GASTON

When I first found out that Comus & Gasterea, one of the most popular ice cream shops in Brussels, closed its doors I was a bit disappointed. Sure, I wouldn’t miss the owner’s icy treatment to his clients (pun intended!) but I was a fan of his eccentric concotions that somehow always worked. The good news is Gaston, a brand new ice cream parlour, popped up in its place and ever since I tried it, it went up straight to my “Best Ice Cream” list. 

Located in the lively Sainte-Catherine area, where one can find many great foodie spots like Noordzee, SAN, Ellis, Umamido, Les Filles and Charli to name a few, Gaston was founded by Turan Ucar and his wife Lucy, the owners of Gou restaurant in Stockel. The location is perfect, at the far end of Quai aux Briques right opposite the fountain where one can enjoy an ice cream or a coffee to go under the sun if they are not lucky enough to find a spot on the terrace. 

But the best part are the flavours on offer – a bit on the classic side but with a twist. I had the apricot yuzu sorbet and the organic yogurt with honey and citrus which were both really tasty but am also curious to try some more in the future, such as the “beriolette” (blueberry, raspberry and violet), the melon and mint sorbet as well as the Iranian pistachio everyone’s been raving about. What I really appreciate about Gaston is the fact that all ingredients are natural and locally sourced: fresh eggs, milk and cream from the Ardennes, cane sugar and seasonal fruits from Belgian producers. Having said that, quality has a price tag, so expect to pay a bit over €2 for a scoop. 

I bet you’re wondering what happens once winter sets in, right? Luckily, apart from ice cream you’ll find coffee as well as many sweet treats at Gaston: viennoiseries, pastries, waffles and cookies – all very tempting! The interior, designed by Lionel Jadot, is a playful mix of industrial elements with pops of colours. Not to mention you can easily spend some time watching the ice-cream making process from the open workshop room.

If you’re looking for a great ice cream place with your friends or family, Gaston may be the spot you’re looking for. If you go, let me know which flavours you liked best and send me a picture on Instagram using the #seemybrussels hashtag!

INFO

Address: Quai aux Briques 86, 1000 Brussels, Belgium

Telephone: +32 2 2234306

Website / Facebook page