two weeks.
Chaussée de Wavre 167a, 1050 Ixelles
© Louchébem
Fermento
In its first year of existence, Fermento ermento has become popular with Brussels’ wine lovers. Located next to The Arche, a mural by Schuiten, and hidden behind a blue facade, this cosy venue offers a warm welcome and quality wines (natural, organic or classic) to take away or consume on the premises, as well as a sophisticated gourmet menu and sharing dishes, prepared by the Italian chef. It is the perfect combination for a successful evening, whether for two or with friends.
Chaussée d'Ixelles 243, 1050 Ixelles
© Fermento
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European Quarter
Piola.libri
Not far from the European institutions, Piola.libri combines an Italian bookshop with an (Italian) wine bar, offering lunch options and evening aperitif tastings. Sommelier Nicola Taricco is a specialist in Italian viticulture, offering no fewer than 80 wines from all over the country, from Piedmont to Sicily. A change of scenery and a relaxed atmosphere are guaranteed to nourish your body and soul.
Rue Franklin 66-68, 1000 Brussels
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Schaerbeek
BAB's Wine to share
A former sommelier at Barge, which she opened alongside Grégoire Gillard, Barbara was determined to be at the helm of her own project. BAB’s Wine to Share, is a cosy wine bar with a welcoming terrace. As for the vintages, their organic and biodynamic wines, all European, are meticulously selected and carefully recommended. As with the wine, the devilled eggs and bottarga, black pudding and apple croquettes, mini-arancini and the miso roasted fennel are all best shared. The same goes for the friendly atmosphere.
Avenue Chazal 200, 1030 Schaerbeek
© BAB’s Wine to Share
Chez Félix
With its relaxed, friendly atmosphere, Chez Félix is one of Schaerbeek's favourite meeting places. The wines come from different countries, with a focus on Spain and Portugal. There are around 150 wines, with a strong emphasis on organic, biodynamic and natural wines. The Iberian influence can be seen on the plate, with occasional hints of Italy and even Asia. Outside, the terrace is bathed in sunshine, with cherry blossoms in bloom in spring.
Avenue Félix Marchal 142, 1030 Schaerbeek
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Forest
Lombric
Lombric brings the Altitude Cent district to life with its warm, no-frills atmosphere. Here, guests share local, seasonal dishes paired with natural wines, craft beers and ciders. The menu changes depending on the chefs-in-residence, who are invited to take charge of the kitchen. Taste the vibrancy of the vineyard in your glass.
Avenue Victor Rousseau 208, 1190 Forest
© Lombric / A n i k o
© Lombric
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Uccle
Tortue
This neo-bistro has revived a residential district of Uccle. This is a small corner store transformed into a Mecca for natural wines. Admittedly, seats are rare as the place is so small, but the terrace offers more space as soon as the sun comes out. The 300 or so wines, selected by sommelier Yann Grappe, come from the four corners of the globe, with a focus on French and Italian wines. The tapas feature refined Mediterranean and sun-kissed dishes.
Rue Edith Cavell 34, 1180 Uccle
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Etterbeek
Planchette
Another story of wine-loving friends who decided to share their passion! Opened in 2021, Planchette has been bringing life to Etterbeek's Place Saint-Antoine ever since, especially with its large terrace that takes over the pavements as soon as the fine weather returns. The menu is not extensive, but Planchette makes up for it in friendliness and the warmth of its welcome. It also comes alive for evening DJ sets, tastings and wine courses. The tapas, which are perfect for sharing, are gourmet and meticulously prepared.
Place Saint-Antoine 18, 1040 Etterbeek
