Aux Armes de Bruxelles: more than a century of Brussels dining culture in the Îlot Sacré

1902: A boy from Hoeleden moves to Brussels

Calixte Veulemans is just 14 years old when he leaves his home village of Hoeleden for Brussels. He works in various café-concerts. Later, at Friture Henri, he learns the trade from both sides: the dining room and the kitchen.

1921: Aux Armes de Bruxelles takes shape

In July 1921, Calixte takes over a tavern at number 13 Beenhouwersstraat. The establishment already bears the name Aux Armes de Bruxelles. With his entrepreneurial spirit, he quickly transforms the simple neighbourhood tavern into an elegant restaurant that makes a name for itself in Brussels.

1927: Mussels from Yerseke and moules à l’escargot

Calixte continues to innovate. He has fresh mussels brought directly from Yerseke to Brussels and serves them at the table in individual pots. The famous moules à l’escargot also originate here.

 

Success calls for more space. In 1927, Aux Armes de Bruxelles purchases the neighbouring property and expands the restaurant.

1958: Expo 58 puts Brussels on the world map

The 1958 World’s Fair puts Brussels in the international spotlight, and Aux Armes de Bruxelles benefits from it too. The restaurant becomes a firm favourite among Brussels residents and visitors eager to discover the local cuisine and way of life. Over the years, many well-known guests take a seat at its tables.

2006: A family chapter comes to an end

For almost three generations, the Veulemans family is at the helm. In 2006, Aux Armes de Bruxelles is sold. The years that follow are more difficult, and the restaurant gradually loses some of its former prestige.

2017: The doors close temporarily

After a turbulent period, the doors temporarily close in 2017. For a moment, it seems that a Brussels gastronomic landmark might disappear from the cityscape. But behind the scenes, work soon begins on a new chapter.

2018: A new beginning

Rudy Vantancker, owner of Chez Léon, takes over Aux Armes de Bruxelles. His ambition: to restore the restaurant’s original soul and prestige. The dining rooms, bar and kitchen are thoroughly renovated. On 11 October 2018, the doors reopen.

2021: One hundred years around the same table

In 2021, Aux Armes de Bruxelles celebrates its centenary. A century after the arrival of Calixte Veulemans, the restaurant is still at the same address, in the heart of the Îlot Sacré. One hundred years of dishes, encounters and memories, shared around the same tables.

2026: A new family story

After eight years at the helm of the kitchen, chef Cédric Callenaere is given the opportunity to take over Aux Armes de Bruxelles. Together with his wife Katrien Tommelein, their children and the trusted team, he continues to build an authentic Belgian-Brussels family restaurant, with respect for tradition and heritage.

 

Aux Armes de Bruxelles is once again what it was under Calixte: a family business. A hundred years of history are best experienced around the table. Discover our menu or contact us to book a table.