Aux Armes de Bruxelles is a historic Belgian brasserie at Rue des Bouchers 13, 1000 Brussels, Belgium, in the Îlot Sacré quarter beside the Grand-Place. Opened in 1921 and still in the same central premises, it draws travelers for classic Brussels cooking, a formal old-city dining-room atmosphere and enduring recipes such as shrimp croquettes, Flemish beef stew and mussels.
What to Expect at Aux Armes de Bruxelles
This is a restaurant rather than a museum, so there are no exhibits or ticketed collections: the experience is a long-established Brussels meal in historic rooms. Look for the leaded windows and the succession of dining spaces that give the restaurant its period character. The house describes itself as remaining in the same location since 1921, with dishes prepared in-house from recipes passed down over generations.
The menu is rooted in Belgian brasserie standards. Begin with the signature garnaalkroketten (shrimp croquettes) or poultry croquettes, then consider eel in green herb sauce, stoofvlees (Flemish beef stew), vol-au-vent, or Zeeland mussels when available. The kitchen introduces new suggestions every six weeks, while cocktails change with the seasons. This makes it a useful choice for visitors who want recognizable local dishes rather than a tasting-menu format.
- Since 1921: a century-old Brussels restaurant in its original central location.
- Belgian classics: house-made shrimp croquettes, poultry croquettes, eel in green sauce, stew and vol-au-vent.
- Zeeland mussels: one of the restaurant’s best-known brasserie orders.
- Historic setting: leaded windows and several characterful dining rooms near the Grand-Place.
- Seasonal reasons to return: changing cocktails and new chef’s suggestions approximately every six weeks.
Aux Armes de Bruxelles at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Rue des Bouchers 13, 1000 Brussels, Belgium |
| Neighborhood / Area | Îlot Sacré, a few minutes from Grand-Place and the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert |
| Operating Hours | Mon–Thu 12–14:30 and 18–22:30; Fri–Sat 12–23:00; Sun 12–22:30 |
| Admission & Ticket Prices | No admission charge; pay for food and drinks. See the current menu for prices. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1 to 2 hours for lunch or dinner |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Brussels-Central station and De Brouckère metro are both within an easy walk; Parking Écuyer is nearby. |
| Official Website / Phone | auxarmesdebruxelles.com / +32 2 511 55 50 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Reserve ahead for dinner, Friday and Saturday, and dates when Brussels is especially busy; use the restaurant’s official reservation page or call. An early lunch or the opening seating at dinner is generally the simplest time to settle in before the narrow streets around Rue des Bouchers fill with sightseers. Allow more time if choosing several courses or mussels. Groups of 15 to 120 can use the restaurant’s rooms, but should arrange directly with the venue.
From Brussels-Central, walk north through the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert or via Rue de la Colline; from De Brouckère, approach south through the pedestrianized centre. The final streets are paved and can be crowded, so strollers and wheelchairs benefit from approaching slowly and avoiding peak dining arrivals. Aux Armes de Bruxelles occupies historic, multi-room premises; contact the restaurant before booking to arrange the most suitable entrance and table for wheelchair users or guests needing step-free access. Pair a meal with Grand-Place, the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert and the Royal Theatre of La Monnaie, all about a 5–15 minute walk away.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Aux Armes de Bruxelles open, and when is the best time to go?
It opens daily for lunch from noon. Monday through Thursday it closes between 14:30 and 18:00, while Friday and Saturday run continuously until 23:00. Sunday closes at 22:30. For a calmer arrival, book the first lunch or dinner seating.
Are there tickets or do I need a reservation?
There are no tickets or admission fee: diners pay according to what they order. Reservations are strongly advisable for dinner and weekends, particularly if you want a particular time or are travelling as a group. Book through the official website or telephone the restaurant.
How much time should I budget for a meal?
Plan 1 to 2 hours. A business-style lunch can be shorter, while a full meal of croquettes, a main course, dessert and drinks is best enjoyed without rushing, especially during busy evening service.
Is Aux Armes de Bruxelles suitable for families and wheelchair users?
Families are welcome, and the restaurant specifically presents meals for children, parents and grandparents at one table. Its historic rooms and busy paved surroundings warrant advance contact for wheelchair seating, stroller access and the most practical entrance.
When browsing more top-rated belgian restaurant in Brussels, consider pairing your visit with nearby highlights such as Au Pleysier (0.4 km away) and L’Ana Thème (0.1 km away).
