Comme Chez Soi

Comme Chez Soi Brussels: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Travel Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction: History and Significance

Situated in the lively heart of Brussels, Comme Chez Soi represents the pinnacle of Belgian fine dining and cultural heritage. Established in 1926 by Georges Cuvelier, a former coal miner turned self-taught chef, the restaurant has grown from a humble bistro into an internationally acclaimed culinary landmark. Its name, translating to “Just Like Home,” encapsulates the warm, welcoming ethos that defines the dining experience. Over almost a century, Comme Chez Soi has been cared for by successive generations of the Cuvelier-Wynants-Rigolet family, earning and maintaining prestigious accolades—including its historic three Michelin stars and, as of 2025, two Michelin stars.

Housed in a beautifully preserved Art Nouveau building, Comme Chez Soi creates an intimate, immersive atmosphere for fewer than 40 guests. The open kitchen design invites diners to witness culinary artistry in action, making every visit a unique occasion.

Beyond its legacy and architectural distinction, Comme Chez Soi has shaped Belgian gastronomy by championing local ingredients, seasonal produce, and classical French techniques. Many renowned chefs have honed their craft here, furthering its influence across Belgium. For travelers, a meal at Comme Chez Soi is both a culinary adventure and a cultural immersion, enhanced by proximity to landmarks such as the Grand Place and Manneken Pis.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of Comme Chez Soi’s historic roots, architectural heritage, practical visitor information, and enduring legacy—equipping travelers with everything they need for an unforgettable experience. For the latest updates, consult the official Michelin Guide.

Introduction: History and Significance
Origins and Founding
Family Legacy and Evolution
Architectural and Interior Heritage
Practical Information: Visiting Hours, Reservations, Accessibility
Travel Tips and Nearby Attractions
Special Events and Experiences
Visual Highlights
Milestones and Accolades
Influence on Belgian Gastronomy
Resilience and Modern Recognition
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Plan Your Visit
Summary and Final Tips
References

Origins and Founding

Comme Chez Soi was founded in 1926 by Georges Cuvelier, who left his mining job in the Borinage region to pursue his passion for gastronomy. The restaurant’s name originated from a guest’s compliment about its welcoming, home-like atmosphere. Cuvelier’s vision was to create a space where refined Belgian and French cuisine could be enjoyed with warmth and intimacy.

Quickly gaining a reputation for exceptional food and hospitality, the original bistro became a favorite among locals and travelers alike. This initial success paved the way for its evolution into a culinary institution (Michelin Guide).

Family Legacy and Evolution

The Cuvelier family’s stewardship is central to Comme Chez Soi’s continued excellence. After Georges, his son-in-law Louis Wynants took over, elevating the restaurant to new heights and earning its first Michelin star in 1953. Under Pierre Wynants, the third generation, Comme Chez Soi achieved three Michelin stars in 1979—a distinction held until 2006.

Today, Pierre’s daughter Laurence Wynants and her husband, Lionel Rigolet, lead the restaurant. Since becoming head chef in 2006, Lionel Rigolet has upheld its Michelin-starred status and brought contemporary creativity to the menu, balancing tradition with innovation (Michelin Guide).

Architectural and Interior Heritage

Comme Chez Soi is located on Place Rouppe in an exquisite Art Nouveau building, just steps from Brussels’ Grand Place. The interior showcases stained glass windows, detailed woodwork, and elegant mosaics—hallmarks of early 20th-century Belgian design. With seating for fewer than 40 guests and an open kitchen, the ambiance is both refined and inviting, perfectly reflecting the restaurant’s ethos.

Practical Information: Visiting Hours, Reservations, Accessibility

Visiting Hours:

Open for dinner Monday–Saturday, typically 7:00 PM–10:30 PM.
Confirm hours on the official website before your visit.

Reservations:

Advance reservations are mandatory; walk-ins are not accepted.
Book online or by phone as early as possible due to high demand.

