Millions will take to the streets in France and elsewhere on Monday to celebrate the country's National Day, commonly known as Bastille Day in English or Fête Nationale in French, commemorating the fall of the Bastille in Paris on 14 July 1789. Fireworks and festivities are a must in France on this day. And what better way to celebrate across the border in neighbouring Belgium than by discovering one of Brussels' many French brasseries?
From Breton buckwheat pancakes to sole meunière, fois gras and escargots, we have carefully selected some of the best French restaurants the Belgian capital has to offer, all of which pride themselves on sourcing top-quality ingredients and wines.
Les Petits Oignons
Nestled between the Sablon district and the emblematic Palais de Justice, Les Petits Oignons offers a delicious mix of typical French brasserie dishes and Mediterranean favourites. Classics such as American-style steak and chips, sole meunière and shrimp croquettes feature on the menu, as well as Mediterranean specialities, pasta and risottos made with high-quality seasonal produce, and French toast with crème pâtissière and bourbon vanilla made in Alain Ducasse's signature style.
Credit: Les Petits Oignons
The authentic yet modern establishment, which dates back to 1986, also offers a fine selection of wines from France, Italy and around the world, including a wide variety of organic and natural wines. If that weren't enough, the sunny south-facing terrace equipped with Parisian bistro chairs provides breathtaking views over Rue de la Régence and the Royal Conservatoire.
Rue de la Régence 25, 1000 City of Brussels. Open Monday to Sunday. Find more information here.
Saint Boniface
This Lyon-themed restaurant has been serving delicious local cuisine for almost 40 years, and won another Michelin 'Bib Gourmand' award in 2024 for offering high-quality food at a reasonable price. Chef Vincent invites his guests to discover the recipes of his French grandmother, who was an outstanding cook, in a charming and friendly setting.
Credit: Le Saint Boniface / Facebook
All the French classics can be found on the menu: homemade foie gras, magret de canard, Burgundy snails, oysters from Normandy, cassoulet and many more specialities, paired with the perfect wine.
Rue Saint-Boniface 9, 1050 Ixelles. Open Tuesday to Saturday. Find more information here.
Badi
Badi is fairly new on the Brussels food scene, having only opened in 2023. But with its sleek and angular interior, it has already made a name for itself as one of the trendiest spots in Saint-Gilles. Owners Maxime and Victoria expertly pair the hundreds of colourful Breton cider bottles adorning the shelves with their refined and original dishes.
Credit: Badi
The buckwheat pancakes are arguably the best in Brussels (the sausage and cider-confit onions are worth a mention, as is the Fourme d'Ambert, spinach, and toasted pine nuts) and don't leave without trying the garlicky clams, oysters and seaweed tartare. Badi does not accept bookings – walk-ins only.
Rue de l'Hôtel des Monnaies 80, 1060 Saint-Gilles. Open Thursday to Sunday. Find more information here.
Le Wine Bar des Marolles
This Brussels gem is located in an intimate 17th-century building in the heart of the Marolles district. Initially located in the caves of the Sablon, the restaurant and its owner and sommelier Vincent Thomaes moved to Rue Haute in 2007.
Credit: Wine Bar des Marolles
The elegant interior, complete with 20th century paintings, and its warm atmosphere provide the perfect setting for a traditional French meal. Permanent items on the menu include homemade foie gras with sea salt and caramelised apples and sweetbreads with whole-grain mustard, while seasonal suggestions range from baby lobster to burrata with grilled summer vegetables – all to be accompanied with a glass of natural wine.
Rue Haute 198, 1000 City of Brussels. Open Thursday to Sunday. Find more information here.
Lola
This contemporary brasserie revamps the classics of Franco-Belgian cuisine in a very gourmet way. Lola has been a staple on Place du Grand Sablon since December 1994, regularly attracting passers-by with its quintessentially French terrace overlooking the square.
Credit: Lola
Whether it's a quick lunch at the bar or a more elaborate dinner, the service is first class. Classic brasserie items feature on the menu such as lobster ravioli, an unusual sweetbread vol-au-vent or melt-in-the-mouth Holstein steak and fries, all of which expertly prepared with textbook skill, a modern twist and generous servings.
Place du Grand Sablon 33, 1000 City of Brussels. Open Monday to Sunday. Find more information here.
