De Markten café

De Markten cafe

5 Oude Graanmarkt

1000 Bxl

http://www.demarkten.be/café

Unexpectedly great atmosphere

From the outside, this place does nothing to inspire you to go in. The windows reflect most light, so you only get a brief glimpse at the inside, and it's on the middle of a square so you assume that it'll just be a rather touristy spot. The amount of cool looking people that I could glimpse inside though, convinced me to give the place a shot.

Once I walked in, I immediately regretted not stepping in before. Maybe it was the fact that it was a lovely sunny day but the lights was so amazing. It came through those big windows (that blocked the outside view) in long warm streams and just made you want to hang out in there for a good few hours. There are lots of tables but with enough space between them, could be a bit too close with the whole cafe full, but it was about 3/4 full when I went and it was completely breathable. Very sleek style to the place, the walls are mostly white with one black wall with a chalkboard along it with all of the specials on it as well as most of the rest of the menu. There's also a bar area, that seats about 4-5 people on high-chairs. There's a nice hum of conversations but it's rather a quiet place, you could easily sit down and read for a while. 

See what I mean about the light?!?!?!???

I got seated and there was a little menu on the table, presented like a mini chalkboard with all of the different lunch choices on it. It was rather difficult to read, the print was a bit chubby for such a small format. There were multiple options for salads, sandwiches, tartines ,omelettes, the usual lunch go-to's. They also had a few specials: veggie lasagna, soup of the day and topping of the day for the tartines and others. I again went with a salad, smoked salmon this time! The salad was absolutely huge! I had again, very little time to lay back and really finish but even having had the time, I would have barely made a dent in the pile of lettuce and toppings. I really liked that they had some beetroot and apple in the mix as well, not just putting smoked salmon on top of a leaf tower. It was simple and to the point, 11,50 euros for my food which may have been a bit more of a touristy price as in the summer, they tend to have loads of tables set up out on the square.

As for the service, the waiters are all mother tongue dutch speakers, as De Markten is actually a Flemish cultural center of Brussels. They all speak French and will probably just as easily serve you in English. My server was hilarious, when I asked to take pictures of the place, he said it was fine and then just started striking different fabulous poses. It was great.

The super waiter

Overall, It's a good place with a jolly atmosphere, people are always in here and can stay for a long time. The food is nice, standard. Not much innovation but still good quality and very tastly/flavourful. Nice easygoing service. do not be fooled by the basic exterior, as it is such a nice place to chill. The calm yet chatty atmosphere is right up my alley. It's a cool cafe to visit as a local, to meet up with friends, maybe not your must-visit original place if you're just passing through. 

Also little heads-up, I am heading to Glasgow tomorrow (to go and visit a best friend of mine, Bronagh) and will be there all week so expect lots and LOTS of posts about that fab seeming town. I am super excited to return to Scotland! 

Hope you all have a great week!