Cemil Soysal: A Dedicated Ambassador for Brussels

A Brussels Story Built on Commitment

Cemil Soysal’s attachment to Brussels is deeply personal. After studying at the Brussels Hotel School in Anderlecht, he lived on the Grand-Place and later settled in the city centre. This daily connection with Brussels, its residents and its visitors shaped his professional path and encouraged him to become actively involved in the life of the capital.

His ambition has always gone beyond running restaurants. By opening establishments in the centre of Brussels, he has sought to preserve the city’s identity while presenting it in a modern and welcoming way. His commitment is particularly visible through his support for the Ommegang festival, one of Brussels’ most emblematic cultural traditions.

At Brasserie Ommegang, this heritage is celebrated throughout the year. The restaurant’s décor, its Brussels-inspired menu and the presence of the imposing Gambrinus statue offer visitors an immersive experience of local folklore. The establishment thus serves as a living bridge between Brussels’ past and its contemporary international character.

Brasserie Ommegang: Culture, Gastronomy and Diplomacy

Under Cemil Soysal’s direction, Brasserie Ommegang has become much more than a restaurant. Located near the Grand-Place, it is a meeting place where Belgian cuisine, local heritage and international hospitality come together.

The brasserie regularly welcomes diplomats, political figures, cultural personalities and international visitors. Its reputation has made it a recognised address for guests seeking an authentic Brussels experience. Soysal takes particular pride in ensuring that visitors leave with a positive image of the city.

This mission has been reinforced by the restaurant’s close links with the international hospitality sector, including its collaboration with the prestigious Hotel Amigo. Brasserie Ommegang has also attracted the attention of specialised media and tourism platforms, reflecting the quality of its service and its contribution to Brussels’ international reputation.

The establishment’s culinary achievements further demonstrate this commitment to excellence. In 2024, Brasserie Ommegang received the first prize in the Brussels Carbonnade competition and the second prize for the city’s best shrimp croquette. It was also recognised as an ambassador for Brussels gastronomy and hospitality.

The restaurant’s strong food-safety standards are equally significant. According to the dossier, it became the first establishment in Brussels city centre to obtain the maximum score during its initial inspection by the Belgian Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain. It has also received excellent ratings from major tourism and review platforms.

Strengthening the Local Economy

Cemil Soysal’s contribution extends well beyond the dining room. Brasserie Ommegang works with Brussels-based producers and service providers, helping to sustain local employment and strengthen the city’s economic ecosystem. Its staff is entirely Brussels-based, while its suppliers contribute to the promotion of regional products.

By attracting visitors from Belgium and abroad, the brasserie also supports the vitality of the city centre. Every meal becomes an opportunity to showcase Belgian cuisine, local craftsmanship and Brussels’ distinctive hospitality.

Soysal’s role as a trainer further reinforces this impact. Through his professional experience, he seeks to transmit values of citizenship, respect, inclusion and responsibility to younger generations. He also provides voluntary guidance to hospitality professionals and young entrepreneurs, encouraging them to invest in Brussels and participate in the city’s future.

His vision is particularly relevant at a time when many local businesses face economic and social challenges. Soysal wishes to act as a relay for centre-city traders, especially those working in the hospitality sector, helping them develop their businesses and adapt to changing expectations.

Hospitality with a Social Purpose

For Cemil Soysal, hospitality is inseparable from solidarity. Each year, Brasserie Ommegang organises initiatives intended to bring joy and support to people in need.

On 24 December, the establishment offers several hundred meals to organisations working with homeless and vulnerable people. Part of the proceeds from the evening is also donated to charities involved in the fight against poverty.

Other initiatives reflect the same generous spirit. On Valentine’s Day, the brasserie distributed 1,000 roses to customers and passers-by, turning an ordinary day into a moment of shared happiness. During the festive season, its Christmas chalet and elaborate decorations create a warm atmosphere for residents and visitors alike.

The establishment is also part of the City of Brussels’ “Welcoming Toilets” network, allowing anyone to use its clean and safe facilities free of charge, without needing to make a purchase. Its commitment to accessibility, its inclusive staff policy and its recognition as a dog-friendly venue further demonstrate its desire to welcome everyone.

A Vision for an Inclusive Brussels

Cemil Soysal’s vision of Brussels is based on diversity, civic participation and sustainable development. He believes that the city’s many cultures should be celebrated through exhibitions, public discussions and community events. He also advocates for platforms through which residents can express their ideas and participate in local projects.

His approach to inclusion is practical. Brasserie Ommegang promotes Brussels’ cultural events through its menus, printed materials and digital channels. More than 300,000 printed placemats have been distributed to highlight the city’s museums, monuments and tourist attractions, encouraging visitors to explore Brussels beyond the restaurant itself.

Soysal also supports major local traditions and celebrations, including events associated with Manneken Pis, Meyboom and the Ommegang festival. In doing so, he helps connect gastronomy, tourism and civic identity.

He places particular importance on public safety as a condition for a vibrant and attractive city. Through regular contact with the Brussels police and local authorities, he contributes to maintaining a secure environment around his establishment. For him, the safety of residents, visitors and staff is an essential part of responsible hospitality.

An Ambassador for Brussels

Cemil Soysal’s career reflects a clear conviction: promoting Brussels is a shared responsibility. Through his cuisine, his professional standards, his social initiatives and his commitment to local heritage, he presents the city as welcoming, diverse and dynamic.

His achievements have earned him recognition, including the title of Ambassador of Brussels Gastronomy and Hospitality in 2024, as well as a distinction marking the 60th anniversary of the Belgian-Turkish labour agreement. He has also been identified as a candidate for the position of honorary consul of Kyrgyzstan, underlining the international dimension of his engagement.

Yet Soysal’s most important contribution may be found in the everyday work he carries out: supporting local producers, welcoming international guests, preserving culinary traditions, assisting young entrepreneurs and making his establishment a place of generosity and exchange.

Through Brasserie Ommegang, Cemil Soysal has helped transform hospitality into a form of cultural diplomacy. His journey embodies a Brussels that is proud of its heritage, open to the world and committed to building a more inclusive and vibrant future.

Contact:

Brasserie Ommegang

Tel: 02 387 51 61

Website: www.ommegang-brussels.com

Address: Rue de la Montagne 4, 1000 Bruxelles