Brunch It

Brunch It

If you've skipped your hotel breakfast or gotten up early to catch the best bargains at one of Brussels' street markets, treat yourself to a little brunch at a traditional café or upscale spot.

For the best brioche in town, visit A.M. Sweet (rue des Chartreux 4. 02/513-5131). This lovely little tearoom is run by a charming husband-and-wife team and their dog Cézanne. In addition to all kinds of tea by the Paris brand Mariage Frères, you can indulge in coffee, hot chocolate, and pastries.

For a quick bite, head to the stylish Mundo Pain (rue Jean Stas 20, Ixelles. 02/537-9700). Sit outside on the terrace in the summer and indulge in a glass of rosé and some soup and sandwiches, or escape to the sophisticated interior on cold days for coffee and croissants. Don't leave without buying some bread -- there are even gluten-free and organic options.

For a different kind of brunch, pop into pretty Thai restaurant Les Perles de Pluie (rue du Châtelaine 25, Ixelles. 02/649-6723). You can get a buffet brunch on Sunday mornings for around EUR 30. The food is excellent -- no reheated leftovers here.

Homesick Americans congregate in The Coffee Shop (rue de Stassart 131, Ixelles. 02/503-0785) on Sunday mornings from 10 AM. It's got the works -- toast, eggs any way you like them, bacon, sausages and lots of coffee. If you're still hungry, there are even chocolate-chip muffins.

Bla Bla (rue des Capucins 55, Central Brussels. 02/503-5918) in the historic Marolles quarter serves a buffet brunch every Sunday from 11 to 3. Tuck into pancakes, scones, scrambled eggs, bacon, and sausages. This lively Mediterranean restaurant doubles as an art gallery, so it's a good spot to awaken your visual sense, as well as your appetite.

-- Susan Carroll