Au Vieux Saint-Martin

Founded in the Grand Sablon in 1968 by Albert Niels (1917-1978), the restaurant Au Vieux Saint Martin is a true Brussels institution. 

Son of Joseph Niels, the designer of the famous American filet, Albert was a keen art collector. He frequented artists such as Magritte and Delvaux, as well as the Cobra movement. 

Albert Niels undertook renovation work in collaboration with the Belgian designer Christophe Gevers. The decoration, revolutionary at the time, favoured noble materials such as solid oak, brass, copper, leather and blue stone. 

Numerous works by artists such as Alechinsky, Swennen and Bervoets hang on the walls of the restaurant.

Au Vieux Saint Martin is now run by Albert-Jean Niels and his son Frédéric. The restaurant serves traditional and tasty Belgian brasserie cuisine with a focus on local producers.