Brasseries Rubens needs no introduction! Tourists and regulars have been gathering round the tables here with views of the sea ever since 1994. Currently run by Maxime and Alexis Vandeperre, who brilliantly took over this family affair, there was never any question of changing the winning formula: a classic setting (red carpeting, white tablecloths, wood panelling) and a friendly atmosphere, backed up by cuisine made using quality ingredients – Wester Ross salmon, Zeeland oysters from Oesterij, meats from the Dierendonck butcher’s shop… We ordered some unbeatable shrimp croquettes, which alone are worth a trip out, moist on the inside and extremely crispy on the outside… Followed by a rich bouillabaisse revisited with peeled grey shrimp from Zeebrugge, salmon, black pollack and wolfish, plus big croutons, intensely flavorful rouille and emmental; along with a roasted chicken in tarragon sauce, served with fries (which weren’t hand cut) and homemade mayonnaise; and for dessert, a Dame Blanche ice cream sundae served in an old-fashioned glass, with dark chocolate sauce and fresh whipped cream, better than the other desserts, like vanilla crème brûlée. FYI: the menu for kids under 12 features fried sole fillet or Malines chicken with apple sauce. // Simone Né
FEELING THIRSTY? A very classic wine list (what exactly were you expecting?!), with options like a sancerre blanc from Henri Bourgeois (€11 for a 150 ml glass) or a Provence rosé from Château La Gordonne (€45 a bottle), along with brasserie cocktails (Bloody Mary, €10.90).
PRICE: Appetizers €9-35, mains €21-45, desserts €8.50 to €13.90, kids’ menu €15-19.
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