📷 2
Photos
Shot by a City Insiders curator.
Richard
★ 4.0(1 review)Restaurant
bistrolocal-crowdlively
About the Vibe
Chez Richard is proof that a classic Brussels bistro can evolve without losing its soul. The new team kept the old-school charm—wood-paneled bar, people-watching on the Sablon pavement—while adding a Parisian-style terrace and a menu that plays with Belgian classics like shrimp croquettes and wasabi chicken. It's the kind of place where you'll see locals and expats sharing frites and natural wines, whether it's a quick lunch or a late-night drink.
Known For
- •Belgian shrimp dishes
- •frites with homemade mayo
- •natural wines
- •wood-paneled bar
Best For
lunch near Sablonafter-work drinkscasual dinner with friends
1 review
City InsidersEditorialApril 9, 2026
A Classic Brussels Bistro Reimagined
Chez Richard has long been a fixture on Rue des Minimes, right at the edge of the Sablon, and the new owners have wisely decided not to fix what wasn't broken. The space still feels like a proper Belgian bistro—dark wood, mirrors, and a bar that's seen better decades—but there's a fresh energy now. The terrace, more Parisian than Brussels, draws a mix of young locals and tourists, especially on sunny afternoons.
The menu is where the reinvention shines. You'll find Belgian staples like shrimp croquettes and mussels, but with playful twists: wasabi chicken, pickled onions with gray shrimp, and a "pistolet" (Brussels bread roll) loaded with mayo and shrimp. The frites are excellent, crispy and served in a cassolette. Prices are reasonable for the location, with lunch specials around €19-22 and small plates from €8-15.
The wine list leans natural, with some interesting orange wines from Italy and Alsace, plus a solid selection of Cantillon lambics. It's not a fine-dining destination, but it's exactly what a neighborhood bistro should be: unpretentious, lively, and a great place to watch the world go by.