Le Cirio

Le Cirio is a historic cafe at Rue de la Bourse 18, beside the Bourse (stock exchange) in central Brussels, Belgium. It dates from 1886 and is one of the city's best-preserved Belle Époque coffee houses, with an Art Nouveau interior of mirrors, dark wood and brass. It is a cafe rather than a restaurant, so the question of chef lineage or Michelin standing does not apply; its reputation comes from its age, its decor and one particular drink.

The signature item is the half en half, a mix of sparkling white wine and champagne served in a glass, which is a long-standing Brussels tradition and is closely associated with this cafe. The menu also includes simple food such as the croque-monsieur, the toasted ham and cheese sandwich, as well as chocolate and coffee. Prices are low, roughly €6-14 for most items, which makes it an affordable way to experience a historic interior.

The dining room is the main attraction. The mirrored room has a faded, nostalgic grandeur, with tall mirrors, marble-topped tables and bentwood chairs. The atmosphere is relaxed and unhurried, with a mix of locals, office workers from the nearby financial district and visitors. Noise is moderate and conversation is easy. There is no dress code.

The beverage programme is more important than the food: besides the half en half, the cafe serves Belgian beers, wines, coffee and hot chocolate, and many visitors come for a drink and a short rest rather than a meal.

Reservations are not taken, and seating is on a first-come basis. The cafe is open daily from late morning until late at night. It is quietest in the mid-afternoon on weekdays, while evenings and weekends are busier. Its position next to the Bourse and a short walk from the Grand Place makes it easy to include in a walk along the Boulevard Anspach pedestrian zone.