La Quincaillerie

La Quincaillerie is a large brasserie at Rue du Page 45 in Ixelles, near the Châtelain area south of central Brussels. It occupies a former hardware store from the Art Nouveau era, and the building's tall space, iron structures and mezzanine remain a central part of the restaurant's identity. The name means hardware store in French. Mains cost about €22-38, placing it at the upper end of brasserie pricing in Brussels. The kitchen concentrates on seafood and classic brasserie cooking. Signature dishes include the seafood platter, built around oysters and shellfish from the oyster counter, steak tartare, and the fish of the day, which varies with supply. The oyster counter near the entrance is a notable feature and makes the restaurant a popular choice for shellfish. The menu also includes grilled meats and traditional brasserie dishes, so groups with mixed tastes are well served. The dining room is large and high-ceilinged, with a mezzanine level that gives some tables a view over the main floor. The atmosphere is lively and polished, with a busy, sociable noise level typical of a big brasserie, and the clientele includes local residents from Ixelles, business diners and visitors. The wine list is extensive, with French wines suited to seafood by the glass and bottle, and the bar adds cocktails. The restaurant serves lunch and dinner daily, though visitors should verify hours. Reservations are recommended, particularly for dinner and weekends, and booking a few days ahead is sensible for larger groups. The location in Ixelles makes it a good option for visitors staying south of the centre or exploring the Châtelain district, and it combines easily with the Horta Museum in nearby Saint-Gilles. Visitors on a tight budget may find prices high compared with neighbourhood bistros, but the setting and seafood justify the cost for a special meal.