When it comes to comfort food, nothing beats the art of slow cooking. The slow-simmered stews of North Africa have been perfected over centuries. From sweet-and-savory combinations to deep, spiced sauces, it’s a cuisine built on patience and gathering together.
Brussels is packed with North African spots, but a few have quietly earned institutional status, feeding local communities for decades.
On my latest trip, I locked in on three long-standing spots serving authentic, home-style tagine. They offer full menus, but I had one thing on my mind.
Here are three places where you’re guaranteed a proper, memorable tajine:
Le Livre Jaune - Chez Rachid
About This Spot
Mr. Rachid has been running this spot on Rue du Bailli for 46 years. He is the heart and soul of the place—always ready to share a story about the neighborhood, drop some wisdom on life, or chat about the culture. The vibe is warm and deeply comforting; you immediately feel like you’re being looked after rather than just served a meal.
His tagines carry a distinct Tunisian influence, reflecting his roots. Strictly speaking, he serves marqas, but lists them as tagines on the menu simply because it’s the name most people know.
A quick heads-up on the portions: they are huge. I highly recommend coming prepared with your own container for leftovers, as he doesn't hand out doggy-bag boxes and you definitely won't want to leave a single bite behind.
A Taste of the Menu
Lamb Tagine with Olives (Tajine d'agneau aux olives)
We went for the lamb tagine with olives and the meat was everything you want it to be: ridiculously tender, falling right off the bone. The broth was clean and pure, drawing all its flavor directly from the vegetables and meat drippings. Mr. Rachid’s whole philosophy is to elevate the natural taste of his ingredients without masking them under heavy spices. Safe to say he nailed it—an absolute masterpiece of simplicity.
Merguez Couscous
We couldn't skip the couscous, which comes with a serious local reputation. The merguez sausages are custom-made to his exact specs by the same butcher he’s relied on for 46 years. And it delivers. They're perfectly spiced, the broth is deep and rich, and the vegetables are so soft soft they turn almost buttery.
Adress
Rue du Bailli 51, 1050 Ixelles
Le p'tit chouia en +
About This Spot
Located right near Madou and the European Quarter, Le P’tit Chouia en Plus has been run by a family from Berkane, in northeastern Morocco, since 1996. Their menu highlights iconic Moroccan dishes made to bring people together, their whole mission is to make authentic Moroccan cooking approachable and accessible.
The setting is calm, cozy, and tastefully decorated with subtle North African touches. You'll find a steady mix of neighborhood regulars and local clientele. It was actually the customers who chose the restaurant's name—out of a list of options proposed by the owners, this phrase ("a little something extra") was the clear winner because it perfectly describes what the place offers.
A Taste of the Menu
Kefta and Egg Tagine (Tajine Kefta aux Œufs)
I went with the kefta tagine—one of the most straightforward stews in Morocco, affectionately nicknamed the 'student tagine' because it’s budget-friendly and accessible. It features meatballs (here, a mix of beef and lamb) simmered in a rich tomato sauce seasoned with cumin, with fresh eggs poached right in the clay dish at the end.
It was so good that I went back a few months later with my mom. On that visit, we got the sweet-and-savory lamb tagine with prunes: slow-cooked, incredibly tender lamb served in a vibrant yellow, saffron-and-turmeric-infused sauce.
Adress
Rue de la Pacification 38, 1000 Bruxelles
Menthe et Safran
About This Spot
In central Brussels, Menthe et Safran has been run by a lovely family from Tangier for 19 years. We were served by the owners' son and daughter, who could not have been more welcoming or genuinely warm.
The setting is just as inviting: soft light glowing from intricately carved brass lanterns and warm terracotta tones create a cozy, intimate atmosphere. It’s a modern yet deeply authentic Moroccan space that immediately sets the scene for a true culinary escape.
A Taste of the Menu
I came for two dishes that couldn't be more different: Yassa and Fumbwa.
Chicken and Olive Tagine (Tajine de Poulet aux Olives)
I went with the classic chicken and olive tagine—a rich, golden dish infused with vibrant yellow spices like saffron, cumin, and turmeric. The chicken was insanely tender, and the sauce had a subtle, savory bitterness from the olives that balanced out the spices perfectly. It was served with potatoes and Moroccan bread so soft I could have slept on it—absolute perfection for wiping the plate clean, because I wasn't about to waste a single drop of that sauce.
Kefta and Egg Tagine (Tajine Kefta aux Œufs)
We also ordered a kefta tagine to compare with the previous restaurant. While the other had a slightly more rustic feel, this version was stripped-back with a rich, concentrated tomato base. Both were incredible in their own way.
To end the meal, we skipped the traditional mint tea for one of their signature infusions and opted for saffron tea. Paired with a small assortment of almond shortbreads and gazelle horns (cornes de gazelle), it was the absolute perfect finish to a wonderful dining experience.
To wrap up the meal, the restaurant offers a selection of signature infusions that go beyond classic mint tea. We opted for the saffron tea, paired with a small assortment of almond shortbreads and gazelle horns (cornes de gazelle)—the perfect finish to a wonderful dining experience.
Adress
Rue de l'Enseignement 49, 1000 Bruxelles
