La Roue d'Or — Restaurant in Brussels

La Roue d'Or, I googled as we ate, translates to "The Golden Wheel" in English. Nested in the heart of Brussels, this is a classic brasserie, situated just a short stroll from the bustling Grand Place.

The restaurant exudes old-world charm with its decor and the age of the waiters, seasoned professionals with an observable pride in their work. Their patience and care is evident and enhances the whole experience because they are friendly and focused and good at their jobs.

The restaurant's decor reminded me a little of the vibe of the surrealist René Magritte, whose exhibition we had seen earlier in the day, there’s a whimsical sophistication to the atmosphere that I enjoyed, reminiscent of a bygone era but timeless in the ways that only good food done well can be.

On our visit, we ordered an array of what we hoped would be showcasing traditional Belgian dishes. We got the Duck Rillettes which were a rustic delight, with a balanced texture and flavour. The Goose Liver Parfait was silky and delicious, the traditional beef stew was rich and hearty - full of deep, comforting flavors.

We also enjoyed the Shrimp Croquettes, the Snails in Garlic Butter and the Pork Knuckle - this came a delectable side sauce that complemented the meat's robust flavor. The mussels and fries allowed us to enjoy some good quality ‘Moules-frites’, a quintessential Belgian dish done right, I like mussels, and the broth with these was subtle and light - I dug it. All these dishes were washed down with some of their by the glass red wine, which was very drinkable and enhanced the overall pleasurable experience of the meal.

Overall, La Roue d'Or met my expectations for an inviting and relaxing meal in a calm and pleasant setting where we were able to sit around and talk about what we’d done that day and share a laugh and yarn and some delicious food. Definitely glad...

A mixed experience at this atmospheric restaurant near The Grand Place. We got the last table on a busy evening, so it was no surprise that the service was a bit slow - they only had two staff waiting the whole place, including serving drinks, but they were working hard and efficiently. When the food finally arrived, the main courses were really lovely - a very generous serving of moules and lovely fish with mashed potatoes.

Unfortunately, because of the slow service, when we came to order deserts, the kitchen was 'closed', so we only had a choice of a few cold ones. This is where the stars start to fall away. The "tiramisu" we were served was simply crushed sweet biscuits served with a load of sweetened whipped cream - and that's it. No real resemblance to tiramisu and definitely not worth €12. We also didn't get to finish our bottle of wine because they keep white wines cold in a central ice bucket on the bar, and I noticed ours slip down into the water late on in the meal - they didn't think I'd noticed and we didn't bother making a fuss as there wasn't loads left, but at €39 I would have liked to finish the bottle and I felt let down by the staff not being honest about what had happened.

So a mixed experience. In quieter times this would definitely be recommended. But maybe avoid it when it's...

My wife and I embarked on a quest for authentic Brussels cuisine and stumbled upon this gem through the guidance of an AI-powered search. From the moment we stepped inside, we were enchanted by the cozy ambiance and welcoming atmosphere. As we delved into our culinary journey, we were treated to a symphony of flavors that showcased the rich tapestry of Belgian cuisine.

Each dish was a masterpiece, meticulously prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. From the delicate balance of flavors in the appetizers to the hearty main courses bursting with robust Belgian flair, every bite was a revelation. And let's not forget the exquisite desserts that provided the perfect sweet finale to our gastronomic adventure.

What truly impressed us was not only the exceptional quality of the food but also the reasonable prices, making it accessible to all who seek a taste of Brussels' culinary delights. The attentive service further elevated our dining experience, leaving us feeling pampered and satisfied.

In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend this restaurant to anyone seeking an unforgettable dining experience in Brussels. Whether you're a seasoned food enthusiast or simply looking to indulge in the pleasures of good food and company, this establishment promises to exceed your expectations....