Restaurant review: The Judgy Vegan

Rue des Capucins 55, 1000 Bruxelles

What’s good: There’s an excellent range here, with Italian, French, German, Belgian and Mexican plates, a wide range of desserts and kid-friendly options.

I haven’t tried everything, but the nachos are gooey and delightful, the schnitzel is superb, and the use of heart of palm for the “lobster” roll is both creative and well-executed. The food is clearly a hit locally, with The Judgy Vegan often hiring out the whole restaurant. They also sell whole cakes, should you be stumped for a vegan birthday present.

The Judgy Vegan’s food is largely wholesome but doesn’t shy away from using sugar and fat when it makes sense to ensure its dishes sing. You can be healthy with a hummus bowl, or go for a belly-busting seitan schnitzel with an excellent creamy mushroom sauce, fries and salad.

What’s not? The pre-food experience is weird. You can’t simply take a table and enjoy the view of the Palais de Justice — instead, you must come inside and scan a QR code which does nothing but take you to the restaurant’s website. Only then will you be permitted to sit. Want to look at the menu? You’ll be back on your phone.

Vibe: The restaurant is on a quiet street, and has a few tables outside on- and off-street. The indoors is spacious with high ceilings, and no fancy decor.

Who’s picking up the check? There are plenty of price points depending on how hungry you are, up to €22 for the aforementioned schnitzel. However, it’s a mystery how much the drinks cost. They’re not on the menu and can only be ordered by asking the busy waitress to recite them all then picking the one whose name you remember.

Spotted: Several European Parliament committees are known to hold dinners here. We hear Caroline Roose of the French Greens/European Free Alliance is a regular.

Fun fact: Before I worked for POLITICO, I was a chef in a Middle Eastern salad restaurant. I’ve no complaints about The Judgy Vegan’s greens — sliced figs among the leaves is one of my favorites too!

How to get there: Located in Marollen, it’s a half-hour walk from the European quarter and not particularly close to the center of town. But there are plenty of parking and public transport options nearby if you don’t fancy a stroll.

Review published on  July 11, 2024. Illustration by Dato Parulava/POLITICO