Celebrated table

In't Spinnekopke

Name: In't Spinnekopke
Address: Place du Jardin aux Fleurs 1, 1000 Brussels, Belgium, Brussels, BE
Telephone: +32 2 305 56 65

Discover Brussels' oldest tavern since 1762. Enjoy robust classic Brussels estaminet cooking, house-made shrimp croquettes, and an extensive lambic cellar recognized by Le Fooding.

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The story

Classic Brussels Estaminet Cooking at In't Spinnekopke in Brussels

A living room for centuries

Operating from the exact same location since 1762, In't Spinnekopke delivers classic Brussels estaminet cuisine within one of the capital’s oldest taverns. A quartet of operators including Jonathan Smeyers and chef Thomas Prieels recently overhauled the historic space. They stripped away outdated tourist menus to focus on robust, traditional Belgian cooking. This dedication to genuine regional fare earned a spot on the 2026 Le Fooding list.

Hearty plates and local ingredients

The menu leans heavily on time-tested recipes prepared with deliberate care. House-made shrimp croquettes arrive wrapped in thick layers of crunchy panko, while the bloempanch pairs rich black pudding with sweet caramelized Boskoop apples. Diners can order the boar cheek carbonade slow-cooked in Boon Faro beer, or request the rare horse steak served exclusively blue alongside a sharp shallot sauce.

Woodwork, mosaics, and a serious cellar

Original wooden paneling and patterned mosaic tile floors anchor the three dining areas. Framed vintage Théâtre de Toone posters hang quietly above the tables where servers pour aged Braeckman oude jenever. Guests navigate an extensive inventory that ranges from 3 Fonteinen gueuze to seasonal saisons. Meals unfold comfortably against this material backdrop without relying on manufactured charm.

Recognition

Awards & accolades

2026

Le Fooding

Listed

Ambience

A glimpse inside

Details

At a glance

Le Fooding 2026 — Listed

Services Dinner, Lunch, Outdoor Seating, Table Service

History

On the record

2026

Le Fooding — Listed

There’s not a cobweb in sight, except for on the old sign of this authentic brusseleer tavern – the oldest in the capital, standing tall since 1762. Who’s running things these days? Jonathan Smeyers (ex-Kaaicafé, Beaucoup Fish), Esther Herten and Sven De Man (both of whom are behind Affigem Café Brussels), who first bumped heads at Kafka and are now backed up in the kitchen by chef Thomas Prieels, snatched away in turn from Beaucoup Belge. Aka a talented foursome who did away with the former tourist-trap menu and gave a big spring clean to In’t Spinnekopke’s three dining rooms (authentic wooden paneling, mosaic tile floors, original paintings and Théâtre de Toone posters). Wolfed down the night we went: chubby panko-coated croquettes filled with peppery, creamy whole grey shrimp; exceptional Toulouse sausage and bacon languorously lying in a spinach/parsley root stoemp; incredible beef carbonnade in a thunderous jus de viande, with frietjes and chicory salad; some very Belgian spaghetti bolognese that was a little less impressive than the rest. With our bellies bulging to the max, we skipped Pépé’s chocolate mousse and the Gauloise apple tart with salted caramel ice cream. Old fashioned, ket! // Rosa Poulsard

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Established

Location

Find us

Place du Jardin aux Fleurs 1, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
Brussels, Belgium
+32 2 305 56 65
info@spinnekopke.be
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