Where can you eat the best mussels and fries in Brussels?

Our selection: Brasserie Auguste on the Grand-Place, La Roue d'Or (rue des Chapeliers 26), Le Pré Salé in the Sainte-Catherine district (rue de Flandre 20) and Big Mama chez Thierry, steps from the Grand-Place.

How much do mussels and fries cost in central Brussels?

Expect from €18.90 for mussels marinière at Brasserie Auguste up to €24 at Big Mama chez Thierry — the best value around the Grand-Place.

Which restaurant has a view of the Flower Carpet?

Brasserie Auguste sits directly on the Grand-Place, with a view of the 2026 Flower Carpet (13–17 August).

Do I need to book during the Flower Carpet?

Yes. Booking is strongly recommended over the 15 August weekend; each address in the article has a direct booking link.

Belgian National Day Brussels: A Tribute to Local Heroes

What to do in Brussels on July 21st? Our Tribute

Today, 21 July 2026, Belgium celebrates its National Day. At BXLpositive, we’ve chosen to mark the occasion differently: by turning the spotlight on the people who keep our country running every single morning.

The shopkeepers, the artisans, the restaurateurs, the self-employed. The everyday heroes who open their doors, their businesses, their ambitions — driven by passion to ensure you always have a great experience.

“It’s not the flags that make a country. It’s the people who carry them.”

The Faces of Brussels: Portraits by a Young Talent

For this feature, we called on a young talent: Aurélien — Viewportraits. At just 17 years old, this portrait photographer from Wavre has a sharp eye and a rare sense for detail.

He roamed Brussels to capture the faces of those who bring it to life. The glances, the smiles, the hands, the aprons, the shop signs. Real life. Real people.

The Photographer

Aurélien, portrait photographer, during a shoot

The Photographer

Aurélien · Viewportraits

Portrait photographer, 17, based in Wavre. If you want to shoot your team or your business, get in touch with him — at BXLpositive, we still believe in people (even if robots are writing this 😉).

🌐 viewportraitsphoto.com · 📷 @viewportraits

A Gallery of Brussels' Local Heroes and Artisans

This gallery will be updated throughout the day with Aurélien’s portraits: the owner’s name, the business name, the neighbourhood. Every face has a story. Every business, a spark.

📸 The Faces That Make Brussels

✨ New Feature — Portraits

Every week, BXLpositive highlights the people of Brussels who make the city tick — shopkeepers, artisans, chefs, creators, and everyday heroes. Stay tuned 💙

Portraits by Aurélien — Viewportraits

Portrait of the front-of-house team at Brasserie Auguste on the Grand-Place in Brussels, photographed by Aurélien — Viewportraits for National Day 2026 — Brasserie Auguste
The front-of-house team · Grand-Place
brasserie-auguste.be → →

Portrait of Patricia, owner of Le Roy d’Espagne on the Grand-Place in Brussels, smiling in front of her historic establishment — Patricia
Le Roy d’Espagne — Grand-Place
roydespagne.be → →

Portrait of Adelin from Maison Vincent, a century-old Brussels restaurant (120 years) in the heart of the Îlot Sacré — Adelin
Maison Vincent — 120 years
restaurantvincent.be → →

Portrait of Yves, owner of La Roue d’Or, an iconic brasserie on Rue des Chapeliers in Brussels — Yves
La Roue d’Or — Belle Époque Bistrot
larouedor.brussels → →

Portrait of the head chef of La Roue d’Or during prep, a behind-the-scenes look at an emblematic Brussels brasserie — In the kitchen
La Roue d’Or
larouedor.brussels → →

Portrait of Thomas, chef-owner of Les Petits Oignons, a bistronomic restaurant in the Sablon, Brussels — Thomas
Les Petits Oignons — Sablon
petits-oignons-bruxelles.be → →

Portrait of Joan, restaurateur of Molfar, a Ukrainian fine dining spot in the heart of Brussels — Joan
Molfar — Fine Dining
molfar.brussels → →

Portrait of Michal and the team from Lil Bao, an Asian canteen in Brussels, lined up in front of their counter — Michal & the team
Lil Bao — Belgian Vegan Award
lilbao.be → →

Portrait of Khadija Lamarti, artisan hair stylist in Brussels, in her salon — Khadija Lamarti
Artisan Hair Stylist · Marolles
book online → →

Portrait of Carl De Moncharline, a 100% positive Brussels columnist, with a smile on his face — Carl De Moncharline
100% positive columnist
Website →

Portrait of Mus, chef-owner of La Table de Mus, a neighbourhood restaurant in Brussels — Mus
La Table de Mus — Bib Gourmand
latabledemus.be → →

Portrait of Thierry, owner of the restaurant Big Mama, a festive spot in Brussels — Thierry
Big Mama — Belgian Specialities
bigmama.be → →

Portrait of Beatriz in front of her shop C’est bon c’est belge, a 100% Belgian delicatessen in Brussels — Beatriz
C’est bon c’est belge · Rollebeek
cestboncestbelge.be → →

Portrait of the FACIL team, a new Brussels establishment, gathered in their venue — @facil.bxl — The FACIL team
New spot — Brussels
@facil.bxl → →

Support Brussels' Artisans This National Day and Beyond

Thank you to the business owners who agreed to be photographed. Thank you to Aurélien for his unique perspective. And thank you, the people of Brussels, for continuing to walk through the doors of these artisans who make our city so rich.

Happy National Day to one and all. 🇧🇪

🔗 Sources & Verifiable Links

Official website of the photographer: https://viewportraitsphoto.com/
Viewportraits on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/viewportraits/
National Day 2026 Programme (City of Brussels): https://www.bruxelles.be/
Royal Palace — summer visits: https://www.monarchie.be/

🇧🇪 Official Programme

All the official information for 21 July

Military and civil parade, the Bal National, fireworks, activities in Brussels Park: the full schedule for the day is published on the official website.

→ 2107.be

🇧🇪 Practical Info

Everything you need to know for 21 July

📍 Location

Brussels Park & Place des Palais

1000 Brussels

🚇 Access

Parc / Trône Metro

Lines 1, 2, 5, 6 · Trams 92-93 · 5 min walk from Central Station

🕐 Timings

10:00 → 23:00

Parade 15:00 · Fireworks 23:00

🎟️ Price

Free

All activities are free to access

📞 Contact

visit.brussels

+32 (0)2 513 89 40

♿ Accessibility

PRM welcome

Reserved areas along the parade route

❓ Quick FAQ

What time are the fireworks?

Around 23:00, launched from Brussels Park. Best viewing spots: Place des Palais, Mont des Arts, Sablon.

Can I come by car?

Strongly discouraged. The city centre is closed off and pedestrianised all day. Opt for the metro, tram, or bicycle.

Is it family-friendly?

Yes, a children’s village is set up in Brussels Park with activities, workshops, and demonstrations throughout the day.

What happens if it rains?

The programme will go ahead unless there is extreme weather. Check 2107.be for live updates.

Where to continue the evening?

Head to the Marolles for the Bal National (20/07) and the Resto National (21/07), or to C12 for the Gasolina party on 22/07.

Meet the Faces Who Bring Brussels to Life This National Day