Valentine’s Day or not, it’s always useful to have a list of romantic restaurants where you can bring your date and watch their face light up when discovering the place. While there are a lot of restaurants in Brussels, there’s only a handful of really cosy and intimate places.

And we listed them for you with our insider tips, because that’s how bad we want you to impress your date.

Bistro Madame is a gem that will make you happy you read this article. In a super cozy atmosphere — we’re talking dark green walls, wooden tables and fresh field flowers —, the menu changes all the time but always features three starters, three main courses, cheese and three desserts.

Yes, it’s pretty straightforward but for a good reason : every ingredient is fresh, local and seasonal. There’s one thing that remains on the menu almost all year long though, and that’s the chocolate moelleux with fleur de sel, their signature dessert and undeniably the best in town.

The wine list is quite short as well : four options on the white side and four options on the red side, all provided by the now famous natural wine shop Titulus. In short, Bistro Madame is a perfect spot for a fine yet casual dinner, or what we call a perfect date.

The insider tips : book in advance! Bistro Madame is not a big restaurant and the word is out that it’s one of the best addresses in Brussels… Oh and ask a table by the window, trust us.

Bistro Madame, 41 rue Veydt, 1050 Ixelles. More info on their Facebook page or call 02 259 26 27.

This small restaurant hidden behind an old-fashioned façade in the Saint-Géry district offers quality Belgian and French cuisine. “Tasty”, that’s the word that comes to mind when we think about Le Petit Boxeur. From simple mashed potatoes to the cooking of the lamb, everything is done in detail and with delicacy here.

We wouldn’t describe this as a hype address, but time just stops when you enter Le Petit Boxeur and get to taste their amazing food. It’s definitely one of the most romantic spots in the city.

The insider tip : the place itself is an insider tip, don’t push it.

3 rue Borgval, 1000 Brussels. More info on their website.

La Quincaillerie is one of the most classic restaurants in the Châtelain neighbourhood, and the perfect place for a little tête-à-tête. This upscale brasserie is located in a former hardware store designed by, wait for it, one of Horta’s students. Just for the whole history behind its doors, we love it.

On the menu, you’ll find classics of the Belgian and French cuisine, like steak tartare, oysters (the specialty), lobster or croquettes. Everything is perfectly prepared and the old school waiters’ uniforms give the finishing touch to the place.

The insider tip: ask for a table upstairs on the narrow mezzanine. You’ll feel like you’re the only one in the restaurant, perfect for a romantic night out.

45 Rue du Page, 1050 Ixelles. More info on their website.

This unique restaurant has no address for a good reason, as it is kept a secret and will be communicated to you 48 hours before your romantic dinner. And you’ll find romance here, being the only customers of the restaurant!

Yes, that’s right, a table, two chairs, lots of candles, a dedicated host and a cozy atmosphere, you’ll feel like you’re the most important people in the world. This is definitely an address to impress.

The insider tip : book a looong time in advance, as they are always full. What can we say, they have only one table.

More info on their website. Bookings by e-mail only.

La Villa Emily is the kind of restaurant you go to when you have something to celebrate (like looove) and want to make an extra effort. Right next to Avenue Louise, this place has a refined decoration and tables in small corners, perfect to give an intimate and romantic atmosphere to your dinner.

On the menu, you’ll find French cuisine with Italian twists, with the quality of a starred restaurant but reasonably priced (between 79 € and 115 € per person for the evening menu). It’s the perfect place for a love declaration.

The insider tip: ask for the table in the alcove next to the window, it will give you all the privacy you need when declaring your love to your date.

4 Rue de l’Abbaye, 1000 Brussels. More info on their website.