Resto: Chez Richard

Nestled at the corner of the Grote Zavel/place du Grand Sablon, Chez Richard has one of the most beautiful locations in the city, where several different types of clientele intersect: regulars from the neighbourhood, antique dealers, tourists, and “Bruxellois” from the south of the capital who consider the Sablon to be a last outpost, beyond which there is chaos.

To have the chance to exploit a location like this is a godsend. The danger was that the new people would simply “take the money and run”. Thankfully, Chez Richard’s new management – the team behind the sensational Chez Franz – has hit the nail on the head.

First off, the decoration is impeccable. Between the magnificent wooden counter and the two splendid art deco lampshades, it will blow you away. Add to this the terrazzo floor created by an artisan from Liège, the midnight-blue walls, little round wooden tables, and soft seating… Even with the exterior, nothing has been left to chance, from the terrasse where the rattan furniture comes from the famous Maison Gatti in Paris, to the heaters as powerful as nuclear reactors.

The drinks menu is on a level with the decor. Take the coffee made with the Faema Jubilé E61 (€2.50 for an espresso and a Dandoy biscuit), the Dolin vermouth, or the Jambe-de-Bois beer from the Brasserie de la Senne, available on tap. But the usual Leffe or Stella are also available.

The same goes for the wines, from among which one can choose artisan names – Fanny Sabre, Jean Foillard, etc. – or more mainstream brands such as Ostal Cazes. You can also eat in: breakfast, lunch – excellent steak tartare from Dierendonck (€14), tapas in the evening, and an oyster counter from Friday to Sunday. An institution is born!

Open: 7/7, van 08:00 > 01:00