Le Cirio

Le Cirio is a historic Art Nouveau cafe at Rue de la Bourse 18, beside the Bourse in the heart of Brussels. The cafe dates from 1886 and is one of the city's best-known Belle Époque coffee houses, with a mirrored room, wood panelling and traditional furnishings that have changed little over the decades. It sits a few steps from the Grand Place and the pedestrian boulevard, making it a convenient pause during a walk through the old centre. Prices are low, with items at about €6-14. The cafe is most famous for the half en half, a drink of sparkling white wine mixed with champagne that has become an emblem of the place and is the order most visitors associate with it. Other items include the croque-monsieur, the toasted ham-and-cheese sandwich that is a staple of Belgian cafes, as well as chocolate and coffee drinks. This is not a restaurant in the sense of a multi-course dinner; the menu is built around drinks, light snacks and simple lunches, and visitors should expect a cafe experience rather than a formal meal. The room has a faded grandeur, with a long bar, marble-topped tables and old mirrors, and the atmosphere is relaxed, a little theatrical and unhurried. Service can be slow and the style traditional, which many visitors find part of the charm. Noise levels are moderate, and the cafe attracts a mix of locals, tourists and regulars throughout the day. It opens daily from late morning and stays open until late at night. No reservations are taken, so visitors simply walk in and choose a table. The cafe works for a mid-afternoon break, an aperitif before dinner or a late drink after the nearby theatres and bars. Visitors interested in historic Brussels interiors will find it a worthwhile short stop.