Traveler Description
La Clef des Champs restaurant is one of Brussels? favourites. Down a narrow street off the Place du Grand Sablon, in one of the city?s irresistibly charming districts, this intimate, romantic restaurant has a large terrace outside where, if weather permits, you can complete the illusion that you?re in the south of France. Run by the charming Bouillots, monsieur cooks and madame greets you at the door. This is authentic Lyonnais and Provencal cooking, changing seasonally. Try ravioli of crab in light curry sauce, cassoulette of ris de veau with port and mushroom jus, or enjoy a quite incredible cassoulet. The wine list includes some lesser-known labels that deserve discovery.

Address: Rue Rollebeek 23 B
Phone: 0 2 512 11 93

http://www.clefdeschamps.be/

Traveler Reviews

Good but not great
Reviewed by BearAlarm on Sep 4, 2010


Having lived in Brussels for a year, enjoying all the culinary delights the city has to offer, we finally got round to trying this restaurant tonight. Decor was minimalist but cosy and the menu varied without being too over bearing. In terms of food, however, it was a very mixed affair: My starter (a duck terrine) was superb, but the starters from the rest of our party were just so-so (especially the lentil salad). Likewise, my main course, medallions of lamb was a bit ordinary but others fared much better (the salmon in lime and honey for example was very good). For desserts our creme brulee was technically excellent, but again, nothing special. The highlight of the evening was probably the staff who were both professional, attentive and very friendly. To conclude, this restaurant is fine for the London jet set who come here for a weekend break and want a safe option, but those with more discerning tastes and those willing to venture a bit off the beaten track will find better food for a more reasonable price. Great restaurant, but best in Brussels...Absolutely not.

Excellent food in true bistro atmosphere.
Reviewed by Linda1402 on Aug 29, 2010


We were 2 couples who stumbled upon this fabulous restaurant for lunch. Food was outstanding. Ordered lunch special which was resonably priced for the quality of the the food. Choice of starter and main course, or starter, main couse plus dessert or just main course. Had the duck for main course and it was delicious. So was starter salad. Would highly recommed this restaurant.

Not bad, but not special. Great staff.
Reviewed by patrickoo on Jul 14, 2010


This is more of a tourist restaurant than anything else. The food is OK but not special. The staff is great and very friendly.

Safe choice, won't go wrong
Reviewed by leevidaga on Jul 13, 2010


Attracted by the elegant purple tablecloths and dark pink napkins, my family of 4 had lunch there. The food was surprisingly good: the sweet tomato salad with fresh goat cheese from the Pyrenees and the artichoke salad with creamy foie gras were superb. Although the general area is a tourist attraction, the restaurant did not betray anything touristy about it. You will feel comfortable your money will not go wasted, as it will you go to the horrible Rue des Bouchers.

Puts Belga Queen and its ilk into the shade...
Reviewed by Canadianknowitall on Jul 10, 2010


Have just returned from Brussels on a quick business trip and again enjoyed a superb meal at "La Clef". The quality of the food and the cuisine (bourgeoise in style) stands up to many of the so called pretentious "gourmet" establishments in Brussels (such as the "Comme Chez Soi, which is very highly touted and where you will pay two to three times as much than at La Clef). Having read a review here that favors the Belga Queen I think that it is important to know that serious gourmands or Bruxellois do not go to the Belga Queen for the food (which can be awful). One takes the tourists who are visiting Brussels to experience the neat decor and the fun atmosphere of the place. Sort of like going to the Skylon Tower in Niagara Falls or the Eiffel Tower restaurant in Paris. I can't imagine that La Clef Des Champs pretends to be the best of anything other than a very pleasant and sympathetic bistro that is blessed with a great chef. I for one would choose it over many other dining spots in Brussels for the simple reason that it is consistently appetizing,offers good value and excellent quality for what you pay and is charming and comfortable whether dining alone or with friends.