De Noordzee or La Mer Du Nord is a popular restaurant offering a variety of seafood dishes. Aside from the branch in Brussels, they also have outlets in Antwerp and Luxembourg.
The restaurant I went to is located at Place Sainte Catherine in the Lower Town of Brussels. It was probably ten minutes by walking from the hotel.
Saint Catherine Church is a focal point of the area. Built in the 15th century, the facade is Gothic and an Italian baroque bell tower was added in the mid-17th century. During warmer months, a daily market offering seafood, cheese and vegetables is held within its wide surroundings.
I like this very long rectangular table for communal dining. Surrounding the plaza are several restaurants and cafés.
De Noordzee can be found in one of the corner streets and when I first arrived, the staff were still preparing the day's menu. When I returned, it was packed with diners already. The mode of eating is standing up. Croquettes aux Crevettes ( fish croquettes ), Escargots ( snails ), Scampi ( shrimp ) and Calamari ( squid ) are specialties.
It was busy and cold so I merely ordered Soupe de Poisson ( fish soup ) which came with some cheese and a slice of baguette.
The soup was terrific for warming up my hungry stomach. It was hearty and very tasty.
For a proper meal afterwards, I went to Vismet which was also in the area.
Vismet is mentioned in Belgium's Michelin Guide for having scrumptious food. I don't know if the restaurant has a star, though.
I went to the restaurant without a reservation and thankfully, was given a table.
It was full despite being almost 2 p.m.
The exposed kitchen.
I like this semi-makeshift area where the dishes are prepared.
Basket of bread while I waited for my orders.
Amuse bouche of calamari pierced by a toothpick.
Then, another one with raw fish, sesame seeds and cucumber.
For my starter, I had Croquettes Aux Crevettes or Homemade Croquettes of Grey Shrimps.
This is one of the dishes that visitors should try in Belgium.
The dish was good although to be quite honest about it, not that memorable.
For my main, I went with the chef's recommendation for lunch which was handwritten in French and Dutch. No English so I had to decipher.
To my understanding, I had slices of médaillon de lotte or round cuts of a monkfish's tail with chicory ( I think ) in chicken sauce.
The dish came with a side of semi-mashed potatoes.
The fish was tender, soft and delectable. It was seasoned beautifully.
The grilled or roasted chicory slices on top were crunchy and good.
However, the ones with the monkfish were bitter but then, that's really how it should taste like. I only had a few bites and left the rest untouched.
I had a nice time at Vismet. Service was very convivial and the waiter even meticulously gave me directions to my next destination. It time and money well spent.
Cost of Meals : € 4.00 or PhP 240.16 at De Noordzee and € 52.00 or PhP 3,122.09 at Vismet
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