Au Vieux Saint Martin - a Brussels landmark since 1968

Near the heart of Brussels, in the Sablons, this gem of an eatery has opened its door in 1968 and been busy ever since! So busy in fact that, growing up, the wait was made bearable only because of the Bandes Dessinees (Graphic Novels) lining the entrance/lobby. As an adult, it is the richness of Belgian cultural icons quietly intermixing in this buzzing environment.

Au Vieux Saint Martin consists of a dining room on the ground floor decorated by designer Christophe Gevers (1928-2007) which includes furniture, lighting and coat hangers by Jules Wabbes.  The walls are adorned with works of contemporary Belgian artists (Alechinsky, Bervoets, Swennen and Reynhoud). Upstairs, a beautiful room is available on reservation for your meetings, cocktails or dinners. The walls are decorated with lithographs of the movement of young Cobra painters (1948-1951).

When in Brussels, I am not satisfied until I eat there at least once or twice. Some of my favorite dishes are:

Radis, Fleur de sel de Noirmoutier

Tomates aux crevettes grises d’Oostende

Salade de crevettes grises d’Ostende

Fondus au parmesan maison

Boudins noir et blanc, purée terre et ciel (I always ask for white only)

Saucisse fraîche, stoemp de carottes

And ALWAYS ask for a side of fries (with mayonnaise) if you want the true Belgian experience!

Grand Sablon, 38
1000 Brussels
http://www.auvieuxsaintmartin.be/en/
Tel: +32 (0)2 512 64 76
Fax: +32 (0)2 513 71 87

Open 7/7 from 10 AM
Non-stop kitchen from 12 AM until 12 PM except on Sundays and holidays until 11 PM
Closed on 24/12 and 31/12 from 3 PM.