London-based design studio Saar Zafrir Design has completed its latest hospitality project in Brussels, Le Conteur, featuring an upscale design aesthetic and Levantine kitchen helmed by Israeli Chef Alon Jeffet. Located in the lobby of the forthcoming Le Commérage Hotel also designed by the studio, and set to open this winter, Le Conteur ushers in a new dining experience and contemporary cuisine to the Belgian capital.
Open kitchen and bar seating at Le Conteur
Le Conteur’s interiors blend the cosmopolitan energy of Brussels with a unique Levantine cuisine concept, adding an exciting new dimension to the city’s dining landscape for both local and international visitors. With a warm palette of burnt orange and mustard yellow, and wooden floors and furnishings with gold accents, Le Conteur presents an inviting and intimate dining atmosphere with an impressive cocktail bar and open kitchen. Upon entering Le Conteur, guests are greeted by the grand floor-to-ceiling mahogany bar, with its beautifully stocked spirits selection and custom-designed orange velvet bar stools. Adjacent to the bar lies an emerald tiled fireplace and modernist mantle portrait, a photo-worthy central element of the design.
Le Conteur’s entrance & bar
The space opens up to a large and lively bistro environment defined by white subway-tiled walls, checkered and Herringbone flooring, upholstered booths and circular seating, Mediterranean flora, bronze statuettes and marble café tables. Le Conteur can accommodate up to 100 guests at its restaurant and bar and will operate six days per week. The food and beverage program at Le Conteur is crafted by Israeli Chef Alon Jeffet, who sought to introduce the decidedly Mediterranean social dining style of shared plates to Brussels. The communal dining experience is designed to make diners feel as if they were invited to a private dinner party in the chef’s kitchen.
Le Conteur’s main dining area
Saar Zafrir said: “The design concept was to merge the laid-back, Tel Avivian dining style with sophisticated European design, resulting in a hybrid culinary and atmospheric experience. Le Conteur sets the tone for Le Commérage Hotel, which will open towards the end of the year, and will present an aesthetic that blends contemporary design with custom made wallpaper and prints”.
Delectable menu items feature seasonal catch from the sea, locally sourced meat and an abundance of vegetables – all paired with big flavors, aromas and spices for an exciting and diverse palette. Signature Levantine dishes include: Salmon Bourik, Chou Grillé Confit, Jaffa Lamb Chops and Palestinian Beef Tartar, along with innovative fusion dishes such as Coquille Saint-Jacques comprised of scallop roe and topped with Za’atar, black sesame and crunchy kombu seaweed and Pulpergine, a tender seared Octopus tentacle atop Aubergine cream and Harissa oil.
Restrooms at Le Conteur
Le Conteur is open for dinner Monday through Saturday, between 6-10:30 PM. The restaurant and bar will become the heart and soul of the anticipated Le Commérage Hotel featuring 60 guestrooms, set to open in late 2021.
