Brussels’ culinary scene is buzzing after a surprising winner was crowned in the city’s sixth annual best shrimp croquette competition. A restaurant called Journal, located in Woluwe-Saint-Pierre, took home the top prize on February 9, 2026, besting out established favorites and newcomers alike.
After a blind tasting, a jury comprised of food journalists, the previous year’s winner, and presided over by Michelin-starred chef Lionel Rigolet (“Comme chez Soi”), awarded the title to Journal. The restaurant edged out Le Rendez-vous des Artistes (Saint-Gilles) and Brasserie Signature (Etterbeek) for the honor. This win is particularly notable as it came as a surprise, with SoSoir reporting it as an “unexpected” victory.
Fourteen other establishments participated in the contest, including past winners like Maison Vincent, Cantina Valentina, Toucan Brasserie, Au Repos de la Montagne, Brasserie Ommegang, Brasserie Les Trappistes, Les Brasseries Georges (victorious in 2022 and 2023), La Taverne du Passage, Le Variétés, L’Harmony, Lola, L’Improbable, La Pierre Bleue and Fernand Obb Delicatessen (who won in both 2018 and 2019).
Judges evaluated the iconic Belgian appetizer based on several key criteria, including the quality of the shrimp, the texture, the taste, and the breading. The competition highlights the enduring popularity of the *croquette aux crevettes* as a staple of Belgian cuisine.
The four winning establishments from different years will now join the Bright Brussels Croquettes Feest, a festival celebrating the beloved snack. The festival will take place from Thursday to Sunday, from 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM on Place Royale as part of the 10th anniversary of the Bright Brussels Festival, and will feature various Brussels chefs offering their own takes on the classic croquette. RTBF notes that this event will showcase a diverse range of croquette creations.
The win for Journal is sure to draw foodies and tourists alike to Woluwe-Saint-Pierre, eager to sample what’s been declared the best shrimp croquette in Brussels. 7sur7.be confirms the establishment’s location as the place to find the winning bite.
