Eats:

Le Pain et le Vin
The cuisine at this minimalist restaurant is as simple and direct as the name itself. Despite having a decided French influence, "Bread and Wine" keeps the focus on natural flavors rather than on rich, traditional sauces that can overwhelm food. Vegetarians need not fear – the kitchen will prepare suitable meals on request. The wine cellar is extensive, and wines can be ordered by the glass. During summer months, try to score a table on the terrace. Smart-casual attire. Reservations suggested.

Address: Chaussee d'Alsemberg 812A, Brussels, Belgium
Telephone: +32-2-332-37-74
http://www.painvin.be/

In 't Spinnekopke
LOWER TOWN. Authentic Belgian-beer cuisine is the specialty at this classic cafe, which was originally a stagecoach inn built in the mid 1700s. The simple tiled floor and plain tables suit the country cuisine. Rabbit stewed in beer and a sausage hotpot are among the house specialties. More than 100 artisanal beers are available – the owner can help you choose a few to suit your palate and complement your meal. Casual to smart-casual attire. Reservations accepted.

Address: 1 Place du Jardin-aux-Fleurs 1000, Brussels, Belgium
Telephone: +32- 2-511-86-95
http://www.spinnekopke.be/

Comme Chez Soi
Reserve a table at least two months in advance if you hope to dine at Brussels' most famous French restaurant on a Friday or Saturday night. If time's tight, consider a lunchtime reservation, when the restaurant is less busy. Chef-owner Pierre Wynants takes great pride in his restaurant's three-star Michelin rating. He maintains it with culinary surprises like sauteed lobster with truffles or memorable roasted lamb. Reservations essential. Dressy attire.

Address: 23, Pl Rouppe, near Grand-Place, Brussels, Belgium B 1000
Telephone: +32 2 512 2921
http://www.commechezsoi.be/flash.htm

La Truffe Noire
The Black Truffle, one of the best restaurants in Brussels, has maintained its highly coveted Michelin star for several years. The delightful interior (choose the Tuscan or Venetian salon) is rivaled only by the cuisine itself. Contrary to the restaurant's name, Chef Luigi Ciciriello actually prefers white Italian truffles. During the season (October-January) the choice of truffle dishes is unlimited. Try the pasta with cream and white truffles. Out of season, tasty meat and fish dishes are offered.

Address: Boulevard de la Cambre 12, 8-1000, Brussels, Belgium
Telephone: +32 2 640 4422
http://www.truffenoire.com/

Shopping:

Boutique de Tintin
A comic memento is a unique and fitting way to remember a trip to Brussels, and no character is more closely associated with Belgium than Tintin. Luckily, this shop offers plenty of merchandise, including Tintin clothes, rugs, toys, prints, and school supplies. You can even purchase Tintin comics translated into 50 languages.

Address: Rue de la Colline 13, Grand-Place, Brussels, Belgium
Telephone: +32-2-514-45-50
http://www.10best.com/Brussels/Shopping/Best_Shopping/index.html

Wittamer
This pastry shop is one of Brussels' most famous, and rightly so. Wittamer has been building a reputation since 1910, and locals show up to grab a light breakfast, to indulge in a fabulous dessert, or to find a gift for someone special. Wittamer has five shops in Brussels, but only at the Grand Sablon can you buy a croissant or an ice cream, sit at an outside table, and watch the parade of chic city residents pass by.

Address: Pl du Grand Sablon 12, Brussels, Belgium
Telephone:+32-2-512-37-42
http://www.wittamer.com/

Beer Mania
This store has a good head on its shoulders, stocking over 400 Belgian Beers as well as an extensive range of beer related products such as glassware, books and pre-packaged gift collections. They stock over 100 different types of Belgian beer glasses alone. Over the years the store has become a virtual mecca for the Belgian beer devotee and rightly deserves its reputation as a veritable shrine for the enlightened.

Address: Chaussee de Wavre 174-176, Brussels, Belgium
Telephone:+32-2-511-37-42
http://www.beermania.be/

Chocolatier Mary
This is not your run-of-the-mill amazing Belgian chocolatier. Supplier of pralines to the Belgian royal court, Mary's is a small store but its wares look every bit as good as a visual spectacle as they taste.

