Resto: Louise 345

Somewhere between a British gentleman’s club and a boutique hotel, Louise 345 offers a form of dining that is unique in Brussels, with white glove service throughout.

It’s an example of the variety of enterprises currently sweeping big cities, in which exclusivity is sought after. In a time of mass tourism and rampant consumerism, more and more people are looking for a unique experience. Louise 345 is a highly exclusive restaurant, with just eighteen covers spread out over four rooms, and white glove service inspired by the tradition of British butlers

Launched a few months ago with a “soft opening”, this establishment has really taken off since December thanks to the arrival in the kitchen of Isabelle Arpin, a chef who made a name for herself by earning a star at the Alexandre (Zuidstraat/rue du Midi).

Located within a residence that dates from 1873, and covered with valuable wallpaper, Louise 345 has all the refinement of a grand nineteenth-century townhouse. From the outside, there is nothing to suggest that it contains a restaurant. This is fitting, since you can only go there for lunch or dinner if you have a reservation and are properly attired.

Unexpected combinations

Rather than inaccessible, the business lawyer who runs the place describes the approach as an “exclusivity based on taste, not money”. In fact, the most affordable options are the lunch for €45 (starter, main course, and hot drink) and the three-course evening menu for €65. On our visit, we opted for the six-course “Menu Gourmand” for €110.

In spite of the price, we can’t say we were disappointed: the food is creative, beautiful to look at, wonderfully fresh, and never boring. The high points undoubtedly included the dish which combined tuna, sake, red cabbage, and sesame seeds, creating an interplay between the oiliness and the sharp and roasted flavours.

Another was a more land-based dish, squab with celery, Girolle mushrooms, and ginger. Every dish was a surprise, revealing unexpected combinations. The dessert, for example, made with chocolate, caramel, hazelnuts, and nougat, was a pleasantly light way to end the meal. Our only reproach concerns the wine list, which failed to live up to the rest of the menu: there was nothing daring, and we made no new discoveries.

> Louise 345. Louizalaan 345 avenue Louise, Elsene/Ixelles, 02-644.48.87, di/ma/Tu > vr/ve/Fr 12 > 14.30 & 19 > 22.30, za/sa/Sa 19 > 22.30