The 5 coolest bars in Brussels

This old cafe on a quiet, leafy square has been given a Nordic makeover with exposed brick walls, big windows and hanging plants, along with a photo booth. The menu offers homemade food along with an interesting list of craft beers including Oude Geuze Boon.

This corner coffee bar opened a few months ago on the Chaussée de Charleroi. The owners, Julien and Olivia, call it an urban retreat. The interior is decorated in a relaxed Scandinavian style with bare brick walls, pale wood tables and tree trunk stools. As well as great coffee, they serve up organic quiches, sandwiches and cheesecake.

This friendly Ixelles bar is run by a local cooperative of five enthusiastic young people who promote distinctive organic beers from small Brussels breweries. They will tempt you with brews from Brasserie de la Senne, En Stoemelings, l’Ermitage and No Science. They also have people in the kitchen making tasty vegan and nonvegan food.

Hidden down a side street behind the Apple Store, this minimalist coffee bar was designed by the trendy Mexico City firm Futura. The interior is decorated with terracotta walls, mirrors and round tables. The coffee comes from Mok while the sourdough bread is supplied by Ixelles bakery Renard. The two owners, both vegan, make their own nut butters in a small workshop at the back.

The designer Lionel Jadot has brought a Milan vibe to the Parvis de Saint-Gilles square with his Café Flora interior of yellow tables, abstract ceiling paintings and quirky details. Dating from 1905, the cafe originally belonged to the Aegidium cinema, a Moorish-style film palace. After decades of neglect, this beautiful forgotten cinema hidden behind the cafe is finally being restored.