It’s the oldest restaurant in Brussels. Yet In ’t Spinnekopke (The Spider’s Web) is still something of a secret.
Founded in 1762, this modest estaminet stands on a quiet square in the city centre. The intimate rooms are decorated with tiled floors, wood panelling and old beer signs. Not too fancy.
The restaurant struggled during the pandemic. It looked as if it might close down, but it has been taken over by new owners who aim to revive it as an authentic Brussels restaurant.
The kitchen produces typical Brussels dishes with a modern touch. You can go with tradition by ordering Flemish stew, or the typical Brussels bloempanch (black pudding), followed by chocolate mousse (based on an old family recipe).
The beer list includes some very rare Gueuze beers from tiny Pajottenland breweries. Definitely a place to try out if you are looking for a touch of old Brussels.
Derek Blyth’s hidden secret of the day: Derek Blyth is the author of the bestselling “The 500 Hidden Secrets of Belgium”. He picks out one of his favourite hidden secrets for The Brussels Times every day.