Accessibility:

Comme Chez Soi is wheelchair accessible.
Notify the restaurant in advance for any special requirements.

Travel Tips and Nearby Attractions

Location:

Place Rouppe, central Brussels, within walking distance of the Grand Place.

Nearby Attractions:

Grand Place: UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for architecture and cultural events.
Manneken Pis: The city’s famous bronze statue.
Royal Palace: Neoclassical landmark open to visitors during summer months.
Magritte Museum: Celebrating the famous surrealist artist.

Getting There:

Well-connected by metro and tram; the area is best accessed via public transport due to limited parking.

Special Events and Experiences

Comme Chez Soi occasionally offers special culinary events, wine tastings, and exclusive chef’s table experiences. Subscribe to their newsletter or check official announcements for updates.

While the restaurant does not offer guided tours, walking food tours of Brussels often feature Comme Chez Soi as a highlight, providing additional context and stories about its culinary impact.

Visual Highlights

The restaurant’s Art Nouveau façade, stunning interior details, and open kitchen provide excellent photo opportunities. Capture the stained glass, mosaic floors, and chef-at-work moments—but always ask permission before photographing staff or fellow diners.

Milestones and Accolades

1953: Awarded its first Michelin star.
1979: Achieved three Michelin stars, held until 2006.
2025: Maintains two Michelin stars (Michelin Guide).
Recognized by Gault&Millau and other guides.
Hosted royalty, heads of state, and celebrities throughout its history.

Influence on Belgian Gastronomy

Comme Chez Soi has shaped modern Belgian cuisine through its dedication to local and seasonal ingredients, classical technique, and creative presentation. Signature dishes like “filet de sole à la façon de Comme Chez Soi” have become benchmarks for excellence.

The restaurant has also served as a training ground for many influential chefs, spreading its culinary philosophy across Belgium and beyond.

Resilience and Modern Recognition

Throughout its history, Comme Chez Soi has demonstrated resilience—adapting to economic shifts, evolving tastes, and global events. Recent years have seen the menu embrace lighter, contemporary dishes while preserving the restaurant’s storied traditions.

As of July 2025, Comme Chez Soi is consistently ranked among Brussels’ top dining destinations, a testament to its enduring commitment to quality and innovation (Michelin Guide).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What are the opening hours of Comme Chez Soi?
A: Dinner is served Monday to Saturday, 7:00 PM–10:30 PM. Always confirm hours before your visit.

Q: Is a reservation required?
A: Yes, advance reservations are mandatory.

Q: Is the restaurant wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes. Notify staff in advance for specific needs.

Q: What attractions are nearby?
A: Grand Place, Manneken Pis, Royal Palace, and Magritte Museum are all within walking distance.

Q: Can I take photos inside?
A: Yes, but request permission before photographing staff or other guests.

Plan Your Visit

To enhance your experience, consider downloading the Audiala app for real-time updates on visiting hours, reservations, and exclusive offers. Explore related guides on Brussels’ dining scene, and follow our social channels for news and events.

Images and maps featuring Comme Chez Soi’s Art Nouveau exterior and interior are available in our digital gallery, optimized with descriptive alt tags such as “Comme Chez Soi Brussels Art Nouveau exterior” and “Comme Chez Soi interior dining room.”

Summary and Final Tips

Comme Chez Soi stands as a distinguished pillar of Brussels’ gastronomic landscape. Its blend of tradition and innovation, historic architecture, and culinary excellence make it an essential destination for food enthusiasts and cultural explorers alike. Due to its reservation-only policy and limited seating, plan well in advance and consider pairing your visit with a tour of nearby attractions like the iconic Grand Place.

For a deep dive into Belgian heritage and cuisine, Comme Chez Soi offers more than a meal—it’s a journey through history and artistry. Using digital resources like the Audiala app ensures a seamless visit, with up-to-date information and exclusive insights. For further details, consult trusted sources like the Michelin Guide.