La Maison du Cygne restaurant in Brussels: grand dining on the Grand Place. When you enter this exquisite 17th century mansion in the heart of Brussels’ most famous square, you enter a world of refinement and harmony. The building was once the home of the Butchers Guild and where captains of industry and high-flyers now dine, Karl Marx once drafted his manifesto. That’s the sort of surreal fact Belgians delight in. The décor is grande dame traditional, with velvet banquettes, ornate paneling and woodwork, fine art paintings, white napery, fine china and crystal, and lovely views over the square. The carte is haute traditional with innovative nuances, under the creative touch of award-winning chef Donald Loriaux. Dishes include starter of waterzooi de homard, a local soup speciality, main course of tournedos with green peppercorns. The monumental wine cellar sets the standard.