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AU MARCHE NOIR

Brussels is experiencing a healthy kick in terms of restaurants at the moment and I’m more than happy to jump on the bandwagon! I’ve already shared with you my favourite spots for a healthy lunch in town but it appears that we have a new entry: Au Marché Noir.

This spot was created by Martin Ringlet and Jérôme Hubert, both passionate about offering “slow food for real life”. Jérôme is the chef while Martin is on the lookout for the best producers out there. Their principle is straightforward: no pesticides or chemicals, only bio products sourced directly from producers in and around Belgium used to create two different dishes on a daily basis. Since all ingredients are seasonal and sourced in limited quantities, there’s always something new to try. The choice of drinks does not disappoint either: selected beer labels from the Beer Project as well as the trappist Orval, natural wine and filtered water (as fresh as we got in Spa) natural or infused with syrup (the saffron one is fantastic!).  

On our visit my partner in crime and I tried both options available – meatloaf served with vegetables, pearl barley and tarragon sauce for him; vegetarian quinoa, mushroom and cheese patty served with basmati rice, vegetables and tomato sauce for me. Both dishes were a delight for our taste buds! The size of the portions is just perfect and the food itself light and full of flavour. Trust me, it will be hard to go back to the vegetables available in the big supermarket chains. My only remark? The food is not served in dishes but rather recyclable cartons – not really suitable for a sit-down meal but good enough for takeaway and the environment.

Price-wise, Au Marché Noir could easily qualify as one of the best cheap eats in Brussels too. Dishes are fairly priced, especially considering the quality, ranging between 6-12€. True to the philosophy of the place, the space is simply designed – it’s the food that steals the show anyway. The open kitchen takes up most of the space but there are a few tables inside and outside on the sunny terrace in case you want to eat in the premises.

As you probably guessed already, I liked Au Marché Noir. Not only is it a great response to the eternal question “What’s for lunch/dinner?” but it’s also far less pretentious compared to other venues offering healthy food in Brussels. Did I mention you can also order online?! A great option if you’re too busy (or lazy!) to cook but still wish to preserve a healthy diet at an affordable price. 

INFO
Address: Avenue Adolphe Demeur 36, 1060 Saint-Gilles, Belgium

*UPDATE: Unfortunately, Au Marché Noir is now closed.*au_marche_noir_restaurant_takeaway_brussels_smarksthespots_blog_01 au_marche_noir_restaurant_takeaway_brussels_smarksthespots_blog_02 au_marche_noir_restaurant_takeaway_brussels_smarksthespots_blog_03 au_marche_noir_restaurant_takeaway_brussels_smarksthespots_blog_04 au_marche_noir_restaurant_takeaway_brussels_smarksthespots_blog_05 au_marche_noir_restaurant_takeaway_brussels_smarksthespots_blog_06 au_marche_noir_restaurant_takeaway_brussels_smarksthespots_blog_07 au_marche_noir_restaurant_takeaway_brussels_smarksthespots_blog_08 au_marche_noir_restaurant_takeaway_brussels_smarksthespots_blog_09 au_marche_noir_restaurant_takeaway_brussels_smarksthespots_blog_10 au_marche_noir_restaurant_takeaway_brussels_smarksthespots_blog_11 au_marche_noir_restaurant_takeaway_brussels_smarksthespots_blog_12 au_marche_noir_restaurant_takeaway_brussels_smarksthespots_blog_13 au_marche_noir_restaurant_takeaway_brussels_smarksthespots_blog_14 au_marche_noir_restaurant_takeaway_brussels_smarksthespots_blog_15

Sandy (@smarksthespots)