If you are looking for a restaurant near Brussels’ Grand Palace, Le Paon “The Peacock” is definitely one to check out. While outdoor tables are certainly at a premium during warmer months (and you don’t dare sit outside in the freezing winter months), Le Paon is a good spot as the upstairs tables directly overlook the Grand Palace.
Although they are primarily geared for large groups (like 20 – 145), it is a great spot for just a table for two. We ended up there after wandering all over trying to find somewhere to grab a bite on our way out of Brussels right around Christmastime. Brussels was packed with Christmas Market shoppers, restaurants were booked to capacity, and we had a two hour drive ahead of us.
We managed to snag a table at Le Paon as someone was just finishing and we were rewarded with a window table that looked out right to the Town Hall. The restaurant is located in a 17th century house so don’t expect a roomy booth, but the historic ambiance is completely worth it. From the narrow stairways, to the wood creaking with every step you take, it just feels historic. definitely check out the inside even if you take an outdoor table.
Fortunately, they feature Belgian specialties as the one thing I had not tried up to that point was “Mussels in Brussels”. I had tried beer, chocolate, fries, waffles — but no mussels!
Le Paon features a number of Belgian beers, both draft and bottled. We tried the Tongerlo Double Brown 6, a red brown beer with a slightly roasted aftertaste.
If you are visiting at nighttime when they are lighting the Town Hall, it’s the perfect spot to watch the lighting.
We’ve barely scratched the surface of the food scene in Belgium — what are your recommendations for must try places in Brussels?
The Brasserie Le Paon
- 35 Grand Palace, Grote Markt
- Brussels, Belgium
- Website: Le Paon
8 comments
Love the look of this place and, of course, mussels and Belgian Beer – yum! Great pics =)
yum those beef stew looks so good.
I love mussels and those look really delicious! What a great find to have stumbled upon.
Mussel season should be restarting very shortly. Looking forward to the mussel specials all over the region, usually starting in early/mid-August.
There is lots of average food in Brussels. I find the best thing to do in Belgium is find great lunch specials. You can do 2 star michelin for 50 Euro. Some wonderful places in Ghent and Antwerp, better than Brussels even. You have to try the little known T’zilte in the MAS museum in Antwerp for lunch. I still think about it.
Thanks for the tip! I’ll try to check it out next time I’m in Antwerp for the day.
Cassie from Ever in Transit recommended that I check out your blog for breweries in Belgium, so here I am! 🙂
Welcome, Suki! If you have any questions on Belgian breweries, just let me know. I’ve been to quite a few, and tried beers from many more that we have not yet written about on the site. Always willing to share that information!