Some houses seem eternal.
The kind you could describe with your eyes closed: for the walls, for the wood, for the faces, for the smiles, for the service, for the cooking, for the sauces, for the wines… for everything that makes you return.

La Branche d’Olivier, a village restaurant on the edge of the Kinsendael nature reserve in Uccle, carries that spirit of refuge. Just a few streets away, the city roars back to life, but here breathes a calm, countryside air. The place has stood the test of time without losing its soul, faithful to a coherence that keeps it away from passing fashions. Wood panelling and old tiles shape a décor reminiscent of a true Parisian bistro.

With the subtitle “bistrot gourmand”, the house sets the tone: tradition and inspired brasserie cuisine.
The dishes speak for themselves: poached egg with grey shrimp and mousseline sauce, salmon tartare with foie gras and hazelnut oil, sautéed sweetbreads with foie gras and braised leeks, or roasted veal kidneys with tarragon mustard.

True to the seasons and the market’s mood, the chalkboard offers daily suggestions. One happily succumbs to black pudding with apples and frisée salad, white asparagus served Flemish-style or with mousseline, roasted lobster with spices, or Corrèze veal with morels. Each plate reflects the inspiration of chef Jean-Claude Demurger, a master roaster and saucier.

The wine list is equally generous: around a hundred well-chosen references, complemented by fifteen or so rotating suggestions. A promise of flawless and gourmet pairings.

The service is in perfect harmony: precise, attentive, warm. With zeal and kindness, the team captures the soul of this vibrant house, where tradition and sincerity compose a flawless score.

We love it. Quite simply.

LD