Where to eat the best moules-frites in Brussels
Le Pré Salé ·
Moules-frites — mussels and chips — is the dish every visitor wants to try in Brussels. But the difference between tourist spots and authentic restaurants is clear on the plate. Here's what to look for.
What makes a great pot of mussels?
Plump mussels, cooked to order and served piping hot in their pot. The shells should be open, the flesh pearly and the broth fragrant, never gritty.
A traditional Brussels restaurant serves a whole pot per person, with a broth so good you'll finish it with a spoon or mop it up with your chips.
The chips matter just as much as the mussels
Belgian chips are thick-cut and twice-fried: the first fry softens them, the second turns them golden. Crisp on the outside, fluffy on the inside.
Sainte-Catherine: the historic heart of seafood in Brussels
Brussels' old port once stood around place Sainte-Catherine. Its fish quays and seafood merchants left a legacy that lives on in the neighbourhood's seafood restaurants today.
Here on rue de Flandre, Le Pré Salé has been serving the best mussels in Brussels for over 40 years, in a bright dining room with its original tiled floor.
Frequently asked questions
- What's the best neighbourhood for mussels in Brussels?
- Sainte-Catherine, once home to the city's port, is the heart of Brussels' fish and mussel tradition. You'll find Le Pré Salé at rue de Flandre 20.
- Should I book a table for moules-frites at the weekend?
- Yes, booking is recommended, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings. Book online or call +32 2 513 65 45.
