In 't Spinnekopke

In 't Spinnekopke is a Belgian bistro at Place du Jardin aux Fleurs 1, on a small square near the Sainte-Catherine district and the old Brussels centre. It occupies a building dating from 1762 that was once a coaching house, and the restaurant has built its identity around cuisine à la bière, cooking with Belgian beers including lambic and gueuze, and pairing dishes with beers from the list. Mains cost about €20-30, placing it in the mid-range for central Brussels. The menu is a survey of traditional Brussels cooking with a brewing twist. Signature dishes include lapin à la gueuze, rabbit braised in a sour lambic-style beer, carbonade flamande, the classic beef stew, and stoemp with sausage, the mashed potato and vegetable dish that is a staple of Brussels home cooking. Beer is used in sauces and marinades, and the staff are known for suggesting a bottle to match each plate, so the drinks list matters as much as the food. The long list of Belgian beers, including spontaneous-fermentation styles that can be hard to find elsewhere, is a draw for beer enthusiasts. The dining room keeps the character of its old building, with a traditional bistro layout, and the atmosphere is warm, relaxed and local rather than touristy. Service is generally for lunch and dinner on most days, though weekend lunch is not served. Reservations are advised for dinner, particularly on Fridays and Saturdays, and booking a day or two ahead is sensible in busy seasons. The location, a short walk from the Grand Place and the Bourse, makes it an easy stop for visitors who want a sit-down meal without eating in the crowded streets near Rue des Bouchers. First-time visitors unfamiliar with lambic should expect sour, dry flavours in both the drinks and some sauces. The staff can usually explain the beer pairings if asked.