Pistolet Original
A charming Belgian delicatessen serving gourmet pistolets with fresh, local ingredients in a cozy, stylish atmosphere.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Pistolet Original
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming Belgian delicatessen serving gourmet pistolets with fresh, local ingredients in a cozy, stylish atmosphere.
"Experience the iconic 'Americain' beef tartar sandwich and more at this beloved Brussels gem!"
Visit Off-Peak Hours
Avoid crowds and ensure quicker service by visiting during less busy times.
Try Diverse Fillings
Explore both hot and cold sandwich options, and check weekly suggestions for unique flavors.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Belgian
Price
Mid-range
Phone
+32 2 880 80 98
Address
Rue Joseph Stevens 26, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
Website
pistolet-original.be/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Classic 'Americain' Pistolet
Experience the iconic beef tartar sandwich, a must-try for its perfect blend of flavors and textures.
Cozy, Stylish Atmosphere
Charming interior with handwritten menus and eclectic decor creates a welcoming, home-like feel.
Gourmet Hot Sandwiches
Savor delicious pistolets filled with unique combinations like black pudding and Cantillon beer-infused sauerkraut.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Visit Off-Peak Hours
Avoid crowds and ensure quicker service by visiting during less busy times.
Try Diverse Fillings
Explore both hot and cold sandwich options, and check weekly suggestions for unique flavors.
Friendly Staff Assistance
Staff are noted for being kind, helpful, and accommodating, even for young children.
Tips
from all over the internet
Visit Off-Peak Hours
Avoid crowds and ensure quicker service by visiting during less busy times.
Try Diverse Fillings
Explore both hot and cold sandwich options, and check weekly suggestions for unique flavors.
Friendly Staff Assistance
Staff are noted for being kind, helpful, and accommodating, even for young children.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Pistolet Original is celebrated for its authentic and delicious Belgian pistolets, offering a wide range of both classic and creative fillings. Diners praise the fresh ingredients, crispy buns, and friendly atmosphere, making it a great spot for a quick, satisfying meal. However, some reviews mention inconsistent seasoning or a lack of specific ingredients, and one notable complaint involved a severe issue with raw meat and disrespectful staff, leading to a dispute.
"The american is an absolute must: beef tartar in a crunchy outside soft inside bun.
The roast beef and celeriac mayo was ok but lacked a little flavour. In the uk we always serve roast beef with horse radish or mustard, which gives it a kick.
They accomodated my two year old woth no problem! They took his pistolet apart so he could eat it bit by bit. The fish sticks!!! Amazing. The tar tar sauce was home made and delicious."
Robert D'Souza
"The international tour continues and now ‘Swiss Note’ has decided to look for afternoon brunch. I would like a breakfast roll, bagel, baguette type…..fast breakfast with only one place on my mind here in Brussels, ‘Pistolet Original’. Now you all also know me as the ‘French Toast Connoisseur’ unfortunately I haven’t found that here yet but I’m sure it’s coming soon look out somewhere on this international review tour.
‘Pistolet Original’ nice team, confident workers that took my order and I could tell they knew I’d be more than happy. Beautifully cooked French-style scrabbled eggs (if you know, you know!) on top of a soft yet well toasted bun/roll with sausages perfectly cooked and another top bun to make a wonderful early afternoon brunch. Simple, compact and delicious food, that I returned for twice ordering the same thing on this trip. “The connoisseur knows what he likes.” and this was it!"
Swiss Note
"Amazing pistolet! It is something that we often eat on Sundays, but it’s so refreshing to eat it with other ingredients ! Buns are also bigger than a year ago, I think??
Everything is fresh and portions are perfect for a quick lunch.
Original, fast, affordable, delicious !"
Emma Ml
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
A pistolet is a traditional Brussels bread roll, small and round with a light, crisp crust. Pistolet Original fills these rolls with a variety of gourmet Belgian ingredients.
The classic 'Americain' beef tartar sandwich is highly recommended. Other popular choices include hot sandwiches and unique fillings.
