Last Updated on 7 October 2025 by Vanessa
Brasserie Mokafé in the gorgeous Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert in Belgium’s capital isn’t just known for its traditional cuisine and vintage charm—it’s also home to a beloved cat named Kitty.
Meet Kitty, the cat of the Mokafé brasserie in Brussels
Kitty’s origin story
Kitty arrived at Mokafé in 2019.
The proprietors of the brasserie, Bob Charlier and his daughter Vanessa, were still mourning the passing of their former cat, Moka, who had been a beloved presence for 15 years.
(By the way, we wrote an article about Moka in 2015, if you’re interested in learning more. It’s a delightful story—someone even wrote a book about Moka, and he was featured on Japanese television.)
Initially hesitant about welcoming another cat into their lives, Bob and Vanessa were swayed when the cousin of Vanessa’s sister-in-law offered them a kitten from the litter in his garden.
Viewing it as a sign that Mokafé was ready for a new furry friend, they accepted.
Until then, every feline resident of this renowned brasserie in Brussels had been named Moka.
However, Vanessa’s sister-in-law was a Hello Kitty fan, and she insisted on the name Kitty for the new addition to Mokafé.
And so, a star was born.
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Mouser extraordinaire
Mokafé has had resident cats since its inception in the first half of the 19th century. They primarily serve as expert mousers. At its core, this remains Kitty’s duty, though she’s essentially treated like royalty in the house.
However, Kitty’s first encounter with a mouse left her so frightened that she bolted away.
Fortunately, it didn’t take long for this once-timid feline to reveal her true courage. She quickly took to chasing mice and rats, preventing them from nibbling on patrons’ shoes.
Ever since Kitty’s arrival in 2019, the brasserie has remained rodent-free.
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Kitty fever
Kitty’s true calling at Mokafé is just being adored and pampered.
She has quite a few devoted fans, too, some of whom visit her daily.
Take Alain, for instance.
Alain is a retired veterinarian who lives in one of the apartments in the Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert where Mokafé is located. He starts his mornings with coffee and breakfast in Kitty’s company.
“Alain is like Kitty’s second father. They’re incredibly close,” says Mokafé owner Vanessa. “During the Covid outbreak, he even made a point to visit daily, feeding Kitty and spending quality time with her. They’ve become inseparable.”
Another regular visitor was a 93-year-old lady who visited Kitty almost daily.
She always left her jacket next to her on the bench to make sure that Kitty had a cozy spot to sleep on.
Yet, Kitty’s most ardent admirer is Mokafé owner Bob Charlier.
“He’s not one for sentimentality, except when it comes to Kitty,” his daughter Vanessa explains.
In general, visitors are thrilled to discover a cat at this renowned brasserie.
In any case, cat haters aren’t welcome here—Kitty’s needs always take precedence.
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When and how to meet Kitty
Kitty is a bit less sociable than Mokafé’s previous cat, Moka.
Although she’s incredibly sweet, she isn’t fond of too much attention from large crowds.
Therefore, she will often be hiding downstairs in the basement when the brasserie gets too crowded. It’s one of her favorite spots.
I’ve been to Mokafé several times now, and I’ve never seen her during the busiest times.
However, during quieter moments, Kitty reliably ends up on my lap.
The ideal time to catch her is early in the morning when Mokafé first opens.
Grab your morning coffee and croissant, and chances are Kitty will come over to nap nearby.
If she senses your trustworthiness, she might even curl up on your lap (and be reluctant to leave afterward).
Between nine and ten is when Kitty usually takes her leave, as Mokafé starts bustling with activity.
While you can request the staff to bring Kitty to you during busy hours (and they usually oblige), it’s not her preference, and she may quickly scamper away.
Another option is to visit Mokafé after nine in the evening, or even later, when most diners have left and the brasserie begins to quiet down.
Unlike Moka, Kitty rarely ventures onto the terrace or beyond the Saint Hubert Gallery. Her usual limit is the doormat at the entrance.
If you arrive late and find the brasserie closed, don’t fret. Chances are, Kitty will be snoozing by the window. She adores that spot, and the staff always ensures she has enough room to rest comfortably.
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About Mokafé
With its wooden walls and elegant chandeliers, Mokafé radiates the charm of a bygone era while embracing the classic ambiance of a Brussels’ brasserie.
On the menu, you’ll find a variety of classic Belgian dishes and café fare.
From hearty breakfast choices like croissants and omelets to indulgent treats like Belgian waffles and ice cream, as well as local lunch and dinner options such as boulettes liégoises, carbonades, and vol-au-vent.
Mokafé also caters to coffee aficionados, tea enthusiasts, and those seeking beverages to complement their meal or savor on their own.
As for Kitty, she enjoys sampling the offerings herself, particularly relishing smoked salmon, shrimps, and tuna.
Yet, she’s equally content with a comforting bowl of Sheba soup.
And yes, she gets to taste-test everything at the end of the day when the staff cleans out the fridges.
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Opening hours
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- Monday: 07:30 am – 08:00 pm
- Tuesday to Sunday: 07:30 am – 11:00 pm
How to reach Brasserie Mokafé?
Mokafé is located in Galerie du Roi 9, right in the heart of the Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert in Brussels. It’s just a stone’s throw away from Manneken-Pis and the Grand Place.
Here’s how to get there:
- By train: Brussels Central Station.
- By metro: Brussels Central Station (lines one and five).
- By bus: Buses 71 (Arenberg), 29 (Arenberg), 63 (Central Station), 66 (Central Station), 65 (Central Station)
- By car: Parking can be tough in the city center. Look for such nearby parking options like Interparking Albertine-Square or Parking Royal Windsor.
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Conclusion
Have you ever met Kitty from the Mokafé brasserie in Brussels?
If so, share your experience in the comments, and don’t hesitate to share your photos of Kitty with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
And even if you’re not necessarily a fan of cats, Brasserie Mokafé remains one of the best spots in Brussels to grab a meal and to soak up that typically Belgian atmosphere.
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About the photographer
Jennifer Wittevrouw is a passionate photographer based in Brussels. She explores the art of photography through various techniques, from analog to digital, always seeking experimentation.
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One Response
What an incredible lovely Kitty Cat. Kitty has similar markings to our late “Tiger” kitty. Still miss our Tiger.
Thanks so much for participating and sharing at #21 InLinkz #WordlessWednesday (Words are also welcome). See you again next week https://esmesalon.com/tag/wordlesswednesday/