business
Cheering on Belgium? Get beer, mussels and shrimp croquettes in San Clemente
By Gab Chabrán at LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio)
· June 18, 2026
· 1 min read
Thomas Crijns and his wife, Carol, at Brussels Bistro in San Clemente. The Manneken-Pis statue behind them dressed in a Belgian national team jersey,is one of the restaurant's many nods to the World Cup. (Gab Chabrán / LAist )Think of pretty much any country, and you can likely find its cuisine...
Key takeaway The Manneken-Pis statue behind them dressed in a Belgian national team jersey,is one of the restaurant's many nods to the World Cup.
Why this matters in The Los Angeles
The presence of Brussels Bistro in San Clemente and Laguna Beach fills a notable gap in the Los Angeles area's culinary landscape, bringing a taste of authentic Belgian cuisine to the region. While Los Angeles is known for its diverse dining options, Belgian restaurants are surprisingly scarce, making Brussels Bistro a unique find. The restaurant's commitment to traditional Belgian dishes, such as mussels and carbonnade à la flamande, paired with its extensive selection of Belgian beers, will likely attract both locals and visitors looking to experience the culture of Belgium. As the World Cup match between Belgium and Iran draws attention to the country, Brussels Bistro is well-positioned to capitalize on the interest, offering a culinary destination for fans and foodies alike in the Los Angeles area. The restaurant's location in Orange County also highlights the region's growing reputation as a hub for international cuisine.
About this story
Original reporting by LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio) . The Los Angeles surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: business ·
Published: June 18, 2026 ·
Source: LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Thomas Crijns and his wife, Carol, at Brussels Bistro in San Clemente. The Manneken-Pis statue behind them dressed in a Belgian national team jersey,is one of the restaurant's many nods to the World Cup. (Gab Chabrán / LAist )Think of pretty much any country, and you can likely find its cuisine...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 18, 2026 by LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio) and curated for The Los Angeles readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Gab Chabrán at LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio). To learn more about how The Los Angeles selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more business coverage from The Los Angeles, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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