7 innovative concept stores to discover in the city center

With the holiday season approaching and the traditional gift quest, Brussels remains more than ever a top shopping destination. Its streets are places where people enjoy strolling and window shopping. From the popular Marolles to the elegant Dansaert and the village of Neder, shops are plentiful and new addresses open their doors every week. Kid-friendly cafés, painting studios, Portuguese bakeries, tea shops, so many unique products and original, creative, sustainable or innovative concepts that diversify the offer and make our capital even more attractive.

It is this vitality and dynamism of these young shopkeepers that the City of Brussels, as a local actor, intends to support and accompany. To this end, it recently renewed – despite its abolition at the regional level – the OpenSoon BXXL grant to boost the entrepreneurship and creativity of Brussels residents in these iconic neighborhoods. A boost of more than €10,000 for seven newcomers to be discovered urgently, awarded based on the financial viability, quality, innovation, and sustainable nature of their project. Enough to overcome the financial challenges of the early stages and establish themselves in the long term.

It’s in the Marolles that we start our tour of the shopkeepers who have caught the eye of the City of Brussels. At the aptly named Café Modelé, a ceramics painting studio like no other, combining conviviality and creativity. Visitors can indeed decorate the pieces they have picked up themselves while enjoying delicious brunch formulas. The only downside: time flies by.

Not far from there, at Fish Tank, it’s with ocean products that chefs like to innovate. A modern and creative seafood restaurant offering reinvented dishes, for the greatest pleasure of your taste buds. Daily arrivals – freshness is a must – and originality are the watchwords of the hosts of this modern, relaxed, and trendy place, which will soon become the meeting point for lovers of inventive maritime cuisine.

Finally, don’t leave the neighborhood before making a detour to Nectar. Here you enter the den of artisans who have mastered the art of enhancing your interior decoration. A boutique of creators with magical fingers combining aesthetics and authenticity, further proof of our local know-how. In this warm atmosphere, treasure hunters who like to stand out will easily find THE unique piece they came looking for.

A small detour to Vekemans to visit the shop of Neder Optic, which, as its name suggests, specializes in selling glasses. But not just any glasses! Here, they are both sustainable and stylish, as the shop offers a wide range of modern, elegant, and environmentally friendly frames. Not to mention the highly personalized service of this optical store, whose team will advise you as best as possible to regain the eye of the tiger.

Then head to Dansaert to meet the last three winners of the OpenSoon BXXL grant. For a first stop at Arsouille’s counter. A friendly café where the little ones are more than welcome. Ideal for a little break halfway through your shopping session. You can enjoy a moment of relaxation and a good coffee while your children play in a space dedicated to them. The only difficulty will be convincing them to leave.

The promise of a little stop at Forcado might help you with that. Located a stone’s throw away, this authentic Portuguese pastry shop specializes in pastéis de nata, famous custard tarts that are a must in Portugal. Combining modernity and tradition, the artisans of Forcado invite you on a true journey to the land of indulgence. A future must for all sweet lovers.

Finally, it’s Kage that gives you an ultimate rendezvous in the streets of Dansaert. Here, tea has been elevated to the rank of art. This high-end shop indeed offers a personalized selection of premium teas, such as matcha and genmaicha. You can taste them in the chic comfort of the tasting corner, where everyone can be introduced to dishes inspired by Asian flavors. You can even opt for training in this unique culture to refine your knowledge and impress your loved ones.

All these addresses and many more can be found on localguide.brussels, your discovery guide to new local gems in the capital.