A Jette institution since 1981, Les Petits Os is the kind of unpretentious Brussels estaminet that locals have been returning to for decades. The name says it all — you're here for the lamb ribs ("petits os"), grilled to perfection in a Franco-Belgian kitchen with a subtle Greek touch from one of the six original founders. No reservations, just show up, grab a table (ideally on the terrace overlooking Place de Jette), and dig in.
Since 1981, this no-reservation estaminet on Place de Jette has been grilling lamb ribs with a Franco-Belgian-Greek soul and a terrace that locals never abandon.
No reservations accepted — arrive early, especially on weekends, or be prepared to wait for a terrace table on Place de Jette.
Lamb ribs and no attitude at a Jette institution
Les Petits Os is a Jette classic that's been doing its thing since 1981, when six friends — one of them Greek — decided to open a restaurant together. The concept hasn't changed much since: a genuine Brussels estaminet with a Franco-Belgian menu and a subtle Greek touch that shows up in dishes here and there. You come here for the namesake lamb ribs ("petits os"), which are the star of the show — grilled, generous, and the kind of thing you order by the plateful. The cooking is consistently praised, and the welcome is famously friendly, which goes a long way in explaining the loyal local following.
The terrace on Place de Jette is the spot to be when the weather cooperates — it's where the real atmosphere lives. Inside, it's a classic estaminet vibe: no-frills, warm, and buzzing with regulars. The menu is straightforward (salads, assiettes, grilled meats) and the prices are reasonable for Brussels. Don't expect anything fancy or reinvented — this is comfort food done right, and that's exactly the point.
The big catch: no reservations. You show up, you wait if you have to, and you get seated when a table opens. Reviews mention the friendly service and the quality of the grilling, though some note it can get busy and the wait isn't always short. If you want a relaxed, no-attitude meal with good ribs and a beer on the terrace, this is your place. Just go early or be patient.