Lunch in the Heart of Brussels: Dining on the Grote Markt Square at Le Roy d’Espagne
If you’re visiting Brussels, there’s no better way to experience the city’s rich history and vibrant atmosphere than by enjoying a meal at Le Roy d’Espagne, one of the best restaurants in Brussels and a dining tradition for over 200 years.
Located in the heart of the Grote Markt (Grand Place), this iconic spot offers an unforgettable al fresco dining experience in one of the most beautiful squares in the world—a UNESCO World Heritage site.
A Historic Restaurant with a Prime Location
Established in 1697, Le Roy d’Espagne holds a prestigious place in Brussels’ culinary history. The restaurant’s location on the Grote Markt has made it a popular gathering spot for locals and visitors alike.
With its classic Belgian fare and historic ambiance, it remains one of the city’s most celebrated dining establishments, offering both a window into Brussels’ past and a prime seat for watching the hustle and bustle of today.
Dining in a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Sitting at Le Roy d’Espagne, you’re not just enjoying a meal—you’re dining in the very heart of Brussels’ history. The Grote Markt is surrounded by ornate 17th-century guildhalls, each more impressive than the last, and the square itself is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. As you sit back and take in the atmosphere, it’s impossible not to feel the weight of centuries of history. The red-and-green striped awning overhead offers just the right amount of shade while providing a perfect view of the square’s activity. From this vantage point, you can watch people strolling through the square, marvel at the historic buildings, and sip a refreshing Belgian beer as you soak it all in.
Boulets à la Liégeoise
A Taste of Belgium: Boulets à la Liégeoise
No trip to Brussels is complete without trying some classic Belgian dishes, and Boulets à la Liégeoise (Liège-style meatballs) at Le Roy d’Espagne is the perfect choice. This dish features tender meatballs simmered in a rich, slightly sweet sauce made from Belgian beer and served with crispy, golden fries. The perfect comfort food, it captures the essence of Belgian home cooking, and paired with a Hoegaarden, the iconic Belgian wheat beer, it makes for a delightful culinary experience.
Perfectly Paired Beer
Speaking of beer, Hoegaarden is the perfect accompaniment to any Belgian meal. Known for its refreshing taste and citrusy notes, this wheat beer adds a light, crisp finish to the richness of the Boulets à la Liégeoise. The beer’s smooth texture and mild bitterness make it a classic pairing with the hearty, flavorful Belgian dishes served at Le Roy d’Espagne.
Carol enjoys a local favorite: Hoegaarden.
Sitting Back and Taking It All In
There’s something magical about dining on the Grote Markt. The square is always alive with energy—tourists admiring the grand architecture, locals strolling by, and street performers adding their own flair to the scene.
As you sit at the restaurant, with a meal in front of you and a beer in hand, you can’t help but feel like you’re part of something much bigger—a long-standing tradition in a city that has witnessed centuries of history.
Whether you’re savoring the delicious Boulets à la Liégeoise, enjoying the perfect Hoegaarden beer, or simply taking in the lively atmosphere of the Grote Markt, dining at Le Roy d’Espagne is an experience you won’t forget.
It’s the perfect place to sit back, relax, and enjoy the rich flavors and history of Brussels all in one go.
See More from Our Journey:
This experience was part of our recent Tauck river cruise through Belgium and Holland.
To see all of our daily highlights, reflections, and photos, visit our full cruise landing page here.
For more information or to book a Tauck river cruise, please call Roaming Boomers Travel Services at (480) 550-1235 or use our convenient online information request (click here) and we’ll reach out to you.
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This article was written with the aid of Perplexity AI, Grok, or ChatGPT. Roaming Boomers Travel Services is an independent affiliate of Cadence and a Virtuoso® member. CST#201120-40
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