Click the above “écusson” pic for a direct link to the interactive map and website for the history of L’ Ilot Sacré.
L’ Ilot Sacré got its name after a battle of the local restaurants, land lords and associations in the 1950-ties against promoters who saw big bucks to be made. Just read the history in the above mentioned website. They wrote it better than I would.
My contribution: just some suggestions about the places where you will get good to excellent quality food or where you can go sniffing the local atmosphere, sipping coffee, enjoying a beer or other drink while watching people. Although it is a popular and touristic area, you still can enjoy the buzz, just be attentive to avoid tourist traps. Just don’t forget the place is prime location and that means pricier than in less popular neighbourhoods. So, no real cheap deals available!
Two of the most popular streets in L’ Ilot Sacré are called ‘Rue des Bouchers’ and ‘Petite Rue des Bouchers’. That translates like ‘Butcher street’ and ‘Small Butcher street’. A lot of restaurants are attracting patrons while lots of seafood and vegetables are on display on ice, in front of the resto. A waiter at the door will be soliciting you in any possible language. As my wife and I walk by, it’s all “Ni Hao” from left and right…
In general these are the places where you take some nice souvenir pictures with your friends and family. Just don’t eat there. They might propose Belgian, French, even Italian, Portuguese or Spanish cuisine. Many of the very young kitchen staff are sometimes not even trained cooks, but people from all over Europe including Eastern Europe, the Balkan, North and Sub-Saharian Africa. Nothing wrong with that, unless they got declared ‘cook’ after half a day training!
Let’s point out some addresses in the neighbourhood. For drinks and watching people:
Delirium cafe – 
A La Mort Subite- (translates as: At A Sudden Death) 
Inside "A la Mort Subite" - Click the picture
Le Roy d’ Espagne – 
Toone estaminet – 
Beer shops, restaurants, taverns all over the place - I suggest “Aux Armes de Bruxelles” – “Restaurant Vincent” – “Scheltema” – “L’ Ogenblik” – “Le Marmiton” etc…
More to follow in Part II, coming soon.
