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La Belle Maraîchère
★ 4.0(1 review)Restaurant
classicnostalgicfamily-run
About the Vibe
La Belle Maraîchère is a true Brussels institution that has been serving exceptional seafood on Place Sainte-Catherine since 1973. Run by the Devreker family—father Freddy as host and son Serge as chef—this nostalgic bistro feels like stepping into a culinary time capsule where Franco-Belgian classics are executed with genuine expertise. Skip the trendy spots and come here for the velvety skate terrine, crunchy shrimp fritters, and in-season saddle of hare, all paired from their impressive 150+ wine list.
Known For
- •skate terrine
- •shrimp fritters
- •turbot fillets
- •saddle of hare
Best For
seafood loversclassic French cuisinespecial occasions
1 review
City InsidersEditorialApril 2, 2026
A Brussels Seafood Institution Since 1973
La Belle Maraîchère is one of those rare restaurants that has maintained its quality and charm for over five decades. Located on the historic Place Sainte-Catherine in Brussels' former Fishermen's District, this family-run bistro has been a favorite among food enthusiasts since 1973. The Devreker family, with Freddy hosting and Serge cooking, has crafted a menu that celebrates the best of Franco-Belgian seafood traditions.
The food is consistently excellent. Start with their signature crunchy shrimp fritters or the velvety terrine of skate—both are textbook examples of classic preparation done right. The turbot fillets arrive perfectly fresh and simply prepared to let the quality of the fish shine. In season, the saddle of hare is a must-order for game lovers. The wine list, featuring over 150 carefully selected Crus, complements the meal beautifully.
The atmosphere is warm and nostalgic, with a dining room that feels like a step back in time to when Saint Catherine was Brussels' premier restaurant neighborhood. Service is attentive without being fussy, and the prices, while not cheap, are justified by the quality. Note that they're closed Tuesday through Thursday, so plan accordingly. This is authentic Brussels dining at its finest.