Noordzee Mer du Nord

Noordzee Mer du Nord is a fishmonger with a standing counter at Rue Sainte-Catherine 45, in the Sainte-Catherine district of Brussels, Belgium. The district was historically the city's fish-market area, and this counter continues that tradition by serving fresh fish and shellfish to be eaten on the spot. It is a street-food style operation with no chef lineage in the restaurant sense and no Michelin context; its reputation rests on the freshness of the seafood and its informal setting.

The signature items are the fish soup, a rich soup served hot in a bowl; fried calamari; and shrimp croquettes, the Belgian classic. Customers choose from the display of fresh fish and prepared dishes at the counter, and portions are priced at roughly €10-22, making it a relatively inexpensive way to eat seafood in the centre of the city. The menu changes with the daily catch and the market.

The character of the place is that of a counter rather than a dining room. There are few or no formal tables; customers stand at the counter or on the pavement, eating from plates or paper. The atmosphere is lively and sociable, especially at lunchtime and early evening, and noise is mostly the buzz of the street. It is not suitable for a formal or sit-down meal, but it suits a quick, flavourful lunch or a snack while exploring the neighbourhood.

Drinks are simple: usually white wine, beer and soft drinks to accompany the seafood, rather than an extensive list.

Reservations are not taken. The counter is open most days from late morning, but it is closed on Sundays and Mondays according to the listing, so visitors should verify hours. Queues can form at peak times, particularly on Saturdays. The location, a short walk from the Place Sainte-Catherine and the Grand Place, makes it easy to combine with a visit to the old fish quays and the surrounding streets.