Photo: Google
Photo: Google
Photo: Google
Au Petit Trianon
$$Restaurant
🕑 1.5 to 2 hours👶 Best for ages 4 and up. Younger children who can sit through a meal will enjoy the child-sized portions of familiar foods like frites (Belgian fries) and carbonnade (beef stew), while older kids and teens can be more adventurous with authentic Belgian specialties.
About
Au Petit Trianon offers families an authentic taste of Belgian cuisine in a welcoming neighborhood setting where children are genuinely appreciated. This traditional restaurant serves children's portions of classic Belgian dishes, making it an ideal spot for families wanting to introduce kids to local flavors without breaking the bank or worrying about stiff formal atmospheres.
Highlights
- ✓Authentic Belgian frites (fries) that are thicker and tastier than typical french fries
- ✓Children's portions of traditional dishes like stoofvlees (beef stew) and waterzooi (creamy chicken soup)
- ✓Warm, neighborhood atmosphere where families feel genuinely welcome
- ✓Opportunity to try Belgian classics like mussels or carbonnade in a relaxed setting
- ✓Located in the charming Saint-Gilles area, perfect for a post-meal neighborhood stroll
Pro Tips
- 1.Ask for the children's menu in English if needed, as staff are accustomed to international visitors but menus may be in French or Flemish
- 2.Order a side of authentic Belgian frites to share, they're a guaranteed hit with kids and come with various dipping sauces
- 3.The Saint-Gilles neighborhood is very walkable, so plan to arrive on foot or via public transit (tram lines 3, 4, and 51 serve the area well)
- 4.Lunch service tends to be quieter than dinner, making it easier for families with younger children
- 5.Try the dame blanche (vanilla ice cream with chocolate sauce) for dessert, a Belgian classic that kids universally love
Best Time to Visit
Weekday lunchtimes or early dinner (around 6pm) work best for families, as the restaurant will be less crowded and service more relaxed. Weekend lunches are also family-friendly, though you may want to make a reservation during peak dining hours.
What to Know
As a moderately priced establishment, expect to pay around 15 to 25 euros per adult entree, with children's portions typically half that price. The neighborhood has street parking available but can be limited, so public transportation or walking from your accommodation is often easier.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round. Belgian restaurants often feature seasonal specials, with heartier stews and game dishes in fall and winter, and lighter preparations in spring and summer. The outdoor terrace seating (if available) is lovely during warmer months from May through September.
More Activities Near Saint-Gilles
Park
Parc des Franchises
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Parc des Franchises is a welcoming neighborhood park in the diverse Saint-Gilles district of Brussels, offering families a relaxed outdoor escape with modern play equipment and plenty of space for kids to burn off energy. The park combines well-maintained playgrounds with sports courts and open lawns, making it an ideal spot for a casual afternoon when you need a break from museum hopping or sightseeing in the Belgian capital.
Activity
Rue de l'Abondance Market
Rue de l'Abondance Market offers a vibrant, sensory-rich experience for families looking to explore authentic Belgian culture. Kids will love sampling local treats, watching street performers, and browsing colorful stalls filled with fresh flowers, artisanal breads, and handmade crafts. The pedestrian-friendly atmosphere makes it easy to navigate with strollers while introducing children to the sights, sounds, and flavors of a traditional European street market.
Activity
Rue de l'Abondance
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This bustling weekend street market in the Saint-Gilles neighborhood offers families a sensory adventure through Belgian local life. Kids can sample fresh produce, watch artisans at work, and experience authentic market culture while parents browse organic goods and handmade treats in a safe, pedestrian-friendly environment.
Activity
L'Imagerie Saint-Gilles
L'Imagerie Saint-Gilles is a welcoming indoor play center in the heart of Brussels' Saint-Gilles neighborhood, offering a safe, climate-controlled environment where toddlers and young children can burn energy year-round. With dedicated soft play zones, age-appropriate climbing structures, and creative activity areas, it's a perfect rainy day solution or break from sightseeing for families traveling in Belgium's capital.