Badi in Brussels: from a cider bar to a design-focused restaurant centred on the product

Badi: a design-focused restaurant centred on the product in Brussel

Opened in January 2023 as a bar-restaurant dedicated to cider and natural sparkling wines, Badi is now celebrating its third anniversary by taking a new step forward. The venue is positioning itself as a standalone restaurant, with a structured menu — simple, seasonal, and designed for sharing — alongside a curated drinks list featuring ciders, natural wines, champagnes, beers, and non-alcoholic beverages. Reservations are now open.

A STANDALONE RESTAURANT

Founded by Maxime Bourdigal and Victoria Merret — with experience at Bertrand Larcher in Paris and Japan, as well as at Ötap in Brussels — Badi has evolved naturally over the years. A turning point came when Maxime moved into the kitchen and began collaborating with Paul-Antoine Bertin (Rebel, Grain, Raki, Ötap…) on menu development.

Today, the cooking has come into its own, the plates have grown more complex, and the restaurant’s gastronomic identity has been further refined. Sourcing lies at the heart of Badi’s approach. Victoria and Maxime prioritize natural, local, and seasonal products, working closely with committed artisans and producers such as Khobz (sourdough bread), Grain Bakery (brioche and pastries), La Fruitière (dairy and cheese), Cycle Farm and Le Barn (vegetables), Terroirist (grocery and dry goods), La Coquille Qui Claque (seafood), Dierendonck (meat), and Giotto (ice cream).

This high level of standards is also reflected in the drinks list, which has expanded over time. Cider — approached with the same rigor and level of guidance as wine — remains at the heart of the project, with a particularly demanding and unique selection in Belgium, including producers who are still relatively unknown locally.

The list also features a curated selection of natural wines, with estates such as Jean-Christophe Garnier(Loire), Matassa (Roussillon), Domaine Dandelion (Burgundy), and Salima & Alain Cordeuil in Champagne, as well as Belgian references like Pellicle Vergistingen and Antidoot. Beers, champagnes, and non-alcoholic beverages round out the offering.

« Over three years, Badi has evolved significantly. From a bar-restaurant centered on cider, the venue has become a standalone restaurant, with a more structured kitchen and a drinks offering that has naturally expanded. We wanted to support this evolution without losing what matters most: creating a lively place, where we cook the way we like to eat — with honest products, straightforward cooking, and a genuine welcome. The counter, shared plates, and the space given to conversation remain at the heart of the experience. »
— Maxime Bourdigal & Victoria Merret, Badi

DESIGN AND ARCHITECTURE AT THE HEART OF THE IDENTITY

At Badi, the focus on product naturally extends to the design of the space and the choice of materials. The interior was conceived in collaboration with architect Nelly Smets (François Marcq studio) and was awarded in 2023 by Commerce Design Brussels, receiving both the Jury Prize and the Public Prize.

In the same spirit of local craftsmanship, Badi worked with Filiep Dascotte on the creation of the natural stone (travertine) countertop, produced by Dascotte Natuursteen.

Designed around a large central counter, the space encourages interaction and conviviality — an approach directly inspired by the duo’s experience in Japan. The interior also features Belgian design pieces, such as Barbier Bouvet lamps, as well as chairs by FRAMA.

RESERVATIONS AND WALK-INS

Continuing this evolution, Badi is now opening reservations, while still keeping space for walk-ins, in order to preserve the spontaneity and warmth of the welcome. The menus evolve regularly, always in collaboration with Paul-Antoine Bertin.

Listed for the past three years in Gault & Millau’s HIP category, Badi confirms its positioning: a committed and convivial address, where rigour in product selection goes hand in hand with a genuine desire to share and pass on knowledge.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Badi
Rue de l'Hôtel des Monnaies 80, 1060 Saint-Gilles
https://badi-brussels.com

Thursday - Sunday
5 pm - 11 pm

FOOD PICTURES