Jaloa

French Restaurant

“Respect and simplicity” are the bywords of Jaloa, a modern French restaurant right on Brussels Place de la Vieille Halle aux Blés. It’s near the Central train station, so you should give in to temptation and make this your first stop when you take the train in from the airport. Founded and run with passion and energy by chefs Gaetan Colin and Michel Robert, Jaloa is both smart and casual. The multi-level dining room is furnished with schoolroom-type chairs, scrubbed wood tables, brilliant modern paintings, and smart table settings. A private room seats intimate groups up to 16 diners, and hiring the entire restaurant makes parties up to 55 possible. Originally a wine bar, Jaloa’s wine list is as French as can be, and roams broadly through the regions. The menu is Mediterranean-inflected French with seasonal dishes. Try starter of carpaccio of beefheart tomatoes with rocket, main course of roasted turbotin with mixed mini-veg and creamed 30-year-old parmesan, and dessert of crème brûlée made with Madagascan vanilla.