Celebrated table

Café Maris

Name: Café Maris
Address: Chaussée de Waterloo 1260, 1180 Bruxelles (Uccle), BE, Marstal, DK
Telephone: +32 2 374 88 34

An Uccle institution since the late nineties, this seafood brasserie balances a celebrated oyster bank with a deep French wine cellar.

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The story

Café Maris Uccle: A Twenty-Five Year Shellfish Dining Institution

A Quarter Century at Fort Jaco

Café Maris has anchored the Uccle neighborhood for over twenty-five years as a reliable destination for seafood dining. The establishment occupies a quiet corner near Fort Jaco that feels comfortably removed from the usual Brussels rush. Patrons gather around the prominent oyster bank, which functions as both a display case and a natural gathering point. The interior spreads across two levels and opens onto a broad terrace during summer months.

The Kitchen and Signature Preparations

The kitchen balances regional comfort with meticulous shellfish handling. House-made grey shrimp croquettes arrive crisp and substantial, while roasted marrow bones baked in coarse salt provide a hearty foundation. Guests frequently order the curated tasting plates, which pair assorted Belon and Gillardeau oysters with clams, palourdes, and Dover sole. The broader menu highlights smoked salmon, beef carpaccio dressed with olive oil and parmesan, and fish soup finished with rouille and toasted bread.

The Cellar and Pairing Philosophy

A sprawling wine program directly supports the heavy emphasis on marine cuisine. The collection spans established French territories, featuring Chablis premier crus, Loire Valley Sancerre, and Burgundian Meursault alongside Côtes du Rhône reds. Champagne flows readily through carafes and bottles, with Drappier, Veuve Clicquot, and Dom Pérignon catering to celebratory orders. Glass pours begin at accessible price points, encouraging diners to test regional matches like Alsace Riesling or Beaujolais Villages before selecting a full bottle.

Standards That Draw Recognition

The dedication to steady quality and transparent pricing recently secured a twelve from Gault&Millau for the 2026 guide. That score acknowledges a kitchen that ignores passing culinary fads while enforcing strict protocols for its raw bar and hot dishes. Regular visitors return because the shellfish-focused brasserie consistently delivers exactly what it advertises. The careful balance between approachable warmth and disciplined execution ensures the dining room remains reliably productive.

Recognition