Yes, the restaurant has outdoor seating available in front of the shop, though it's exposed to the elements.
Yes, gluten-free cookies are available, and the establishment has been noted for accommodating dietary needs.
While walk-ins are common, it's possible to reserve a table for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or a tea.
Opening hours can vary, but generally, they are open Monday-Friday from 10 am-3 pm and Saturday-Sunday from 11 am-5 pm.
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Featured in these publications
The Top 10 Brunch Spots In Sablon Brussels
Pistolet Original is friendly spot located a few steps away from the Grand Sablon. Its delicatessen concept is based on the traditional pistolets (delicious puffy bread rolls), which are filled with Belgian gourmet ingredients. Here you will find a small épicerie selling Belgian goodies as well as a food stand where you can eat on the spot or buy fine products to take away.
ICI - S Marks The Spots
The space was actually designed by the owners of ICI themselves and is a great blend of_ stylish and homey details: a big blackboard where all the different dishes are handwritten, mismatched light bulbs hanging from the ceiling, cosy cushions, retro floor tiles and a wooden cupboard full of foodie goodies to take home with you, including my favorite gluten-free Generous cookies (also available at AM Sweet, ICI, Farm, Rob’s, Peck 47, Pistolet Original and Mmmmh!), Marlette biscuits and Callas jam!.
Eat like a local: Brussels is a foodie capital laying on a feast of specialities
Beloved by Belgians as a breakfast staple, the crusty white bread roll known as a pistolet is filled with traditional hot-and-cold Belgian products at any time of the day at Pistolet Original (pictured, above). Soups, salads and desserts are also on sale at its two outlets in the Sablon and the Rue des Bouchers Guest chefs guarantee new flavour combinations.
Cheap eats in Brussels | Brussels city breaks
I love spying on nostalgic locals queuing for their fix in this perky red and white café. Prices start at €4.80 for a roll filled with Ardennes ham; black pudding with Cantillon beer-infused sauerkraut is €7.60. My favourite, cream cheese, spring onion and radish sounds odd, but it’s another Belgian tradition, and delicious.
Petit guide de la street-food en Belgique
La mitraillette en revanche est, comme son nom pourrait l’indiquer, la version plus furieuse du pistolet. Sorte de revisite de notre Américain, elle voit dans une demie-baguette s’amalgamer une viande cuite, des frites et beaucoup (beaucoup) de sauce. On dit qu’elle doit toujours dépasser les 1000 calories…
The Best Cheap Eats in Brussels (Budget-Friendly Food)
Trying a classic pistolet roll is a must in Brussels – grab some for a picnic on the go of stop by this lovely cafe. Fillings include humble ham and gherkin to delicious duck rillette – enough to keep you trying something new for weeks. Opening hours: Mon-Fri 10am-3pm Sat-Sun 11am-5pm
9 x uniek lunchen in het hartje van Brussel
Pistolet Original is, zoals de naam al doet vermoeden, een geval apart. In de delicatessenwinkel kan je een tafeletje reserveren om te ontbijten, brunchen, lunchen of om een theetje te drinken. De ingrediënten die de chef gebruikt zijn kraakvers en voor zo goed als volledig Belgisch.
Restaurants in Brussels
A pistolet is a filled, crusty bread roll—something that every Belgian child grows up on. So Valérie Lepla struck a rich, nostalgic vein when she named her deli-café in the smart Sablon district. It's invariably packed with just about every level of Brussels society, either eating…
How to Spend Two Days in Brussels
Pistolet: for comforting authentic street food with a gourmet twist. These are the kinds of sandwiches you’ll dream of on a cool afternoon. The Boudin blanc (white sausage) with onions is a local favorite for good reason.
Brussels’ culinary specialities | Visit Brussels
At Pistolet Original, it’s their speciality and they offer a range of little sandwiches inspired by local dishes: américain, white pudding, chicory, tomatoes and prawns, with Liège syrup…
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