The European Quarter has a good number of decent eateries; one such is Chez Mauricette. They do breakfast and lunch, offering a nice variety of foods which combined with one of their fresh juices should keep you happy for the rest of the day.
They use a ticketing system with individual counters; you queue with your ticket and pick your favoured ingredients which a charming waitress puts together on your plate. It is simple, fast and efficient. The food itself is very good with mostly local and seasonal ingredients brought together into a healthy homemade grub.
The downside has to be the price. However good the food is, and I personally think it is very nice, it is somewhat overpriced. I understand that when you offer such a wide range of choices, a salad bar, juice bar and extensive range of foods (including some tasty desserts), you need extra staff and therefore have to pay a premium, but somehow it still seems a bit excessive to pay 16+ euro for a plate of food and drink over lunch.
The setting is also a bit off. Situated across from the Committee of the Regions and next to the Belliard Tunnel exit heading out of town, you'll have to put up with the noise outside, that is, if you can get a terrace seat and are careful not to move around too much as tables and chairs rest on a pavement where a false move could lead to you tipping over the edge. Inside is somewhat uninspired but welcomed during the colder months of the year.
All in all a good eat, catered to the local European crowds for whom prices remain agreeable but which may seem a bit over the top compared to the Brussels average. read more