Back in Medieval times, the Grand Place in Brussels (originally Nedermarckt or “Lower Market”) was a bustling, 12th-century market square developed over a drained marsh.
Peasants commonly ate pottage (stew), bread, and porridge, and farmed crops like wheat, oats, and rye.
For entertainment, folk enjoyed fairs, festivals, storytelling and singing.
Fast forward to 2026 and this wonderful square is still at the heart of Brussels.
And there is one restaurant on the Grand Place that is trying to ensure Times Past are not forgotten.
Le Roy d’Espagne has launched a series of novel dinner shows that seek to recreate the ambience of those Medieval era.
Just like in 1500 these feature dancing court jesters, jugglers, costumed characters traditional games and musicians playing on string instruments typical of those times.
Holding court over proceedings is Emperor Charles V,born in Ghent and raised in Mechelen and the most powerful man in Europe in the early 16th century, running a territory that sprawled across the continent and beyond.
Also present is his wife Isabelle of Portugal, a popular consort and the love of his life.
Actually, the former is “played” by Jean-Philippe Moeneclaey, a historical re-enactor, and the latter by Sonia Neefs, Brussels tourism ambassador.
Both are part of the ensemble enlisted by the resto to “perform” for guests attending the medieval evenings.
The idea first started last autumn and proved such a success the resto’s owners decided to continue into 2026.
So far this year there have been one a month and that will continue for the rest of the year (the next is scheduled for 23 May).
The idea is to replicate the sort of evening,albeit on a slightly smaller scale, that Charles V and Isabelle might have presided over back in the Middle Ages.
The resto is a great setting as it is itself something of an iconic venue in what is, arguably,the best visitor attraction in the whole of Belgium – the always-delightful Grand Place.
Playing a key role in the dinner shows are members of “Alienor”, a group that specialises in medieval music and entertainment. Pride of place must go to Ludivine (show name: Alienor of Acquitaine – Queen of France and England ) who is remarkably active and energetic with her traditional violin.
She is accompanied by “Maitre Gonin,” a magician (and a remarkably talented 15-year-old boy).
Between them, the three keep guests royally entertained while enjoying a 3 course meal of typical Belgian cuisine, such as asparagus, chicken from Mechelen and Brussels’ Bodding (dessert).
All washed down with a Belgian beer (or glass of wine) and all this for a very reasonable €60 pp.
This is also an interactive show, where music, juggling, and audience interact. Best to come with the aim of joining in the fun, including the dancing.
Le Roy d’Espagne itself stands out on this iconic square for the diversity of its spaces, accommodating individual visitors, groups, and private events alike. It is a great place to visit, whatever the occasion, and that might also be just for a drink or light snack, not necessarily a formal dinner.
You are greeted on entry by a wonderful, huge fireplace and there are plenty of seats on the outdoor terrace on the square itself.
The medieval show’s, though, are an example of the resto’s commitment to bringing the city centre to life in a new way every day.
It does not matter how many book for each month’s dinner show – one month they had 120, while on another it was just 20 – the fun is just the same.
A spokesman for the resto, whose name means “The King of Spain,” told this site, “Our ambition is simple: to inspire Brussels residents to return to the city centre, to reclaim their city, and to experience unique moments in an iconic location.
“It is in this spirit that we continue our immersive experiences with our medieval dinner show.It is chance to enjoy with friends or colleagues, in costume or not, in a festive and timeless atmosphere, enlivened by musicians, jugglers, the King’s Fool, and Charles.”
Yes, all this in an exceptional historical setting overlooking the Grand-Place.
Upcoming dates: 23 May, 27 June, 25 July, 20 August, 26 September and 24 October.
Further info:
Le Roy D’Espagne
Grand Place, Brussels
02 513 0807
