The word “institution” is bandied about a bit too readily when it comes to the horeca/hospitality sector.
It is a word that is sometimes bestowed on places that may be no more than modest.
But “institution” is a word that is very much deserving of at least one, well-known Brussels eating establishment …. Brasseries Georges in Uccle.
In fact, when it comes to restos, the word could have been invented for this landmark place.
Having first arrived on the eating out scene in the city back in the mid-1980s, it is, today, as popular as ever with a loyal customer base.
But the success story that is Brasserie Georges hasn’t always been so.
Just a few years ago, and along with numerous other restaurants here, including some well-known ones, it fell on serious financial hard times. So much so, in fact, that some really feared for its future, wondering if it might join the ranks of so many restos that have sadly succumbed to the ravages of events like the coronavirus pandemic and an economic crisis.
Many are still feeling the effects of these, of course, but the good news is that Brasseries George was, at its worst nadir, taken over by dynamic young new owners. Under their tutelage it has bounced back in real style and is, yes, the culinary institution so fondly remembered by so many.
These include the late parents-in-law of this writer who used to make a beeline for this resto most weekends. It was also my own first introduction to the wonders of Belgian cuisine upon moving to this country from the UK many years ago.
Happily, one can report that the exceedingly high standards (and quality of food) of old are still very much in evidence.
One of the wonderful things that sets this place apart from so many others is the quite beautiful Art Deco décor and setting.
Its friendly atmosphere, typical of Parisian brasseries, its Art Deco setting. This was designed by Brussels architect Jacques Zajtman with the idea of taking the visitor “on a journey to Paris, Lyon or even Bordeaux while remaining in Brussels.”
Jacques no longer lives in Brussels but paid a special visit to the resto to again see his intricate designs here when he visited the city recently.
If the fantastic décor is something else then so too is the food which is again as good as anywhere in the city… and the owners have an award to prove it.
In 2023, it was named winner in the fourth edition of the Brussels competition for the best shrimp croquette.
The visit.brussels comp featured a jury consisting of culinary journalists and chefs who chose Brasserie Georges from a total of 20 participating establishments after a blind tasting. Points were awarded based on a number of criteria, including the crispness, flavour and quality of the shrimp.
The delicious croquettes are, as might be expected, among customer favourites here but there is so much else to commend about what is a rich and varied menu.
Other best sellers among the mains include the sole and that good old Belgian classic, vol-au-vent.
The quite extensive menu also features (for starters), fish soup, cassolette de scampis and bisque de homard.
For mains you are presented with a really nice choice, including le supreme de coucou de Malines (an area just north of Brussels), jambonneau braise (recommended for those with a big appetite), lamb and choucroute Alsacienne.
Steak lovers are not forgotten with rib eye and boeuf filet among those available, along with a nice selection of pasta and risotto.
A speciality still here is the fish and seafood, all freshly delivered, including the aforementioned sole (both classique and grillee), along with cabillaud, saumon, raie and homard. And here’s a first: it even has its very own specially-bred oysters.
In fact, this can lay claim to be Belgium’s largest seafood merchant and the owners say they are “committed to offering the freshest seafood at a reasonable price, whether in the restaurant, for takeout or for delivery.”
It’s now asparagus season in Belgium and this is also the place to come if that’s your fancy with a separate card listing some creative ways they present this ever popular vegetable.
Also worth noting is the “suggestions” card, currently containing dishes like Presa d’Iberico grille and langouste rotie.
To round off what is sure to be a very satisfying and pleasant meal you might wish to also sample one of the equally mouth watering desserts,such as apple tart and lemon meringue, and all accompanied by a lovely Belgian beer like St Hubertus or one of the wonderful wines on offer. Considering the top quality the prices are very reasonable as well.
As with the food, the service is excellent, including people like Romanian-born Ioana, one of the managers who goes out of her way to welcome guests.
The owners here are Art Blanc, a family-run group active in the hospitality sector which, in fact, operates some 12 establishments—restaurants, bars, and clubs—between Brussels and Waterloo. Each venue offers a unique concept and distinctive décor and the company also has a dedicated events division. It is also possible to privatize spaces in its restaurants or bars for business dinners, press conferences or photo shoots. The company is constantly on the lookout for unique venues to expand, while maintaining its family character and close relationship with its clients.
That is something it most certainly has achieved in the years since the current owners salvaged Brasseries Georges from unwanted demise.
Returning after many years to this resto, I wondered if the very high standards of old were still being maintained. The good news is that they are and going some.
For those who may be newcomers to this charming place, make sure you check it out…. you will not be disappointed.
Its address is named after a great British political icon but this resto can rightly claim to special status of its own.. as a culinary “institution.”
Brasseries Georges
Av Winston Churchill 259 Uccle
02 347 2100
www.brasseriegeorges.be
