La Roue d'Or

La Roue d'Or is a Belgian brasserie at Rue des Chapeliers 26, a short walk from the Grand Place in central Brussels. The restaurant is decorated with murals in the style of Magritte, nodding to the Belgian surrealist painter, and the interior gives the room a distinctive character that sets it apart from other brasseries in the area. Mains cost about €20-30, placing it in the mid-range for the old centre. The kitchen focuses on classic Belgian brasserie cooking. Signature dishes include lapin à la bière, rabbit cooked in beer, carbonade flamande, the traditional beef stew, and croquettes aux crevettes, the crisp shrimp croquettes that are a fixture of Brussels menus. These are the dishes most often associated with Belgian restaurants of this type, and the menu is aimed at visitors who want traditional recipes in a comfortable sit-down setting rather than modern reinterpretations. The dining room is an attractive brasserie space with a relaxed, slightly theatrical feel from the artwork. Noise levels are moderate and the room works for couples, small groups and families. The drinks list centres on Belgian beers, which pair naturally with the stews and rabbit dishes, and house wines are available for diners who prefer them. The restaurant serves lunch and dinner, though it closes on certain days, so visitors should verify opening days before travelling. Reservations are recommended, particularly for dinner and weekends, and booking a day or more ahead helps in peak tourist periods. Its location, a few streets from the Grand Place and the Manneken Pis area, makes it convenient for a meal during a sightseeing day. The restaurant is a sensible option for visitors who want a traditional Belgian meal in a pleasant interior without the crowds of Rue des Bouchers.