The story
On the Rue de la Régence, between the two Sablons and facing the Royal Conservatory, Les Petits Oignons has been a fixture of Brussels dining since its revival in 2011. The restaurant’s history traces back to 1986, when Khaled Zoughlami first opened the original in the Marolles district, building a reputation for straightforward, high-quality French and Belgian cooking. After a brief hiatus, the Zoughlami family returned to reopen the restaurant at its current, luminous address.
Today, under the ownership of Thomas Fischer, the brasserie’s spirit remains intact. The dining room balances tradition—think classic bistro chairs—with contemporary touches of art, all set to a background of jazz. The cuisine is a deliberate fusion: classic brasserie dishes alongside Mediterranean-inspired plates. The menu changes with the seasons, built around a credo of first-rate produce and daily market suggestions. You’ll find classics like an américain-frites, sole meunière, and the celebrated grey shrimp croquette that won a “coup de coeur” from Brussels chefs for its perfectly classic, crisp execution. The Mediterranean side brings fresh pasta and risottos, including signatures like spaghetti Serafine with veal and lamb polpette.
The wine list is thoughtfully curated, spanning France, Italy, and beyond, with a good selection of organic and natural wines. This commitment to quality, from the kitchen to the cellar, earned the restaurant a Michelin Bib Gourmand—a recognition that feels natural, not forced, in a place that values substance over flash. Whether it’s for a weekday lunch or a private event in the upstairs banquet room, Les Petits Oignons offers a genuinely warm and welcoming experience in a city of great tables.
Recognition
Ambience
Details
Location
Facebook
Instagram