Brussels welcomes a new culinary hotspot, and we were fortunate to spend an evening at era. Located in a historic building, this restaurant exudes a unique atmosphere from the moment you step inside. The majestic former bank building, which once housed the Caisse Générale d’Epargne et de Retraite, adds undeniable charm. With its high ceilings, imposing staircase, and breathtaking views of the Grand Place, era offers a setting as impressive as the dishes on the menu. The interior, carefully designed while preserving historical elements, creates a refined ambiance, ideal for both intimate dinners and business meetings.
Chef Yonatan Cohen, the driving force behind era, has a clear vision for his restaurant: a fusion of the old world and modern times. His menu combines classic European dishes with global influences, resulting in flavors that feel both familiar and innovative. Each dish reflects Cohen’s international experience, and his determination to make every meal unforgettable is clearly visible.
Philosophy of Chef Yonatan Cohen
Chef Cohen’s philosophy revolves around continually surprising and stimulating his guests. No visit to era is the same, thanks to the regularly changing menu that responds to the seasons and the availability of local ingredients. He works closely with local suppliers, ensuring the freshness and quality of every dish. The dishes are thoughtfully and precisely executed, from the ingredients to the presentation. His mission is clear: to create an unforgettable dining experience that keeps guests coming back. As Cohen himself says, “At era, I want every guest to leave already thinking about their next visit.”
Our Experience: Surprising Flavors in a Luxurious Setting
Upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed by the staff. The decor, which remains faithful to the building’s historical architecture, gives a luxurious yet warm feeling. We chose to start the evening with some snacks, presented as a “sharing experience.” We began with the Hamachi tartare, accompanied by sourdough bread, horseradish, sour cream, cucumber, and nori seaweed. This dish was fresh and perfectly balanced, but at a price of €18 for two pieces, we found it a bit on the expensive side. We also enjoyed the Chopped rump steak, served in a crispy potato shell with bone marrow hollandaise and Belgian caviar. This dish was an absolute highlight, although the price of €22 for two bites also raised an eyebrow.
For the appetizers, we chose the Langoustine carpaccio and the Skirt steak with sweetbread on skewers, both beautifully presented and rich in flavor. The langoustine carpaccio was delicate and refined, with a perfect balance of sweet and sour, enhanced by the addition of blood orange and ponzu sauce. The Skirt steak, served with Café de Paris sauce and mashed potatoes, was robust in flavor and delightfully tender. Both appetizers were a hit.
For the main courses, we chose the Contre-fillet de boeuf maturé. Although the taste was phenomenal, with perfectly cooked meat and a rich sauce, we found the price of €49 quite high for a shared dish. Another small drawback of our visit was the parking situation: the restaurant does not offer its own parking, so we had to park our car in a nearby public garage. For a restaurant of this caliber, we expected a slightly more luxurious solution.
Aside from the parking situation and the occasionally high prices, our experience at era was nothing short of spectacular. The dessert, Glace à la crème fraîche and the Dacquouise aux noisettes, provided the perfect end to the evening. The flavors were refined, subtle, and left a lasting impression. The interior, service, and culinary creations ensure that era is a restaurant you won’t soon forget.
Conclusion
era offers a unique culinary experience in a setting steeped in history. Chef Yonatan Cohen’s philosophy of uniting tradition and innovation is reflected in every detail, from the interior to the dishes. Although some prices are on the high side, the quality of the ingredients and execution is undeniable. It’s a restaurant where, after your first visit, you’re already thinking about the next.
Practical Information
Address: Wolvengracht 46, 1000 Brussels
Reservations can be made here: https://www.era-restaurant.com/
Tuesday | 07:00–10:30, 18:00–00:00 |
Wednesday | 07:00–10:30, 18:00–00:00 |
Thursday | 07:00–10:30, 18:00–00:00 |
Friday | 07:00–10:30, 18:00–00:00 |
Saturday | 07:30–11:00, 18:00–00:00 |
Sunday | 07:30–11:00 |
Monday | 07:00–10:30 |