Noordzee fish bar quits EU district as customers work from home

De Noordzee (Mer du Nord), a popular fish eatery next door to the European parliament, is closing its doors indefinitely because coronavirus has prompted many EU officials to work from home.

After the Covid-19 crisis had already left its mark on Brussels restaurant life, with the closure of Bonsoir Clara on Rue Dansaert and La Bécasse in Ixelles, another well-known food hotspot in the city has now closed its doors.

"It pains us to have to announce that the Noordzee story at Place de Luxembourg has ended," the restaurant posted on its Facebook page.

After the place opened its doors in 2013, it was frequented by members, staff and visitors of the European Parliament. But revenues from these customers had dwindled because of coronavirus and the delayed return of EU workers to their offices after several months at home.

The original Noordzee branch at the Place Sainte-Cathérine remains open.