Chez Léon was on my to-eat list the moment I arrived in Brussels. Really wanted to try a traditional Belgian meal and this place kept popping up everywhere when I did my research. Established in 1893, this family-owned spot is best known for its mussels and frites. No fancy concept, just good Belgian food done right for over a century.
Walking Into Chez Léon
We didn’t make prior reservation. Just dropped by spontaneously. The moment we stepped inside, we got those homely vibes. White-tiled walls, wooden fixtures, vintage photos hanging on the walls. The staff welcomed us warmly and showed us to a table even though the place was absolutely packed. What struck me? It wasn’t just tourists. Plenty of locals were having their meals there too. Definitely a good sign. The whole vibe just felt right.
What We Ordered at Chez Léon
Stoemp of the Day with Bacon and Sausage (€17.60)
I’d never heard of stoemp before this trip. It’s actually a Flemish dish consisting of mashed potatoes and vegetables. This version came with bacon and sausage on top. The mash wasn’t the creamy type you’d expect. It was coarsely done with visible lumps of potato and bits of meat mixed throughout. Nicely seasoned though. The sausage was nothing fancy but meaty and satisfying. The gravy? Savoury and delicious, pulled the whole dish together.
And that bacon? Absolute winner. Tasted like proper gammon ham. Smoky, salty, with that fatty richness that just works.
Complet Léon Set (€47.30)
We went for this set, which I’m guessing is meant for one person since it only came with one beer. Here’s what you get:
- Stuffed tomato with shrimps
- Mussels of your choice
- Léon beer (6.5%, 25cl)
Stuffed Tomato with Shrimps
This looked pretty ordinary when it arrived. I wasn’t expecting much. First bite changed my mind completely. The small shrimps had this natural sweetness and a slight chewy bite. The tomato was sweet and juicy.
When you get a mouthful of everything, it just tasted incredibly refreshing. Simple but nicely executed.
Mussels in Cream Sauce
For the mussels, we picked moules à la crème. That’s mussels cooked in cream sauce with celery, onions, and white wine. The sauce was pretty light and refreshing. Could taste a bit of the white wine flavour coming through. The chopped vegetables at the bottom gave some crunch, which was a nice contrast.
The mussels themselves were fresh. I did find some sandy bits here and there, but nothing that ruined the experience. The frites that came with it were good on their own, crispy and golden. Though honestly, they didn’t quite match with the mussels for me. But that’s just personal preference.
Worth Visiting?
All in all, this was a really good meal. By Brussels standards, I thought the pricing was quite reasonable. The portion size was also more than enough for the two of us. We left with happy and satisfied tummies.
If you’re in Brussels and want proper Belgian food without pretension, Chez Léon is your spot. Just remember to make a reservation before you come! 😉