Old Boy

The story

Old Boy Brussels: A Fire-Driven South-East Asian Grill in Ixelles

From Bangkok to Tenbosch

Old Boy has returned to rue de Tenbosch after four months of renovation and expansion, and with it comes a new story. The team spent ten days eating their way through Bangkok, and the experience reshaped the restaurant. The result is a place that is now a fire-driven restaurant, a South-East Asian grill that puts grilled meats, seafood, and vegetables at the centre of every plate.

What to Expect

The cooking here is direct and honest. Think grilled meats, seafood, and vegetables, paired with nam prik and relishes that cut through the richness. All curry pastes are made in house, and many dishes carry real heat. The kitchen works with the seasons and cooks based on daily arrivals, so the menu shifts with what’s best.

Lunch is served à la carte, while dinner offers a set menu for the whole table (à la carte is possible for smaller groups; tables of eight or more take the set menu only). The restaurant also welcomes walk-ins, especially during the week, though weekend bookings are strongly advised. The atmosphere is relaxed, built for sharing plates and drinking a few glasses.

Recognition and Approach

Old Boy’s direct, flavour-driven cooking earned it a Michelin Recommended distinction in 2026. The recognition matches the restaurant’s ethos: keep things simple, let the fire and the spices do the work. This is South-East Asian fusion at its most elemental, with no unnecessary flourishes. The space itself, newly expanded, reflects that same clarity.

Whether you come for a quick lunch or a longer evening of grilled dishes and drinks, Old Boy offers a taste of Bangkok street food culture, translated through a Brussels kitchen that respects the ingredients and the heat.