On March 28th, 2024, Emily Restaurant — the confidential gastronomic address imagined by Pierre Degand in Brussels — appeared in the Belgian magazine Le Vif Weekend, within a long-form editorial dedicated to the growing fascination for restaurant counters and immersive dining experiences.
In this elegant feature written by Michel Verlinden, Emily Restaurant is highlighted alongside some of Belgium’s most distinctive culinary destinations. The article explores the counter not simply as a design element, but as a new way of experiencing gastronomy: more intimate, theatrical and emotionally connected.
Particular attention is given to the spectacular marble counter of Emily Restaurant, described as the “clou du spectacle” — the centerpiece of the experience. Pierre Degand shares his admiration for timeless interiors, evoking memories of Brussels institutions and revealing how the restaurant’s atmosphere was built around a rare Saint-Laurent black marble with golden veins.
English translation of the article excerpt mentioning Emily Restaurant
“On the side of Emily Restaurant, the highly exclusive restaurant owned by tailor Pierre Degand, the twelve-seat counter acts as the centerpiece of the show.
Behind this marvel lies a meeting with a craftsman.
‘I have nostalgia for the past, among other things for the counter of L’Ecailler du Palais Royal where I used to go after the theatre. I was able to satisfy this taste for lost times thanks to Dominique Desimpel, this tireless stone hunter based in Knokke. He introduced me to Saint-Laurent black marble streaked with gold, and I immediately fell in love with it. The entire décor followed from there, whether it was the imposing crystal chandelier or the golden ceiling,’ notes Pierre Degand.
Few people know it, but this counter hides a well-kept secret. At both extremities, thanks to a sort of hidden mechanism, it is possible to release a built-in section of the marble in order to dine face-to-face.
‘Couples have been formed here,’ proudly says the host, who recently hired a new chef, Luca Gaviglio.”
Mini-guide excerpt:
“Emily Restaurant. A pure marvel of a counter hiding a beautiful secret. 4 rue de l’Abbaye, 1000 Brussels. emily.restaurant”
About Le Vif Weekend
Le Vif Weekend is the lifestyle and culture supplement of Le Vif/L’Express, one of Belgium’s leading French-speaking news magazines. Known for its refined editorial approach, the publication covers gastronomy, fashion, travel, design and contemporary culture, regularly spotlighting influential personalities, exceptional addresses and emerging lifestyle trends in Belgium and abroad.
Its “Weekend” edition is particularly appreciated for its long-form journalism and carefully curated selection of restaurants, hotels and cultural destinations. Appearing in Le Vif Weekend places Emily Restaurant among a selection of addresses considered noteworthy within Belgium’s premium lifestyle and gastronomic landscape.
