Date night – Chatelain

The Châtelain quarter of Ixelles is lively and chic with a cozy, village feel. Leafy streets brim with stylish boutiques, trendy cafés, and inviting restaurants. The neighborhood’s crown jewel is Place du Châtelain (just recently renovated!), home to the famed Wednesday food market—perfect for midweek oysters and bubbles.

Updated: September 2025

Welcome to our Châtelain edition of our “evening out” guides. We wanted to put together some neighborhood options for where to start your night, where to eat and where to keep the fun going, so you don’t find yourself trekking across town to have a good time. Of course, spontaneity is key, and hopefully our suggests are a good starting point! 

Drinks – to start, or end, the night! 

Dinghi, Pam Pam , Café Club and Le Stoefer are grouped together at the south end of the square (above), making it a lively spot to go for lots of options whatever the mood.  

Pam Pam is definitely more of a dive, but has great outdoor seating, and lots of menu options – a good option for groups (with the option to privatize the 1st floor). Dinghi, across the street, has a more up-scale vibe, but a limited menu drink/snack wise. Café Club is more of an end of the night spot, also with a large terrace. And next store is Le Stoefer, with the nicest interior of all of them (recommended for winter), and by far the best cocktail options

If you’re looking for more drink options, whether to kick off or wrap up the evening, Tarzan is an excellent wine bar with a fantastic selection, while L’Impasse (below) is the perfect choice if you’re in the mood for a laid-back dive. We’re huge fans of their cocktails—the spicy margarita is awesome—and the bartenders are some of the friendliest we’ve encountered. The space is quite large, with a great terrace, making it easy to find a spot to settle in and enjoy the vibe!


And now for some food…

Alright, after all those drinks, food is definitely a good idea—and luckily, there are plenty of great spots nearby!

Right across from L’Impasse, on the other side of the square from Pampam and the other bars, you’ll find Gratin, a newer restaurant and bar offering small bites perfect for sharing. It has a great vibe, though the small tables make for an intimate setting—so depending on the company, that could go either way!

Just around the corner, Tatar serves up modern European cuisine with a stylish atmosphere and a bit of flair. And then, the new MUST is exactly that—a must-visit (pun intended!). This upscale bar and restaurant balances trendiness with a classic feel, making you feel both classy and at home. Definitely book a table in advance!

Also, right in the square is the new Maison Poesy.

A chic new perch with a prime front terrasse—front-row seats to the Wednesday market. Inside, it’s bright and airy; outside, perfect for people-watching. Come for crisp cocktails and a sharp wine list, stay for fresh, market-leaning plates.

For something heartier, La Quincaillerie offers modern European fare with a more robust, Belgian twist—expect larger portions and a setting that’s both stylish and great for groups (especially when parents are in town). The name gives it away—this spot used to be a hardware store, and they’ve kept that unique charm in the interior design.

Finally, Malmo – A sleek, low-key spot a few steps from the square. Think sunny sidewalk tables, a bright minimalist room, crisp cocktails, and a tight seasonal menu—shareable plates, fresh fish, and veg-forward sides. Perfect for an easy date-night dinner before a post-market nightcap.

And if none of those quite fit the bill, Rue du Page is packed with fantastic dining options—so you really can’t go wrong!

Overall, there’s a reason Châtelain has the reputation it does—it’s a fantastic place to go out, packed with a mix of exciting new spots and beloved classics. Use this guide to get started, but don’t be afraid to explore—there are plenty of great places waiting to be discovered!

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[…] For more eating and drinking in the neighborhood, check our Date Night – Chatelain Guide  […]

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