Belgians are quite fairly maligned in today’s society, as best evidenced by the film In Bruges. Set in a picturesque medieval town, Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson do nothing but complain about how boring Belgium is, so it perhaps somewhat surprising that there are four locations of Belgian restaurant La Petite Abeille in New York.

Actually, it is entirely unsurprising once you enter La Petite Abeille and are greeted by stacks of hot fresh Belgian waffles. Hakeem was supposed to have a “power brunch” with some Italians for a website that they work on called Nuok.com (it’s like Cheesesandwich.org, but for Italians instead of Vegetarians, and is not specific to restaurant reviews). Chamique and I tagged along to try out the brunch as well. I have previously been to two other locations and have enjoyed their macaroni and cheese and frites, so I was looking forward to their take on brunch.

Unfortunately, there is nothing particularly Belgian about this brunch, as they have the same standard brunch options as any other restaurant (omelets, sandwiches, breakfast items, etc.). There is a slightly better than average selection of waffles available (though the variety is not as impressive as I would have hoped for a culture whose best known dish IS the waffle).

The Gauffre de Liège, a miniature version of the regular waffle was made with pearl sugar that creates a fantastic caramel flavor and creates a sugary crunch. This dish was quite tasty and definitely the highlight for me of the meal. However, when I first tried it, it was not hot and was not as tasty as Hakeem’s, as he ordered one after I did (and his was likely fresher). Few things can beat a fresh Belgian waffle, and Hakeem’s was delicious, while mine was just pretty darn good.

Also on tap - the asparagus, tomato and goat cheese omelet, which was scant on the goat cheese, and quite bland. In general, I find omelets pretty boring, as they only taste good if they’re doused in ketchup and hot sauce. And by that point, you’re really only appreciating the ketchup and hot sauce rather than the omelet. If somebody can create an omelet that is inherently delicious (outside of huevos rancheros variants), I would love to try it.

Overall, food at La Petite Abeille is what you’d expect from Belgian food in general, bland, boring, and with a slightly pretentious attitude. The waffles are quite fantastic, but that is primarily because they are fresh, and so few restaurants still make fresh waffles. So, in that way, La Petite Abeille is unique and holds a valued place in the dining world. As a result, I’ll give it three cheese sandwiches.

La Petite Abeille
401 E 20th St New York, 10010
(212) 727-2989