Address: rue Royal 73, Brussels, Belgium
Telephone: +32- 02-217-45-00
http://www.marychoc.com/

Lodgings:

Jolly Hotel du Grande Sablon
The superior 4-star Jolly Hotel du Grand Sablon is ideally located on one of the most beautiful squares in the heart of Brussels. The Sablon district provides year-round ambience thanks to the numerous antique shops and art galleries that are located there. Moreover, the restaurant “Il Cortile” features fine Italian specialties.

Address: Rue Bodenbroekstraat, 2-4, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
Telephone: 02 518 11 00
http://www.jollyhotels.it/eng/ALBERGHI_scheda_master.asp?Obj=1295

Van Belle Hotel
The hotel is situated near the Brussels' Grand Place, and a courtesy shuttle is available to take you there during evening hours. Hotel van Belle offers a number of restaurants and conference rooms, as well as a spacious ground floor lounge, invitingly decorated, where you can relax. The modern, fully-featured rooms all have an en-suite bathroom, automatic wake-up alarm, cable TV, hairdryer, personal safe, and telephone.

Address: Chaussee de Mons 39, 1070 Brussels, Belgium
Telephone: 02 521 35 16
http://www.hotels-belgium.com/brussel-center/vanbelle.htm

Le Chatelain All Suite Hotel
Le Châtelain is a luxury boutique hotel conveniently located in the center of Brussels. Priding itself on excellent hospitality, discreet service, security, comfort and state-of-the-art technology, Le Châtelain has become a home-away-from-home for business and leisure travelers alike, including politicians, diplomats and celebrities. The 107 fully sound-proofed rooms are comfortable and spacious, with elegant marble bathrooms. Modem and computer connections, ADSL lines and satellite TV are standard in all rooms, and junior suites boast separate living areas and microwave ovens. Wi-fi is available in all public areas.

Address: 17 rue du Chatelain, Brussels, Belgium
Telephone: +44 (0) 207 380 8572
http://www.ghotw.com/shotw/hotel/home/le-chatelain-all-suite.htm

Hotel Metropole
This century-old hotel in the heart of Brussels maintains the ‘Belle Epoque’ splendor of its first days and combines it with modern furnishings and service. Its L'Alban Chambon restaurant is one of Brussels's best.

Address: Place de Brouckère, 31B 1000 Brussels Belgium
Telephone: +34 (0) 2-217-23-00
www.metropolehotel.com/

 

Hangouts:

Theâtre Royal de Toone
Look for the small wooden sign in the tiny alleyway -- impasse Schuddeveld -- to reach this theater in an upstairs room in a bistro of the same name. It's the latest in the Toone line of puppet theaters, which dates back to the early 1800s -- the title being passed from one puppet master to the next -- and it just may be the most popular theater in Brussels.

Address: Petite rue des Bouchers 21, Brussels, Belgium
Telephone: +32-02-513-54-86
http://www.toone.be/

De Ultieme Hallucinatie
What could be more chic than drinking in a 1920’s train car decorated in Art Nouveau style? The young, hipster crowd flocks to drink Belgian brews and snack on fresh, reasonably- priced salads, omelets, and sandwiches. During the balmy months, patrons jockey for a spot on the sunny terrace. Smart-casual to stylish attire.

Address: Rue Royale 316, Brussels, Belgium
Telephone: + 32 (0)2/217 06 14
http://www.deultiemehallucinatie.be/

Fuse
Every Saturday night the party is at Fuse, the hottest dance club in Brussels. Big-name DJs from around the world spin on one of the club's three levels, and techno is the music of choice – the first floor is dedicated exclusively to it. House, jungle, and hip-hop can be heard on the other two floors. Four bars and a "chill out" room provide an alternative when the dance floor gets too crowded. Stylish attire. Cover charge depends on DJ.

Address: Rue Blaes 208, 1000, Brussels, Belgium
Telephone: +32-2-511-97-89
http://www.fuse.be/

New York Jazz Club
This jazz club and bistro features live bands on Friday and Saturday nights. Though drinks can be pricey, there's no cover charge to enter and listen to the music. Table service is available too, which means that you don't need to leave your perch to refill your drink – a plus if you score a front-row table. Smart-casual attire.

Address: Chaussee de Charleroi 5, Brussels, Belgium
Telephone: +32-2-534-85-09
http://www.brusselshotels.crowneplaza.com/categoryDetail/8/393