A Unique Dining Experience Blending Historic Elegance With Contemporary Cuisine
Le Café Maris showcases Art Deco elegance while offering a diverse menu of fresh, seasonal cuisine, making it a standout dining destination in Brussels.
Art Deco, the defining artistic movement of the 1920s and ’30s, left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape, with its striking aesthetic captured in buildings, furniture, and decorative arts. While many examples of this iconic style have faded into obscurity over time, Le Café Maris stands as a notable exception, showcasing the enduring charm of Art Deco amidst Brussels’ ever-evolving dining scene.
Nestled on the bustling Chaussee de Waterloo, Le Café Maris recently underwent a significant transformation, revitalizing its ground floor with a sleek, contemporary design. However, in a commendable nod to its storied past, the owners have preserved the building’s original Art Deco features, particularly on the first floor, which hosts private functions and celebrations. The harmonious blend of the chic, modern ambiance of the main dining area and the nostalgic elegance of the Art Deco space—complete with original stained glass windows—creates a unique and inviting atmosphere that captivates diners.
As the weather turns more favorable, guests can also enjoy the expansive terrace, which accommodates over 100 patrons and enhances the dining experience with its vibrant outdoor setting. The renovations, initiated a few years ago, were a strategic response to the shifting dynamics of the hospitality sector, exacerbated by the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The bustling foot traffic at Le Café Maris indicates that these changes have successfully revitalized the establishment, breathing new life into a beloved fixture of the Brussels culinary scene.
Le Café Maris seamlessly blends exquisite cuisine with historical charm, creating an unforgettable and vibrant dining experience for every guest.
At the heart of Le Café Maris is its unwavering commitment to high-quality cuisine. Known for its fresh, largely house-made offerings, the restaurant emphasizes seasonal ingredients, which bolster its reputation for culinary excellence. The diverse menu spans an impressive 14 pages, featuring seafood platters that highlight the skill of head seafood manager Francisco Gomes, the 2024-25 Belgian champion in seafood preparation. Diners can indulge in a range of options, from oysters and clams to shrimp and gambas, all thoughtfully curated for individual or shared enjoyment.
Starters such as beef carpaccio drizzled with virgin olive oil and adorned with parmesan shavings, a delightful duo of grey shrimp and cheese croquettes, and roasted marron bone encased in a salt crust set the stage for the main courses, where fish truly shines. Diners can savor grilled sole served meunière with creamy mashed potatoes, a classic Belgian tomato stuffed with North Sea grey shrimp alongside fries, and a fragrant fish soup complemented by Provencal sauce and croutons. For meat enthusiasts, the menu does not disappoint, offering prime cuts of grilled Irish beef and the celebrated coucou de Malines chicken—a hallmark of Belgian gastronomy known for its tenderness and exceptional flavor.
To conclude a memorable meal, guests can choose from a selection of enticing desserts, including hot chocolate-glazed profiteroles, crème brûlée, or a comforting apple pie. The restaurant also features an impressive wine list, with a recommendation for the Pinot Gris, which pairs beautifully with the seafood offerings, along with a fine selection of Belgian beers like the award-winning Triple Karmeliet.
In light of the high quality of both cuisine and service, the pricing at Le Café Maris remains surprisingly reasonable, ensuring its continued popularity among a diverse international clientele. The attentive and professional staff, clad in classic black and white uniforms, contribute to the overall seamless dining experience, making every visit feel special.
For many, entering Le Café Maris is akin to flipping through a cherished memory album, filled with aromas and a palpable sense of history. It is here that diners are assured of not just a meal, but a genuinely exceptional dining experience—one that beautifully marries the elegance of the past with the vibrancy of the present.
Le Café Maris
Chaussee de Waterloo 1260, Brussels
02 374 8834
info@cafemaris.be
www.cafemaris.be
