On the Grand Place, but not a Tourist Trap
't Kelderke is in a cellar (the name is Flemish for cellar), and the menu features most of the standard Belgian dishes--not just moules et frites, but steak du cheval and stoemp. If you're on a short visit to Brussels and hitting the main sites, this is a good place to stop. Avoid the main meal times, though, since there's not much room for waiting. Service is fast, compared to the Belgian standard, and the food well prepared. Far better value than anything else within a block or two of the Grand Place.    [27 May 2003 09:56:39]

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     ­spaceagepop   

Perfect place in a perfect location
We lived in Brussels for two years on an expat assignment. It was recommended to us from a Belgian friend. After we ate there we took every visitor we had, and they usually went back again on their own. The service and atmosphere is great. The food is well prepared, inexpensive, and it is usually full of Belgians. And it is right on the most beautiful square in all of Belgium.    [13 Nov 2003 20:27:17]

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Recommended Dishes: The steaks , the ham and the Stoemp ( try it)

     ­Anonymous   

The Real Thing
I love this place, everytime I go to Belgium I have a meal there. I have not been disapointed yet. The place is very busy so we have an aperitf while we wait. The food is great generous portions.
The staff is friendly and efficient, the tables are small, but that gives you an opportunity to meet your neighbours.
Try it you will like it    [13 Dec 2003 20:26:52]

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Recommended Dishes: Tete de veaux en tortue

     ­Freddy Vandecasteele, Los Angeles   fnvdc at aol dot com

Stop in every time
I love this place. The staff is very friendly and the food is outstanding. The wait, particularly during main dinner hours can be long but the wait is worth it. The house wine is good and the close company is a great change of pace. Pork chop stoemp is out of this world.....    [08 Mar 2004 21:24:30]

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Recommended Dishes: Pork chop stoemp

     ­Anonymous   

Inhospitable Restaurant Manager.
Upon arrival at the restaurant we were held in a queue for at least 20 minutes. There was no member of staff to greet or welcome you. The place was smoky, dark, smelly and no ventilation at all that makes you feel suffocated. We were a party of six and a baby. When the restaurant manager saw the baby as he was on his way to the wine compartment he very rudely said "I cannot take that", meaning the baby on a buggy. I asked why not he replied with an arrogant expression on his body language with a extremely rude face that the restaurant is not insured to accommodate babies, and let alone he does not have the seating capacity of six persons. He did not want to hear us out to explain that there is space after seeing a party of eight people enjoying their meal. He just wanted us to leave as if he was disgusted upon seeing a baby in her buggy. With no smile or even an offer of assistance I carried my baby's buggy up the flight of stairs. I would strongly recommend no one - especially with children - to set foot in the restaurant. The rudest and most inhospitable restaurant manager/owner that I have ever come across.    [04 Jan 2006 05:27:01]

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     ­Anonymous   

Don't Miss This One!
Brilliant! Bang in the tourist heart, but as near authentic as can be had for tourists. The Ritz it isn't. Stuffy, hot, smokey, elbowing your neighbour, sure, but isn't this what you came here for? Yes, the service is short sharp and at times curt, but that's the style. It gets better after 2 Chimays. Go with it. Enjoy! The food is great, plenty of it, and the prices are very reasonable. Well worth any wait. I eat here every visit. Wouldn't miss it for the world.    [10 Dec 2006 10:17:38]

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Recommended Dishes: Carbonnade Flamande, Stoemp

     ­Ron from Essex, UK   

Awesome Gem!
Had a wonderful meal here with some Belgian friends. The sole and mussels were out of this world. Although this place is cramped, we met our neighbors and had a lot of fun. Don't expect "American service" if you come here. You are in Brussels, come to chill and relax. Wait staff is helpful if you are polite.    [04 Apr 2007 13:21:34]

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Recommended Dishes: "Waterzooi" And Mussels In Cream And White Wine

     ­Rebecca, USA