Comptoir Garcin — Restaurant in Saint-Gilles - Sint-Gillis

This was hands down one of the best dinning experiences I’ve ever had and we weren’t even at a table! Let me explain…

We were looking for where to eat which had both meat and vegetarian options on the menu without too large of a menu (they mean trouble). We stumbled upon Comptoir Garcin and tried our luck for a table, it was fully booked (as we later found out they always are, every weekend).

We were offered two cosy seats at the bar and snapped at the chance. Local beer from a small local brewery of many kinds were great and we had many, wine choices seemed good too. Starters were amazing and full of flavour with service being great, even though there was a busy restaurant further ahead we felt as if we had our own personal waitress!

Mains were mind blowing. The vegetarian dish was one of the finest creations that masqueraded as hearty dish, lots of thought behind it. The Beef was wonderful and you could tell it was fresh and masterfully cooked. My one niggle would be that there was a little bit too much satay sauce over the potatoes but regardless it was absolutely delicious! I really love how the food wasn’t pretentious or in tiny portions and had a home cooked feel to it.

Having a menu rotate every 4 weeks and then being closed for a period to prep the menu for the next season really is the correct way to do things and it shows. The care and attention is noticeable and we were blown away by the fact there was only one chef in a tiny kitchen serving for the whole restaurant! He even had the time to come and ask what we thought of the food.

20/10 experience and a must if you nearby, just book a table in advance or try and sit at the bar as we did!

Thank you so much guys, I wish you all the best for the summer season and we’ll be back to try...

They recently changed to a set menu (the website still has the old menu).

The food was really good and unique, with great combinations. The dessert (mousse + leek) surprised us positively.

The waiters were nice but unfortunately service is really slow, which spoiled the experience. One hour between different dishes is simply inexplicable for a set menu. This needs to improve because the ideas are really good but such a slow service doesn’t make you want to return.

The tables in the patio / terrace are way too close to each other, you almost eat from other guests’ plates, which also contributes to a not-so-nice experience as you are forced to talk loudly to hear what the other person is saying. You leave with a headache and in a bad mood.

The wine list is comprehensive but there is very limited choice for glasses if you don’t feel like having a bottle (although the negroamaro was very high quality, so well picked).

We hope management actively looks at the comments, the place has lots of potential. But 50€ per person means that clients also want to see that reflected in good service, a good menu is not enough - and there’s lots of competition in Brussels at that...

What a beautiful meal. Do yourself a favour and visit this charming little gem of a restaurant. We were welcomed and felt welcome when we arrived. Such a lovely quirky environment with interesting art on the walls. The menu is small and changes every two weeks. The food was delicious and prepared with care (we could see the chef prepare our meals in the open kitchen, and he also came to check on us at a certain point during the meal) My starter was a chicken brochette in a light curry sauce with leek. My friend had polenta frites. I drank the house cocktail, which included rum and date flavour, my friend had an orange coloured wine. My main course was a lamb cutlet with charred broccoli and spinach and my friend had asparagus risotto. We both chose homemade amaretto ice cream with almond biscuits and amaretto sauce. Chef came to the table and explained to create this dessert he was inspired by a traditional French dessert with different alcohol and gelato. We were old friends catching up and they were gracious as we chatted and ate at a slow pace. A...