Le Comptoir du Maris

The story

Le Comptoir du Maris: A Modern Belgian Brasserie in Waterloo

The kitchen and its team

Le Comptoir du Maris operates as a modern Belgian brasserie in Waterloo, anchored by Jean-Paul Cnockaert’s kitchen where every dish follows a strict house-made standard. Francisco Gomez manages the scaling bench directly beside the pass, ensuring the daily catch arrives clean and ready. This layout allows the team to maintain tight control over ingredient quality while serving revisited classics that respect traditional techniques.

Seafood and signature plates

Reviewers highlighted the precise balance between brasserie technique and fresh catch when awarding a Gault&Millau 12 rating last year. Guests frequently gather around the central dining table to share cheese or shrimp croquettes alongside tomatoes stuffed with delicate fillings. The venue earned recognition as Belgium’s top oyster master for consecutive seasons, a title reflected in the careful shucking and presentation that defines the seafood menu.

The room and service flow

A prominent bar anchors the main space, creating a relaxed atmosphere that complements the formal seating arrangements. Floor manager Jean-François Cambien guides visitors through the revised offerings without interrupting the natural pace of the evening. Large windows frame the outdoor terrace, which remains comfortably heated during cooler months to extend the dining season into autumn.