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Etterbeek › Au Cor de Chasse
Au Cor de ChasseAMust Try
Av. des Casernes 21, 1040 Etterbeek, Belgium
· Portuguese restaurant
· 4.7/5 Google (691 reviews)
Reservations · Takeout
Intimate, family-run Portuguese spot with standout seafood and slow, ritual-style service; book ahead, expect a long meal, and be prepared for strong personalities and higher prices.
Why it gets an A for overall quality
Au Cor de Chasse exemplifies grade A standards through exceptional seafood preparation—particularly its celebrated grilled octopus and cataplana stews—paired with warm, personalized owner-led hospitality that creates an intimate, home-style dining ritual. The deliberate pace and reliable execution reflect a restaurant that prioritizes depth over speed, earning its reputation as a beloved Brussels institution where patience yields authentic Portuguese flavors and genuine connection.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels warm and intimate, a handful of tables humming softly while the owner narrates the menu like a host welcoming friends. One diner summed it up: "It feels like dinner at a passionate cook's home." The pace is deliberate, the hospitality personal, and the vibe distinctly cozy and unhurried. In the kitchen, the cooking leans Portuguese with Brazilian accents: grilled octopus, cataplana-style stews, and croquettes, lifted by careful seasoning and good seafood. Think produce-driven dishes rather than theatrics, with guidance on wines from the host instead of a printed list. Expect a long, ritual-style meal where patience pays off in depth of flavor. For families, the seafood focus means adventurous kids may thrive on croquettes, rice, and grilled fish, while picky eaters could struggle. There is no kids menu noted, seating is tight, and meals run long; plan accordingly with early reservations and simple choices.
At a Glance
- Exceptional octopus and seafood preparation with authentic Portuguese character
- Owner-led storytelling creates a personal, home-style experience
- Very long waits between courses; do not visit in a rush
- Strict house rules and no printed wine list may frustrate some
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- owner_guided_menu_storytelling
- octopus_mastery
- cozy_home_style_setting
What People Love
- Emotionally warm, family-run hospitality
- Tender, smoky grilled octopus with black rice
- Rich, comforting moqueca and cataplana flavors
- Thoughtful pairing of Portuguese wines
Points of Concern
- Long waits are common; a full meal can stretch past two hours, especially on busy nights
- Owner demeanor can feel strict or defensive under pressure according to several reports
- Printed wine list often unavailable; pricing communicated verbally, which some dislike
- Review patterns are consistent with potential coordination (very high five-star share, emotional language) which may not reflect every diner experience
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost€58-78 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Share one starter for two, then each take a seafood main to match pacing
- If sensitive to spice or richness, ask about moqueca profile before ordering
Perfect For
- Slow, celebratory dinners where conversation matters
- Seafood lovers chasing best-in-class octopus
- Date nights in a cozy, intimate room
- Curious diners open to owner-guided wine selections
Location Insights
Area: Quiet residential-commercial pocket near La Chasse with local shops and offices; draws neighborhood diners and destination seafood lovers.
Safety: Generally safe, well-lit arterials with steady foot traffic typical of Brussels inner communes.
Nearby: Near EU district reach, parks, and mixed housing; convenient by tram and bus, limited street parking.
EtterbeekEtterbeek is a residential and administrative neighborhood with a mix of quiet streets and busy commercial areas. It hosts many EU institutions, attracting international workers and diplomats, and offers a variety of dining options ranging from casual eateries to more refined restaurants.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday12:30–15:00, 18:30–22:00
Tuesday12:30–15:00, 18:30–22:00
Wednesday12:30–15:00, 18:30–22:00
Thursday12:30–15:00, 18:30–22:00
Friday12:30–15:00, 18:30–22:00
Saturday12:00–15:30, 18:30–22:00
Sunday
Available: Reservations, Takeout
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