The highlight of my trip to Brussels. Tonton Garby has to be the most special sandwich shop I have ever come across. It’s a sandwich shop with no proper menu. The service you receive here makes you feel like the most important customer in the world. The sandwiches are delicious and are made with such care and attention to detail. Sandwiches are also sold at very reasonable prices. For those leaving negative reviews, the long wait can’t be helped. Tonton Garby is a popular spot and if you’re not willing to wait up to 40 mins for a cheese sandwich, that’s not their fault. Despite such high reviews, please bear in mind: It’s just a well made cheese sandwich with immaculate service. Nothing else. Manage your expectations and be prepared to wait at least 15 minutes!

This guy isn't selling you a good sandwich, he's just selling you a conversation because you'll wait over an hour to watch him speak to the people in front of you for 15min+ before he even starts preparing the single sub they ordered. The sandwich is garbage at best, he's got cheeses that aren't anything special. And yes he is the only person serving. We had a guy who tried to push in the line saying he has to be somewhere, for real, he thought he could get served a sub in less than 10 minutes, he was dreaming. Do yourself a favour and order food literally anywhere else. If you are outside the door, brace yourself for a LONG LONG 40 minutes+ of waiting. If you are inside the door, consider another 20-30 minutes. You see how the owner has tables inside but you don't see anyone sitting and eating? Because they finish eating before he serves the next customer. We got served sandwiches at our hotel which tasted 900% better than this, and it was buffet style so we could go back for more, and guess what? NO WAITING!

Warning: If you can't wait for 20-40mins, come early and avoid peak hour, which is 1200-1430. Man with great passion about cheese, and customer service. He will talk to you and treat you like you are the only one in the shop, he will help you find the cheese and flavour for your baguette. Not only that he will talk to you and get to know you, he is also well versed in multiple languages too. Freshly baked baguette, various cheeses, fruits, nuts, meat and his special honey. If you like sweet or savoury, let him know. The spicy cheese with the soft cream cheese, fruits and honey was a beautiful combination. The wait will be long, this is due to his customer service where he educates you about cheese and he tries to identify your taste and offer the right style. A few customers came back many times and were willing to wait, be mindful it will be 5-10min per customer and since he works alone it may take longer if people order large bulks. Worth the wait for his beautiful cheese and flavour combos.

The best sandwich I have ever had. Tonton is not just a sandwich place, but an experience. They will spend 10 minutes with you cultivating the best sandwich. "Sweet, savory, spicy, or exotic" is the question you will be asked to start your journey to the best sandwich. Do yourself a favor, grab 7€, and go treat yourself to a sandwich.

The shop is owned by 2 brothers. Since now the other brother is taking care of the other branch near the beach, the older brother who takes care of this branch opens slightly later at around 10.20am. We were the first one to arrive and he’s very friendly. Don’t worry if you don’t know anything about cheese because he makes the best recommendations. The one we had was the goat cheese with pear baguette which was sweet and the Italy spice cheese with onion which was salty and flavorful. Both were nice in my opinion. He would spend the time to recommend and hand made each and every one of the cheese sandwiches. But due to this there will always be a long line because he is only one person. We also had the banana milkshake. That was surprisingly good too. He has a few tables that allows for dine in. There were 2 more options that he suggested with beef salami. Unfortunately we don’t eat beef so we had to opt for the other 2 options. Overall experience was very good. Would strongly recommend but might have to wait a little longer. Not advisable to go if you’re already hungry unless you’re the first customer of the day.

The experience was simply amazing and what makes it more special is the warm hearted enthusiasm and passion of the person preparing the Sandwiches. Great things take time, there is passion and connection process to what the customer likes in choosing the sandwich. He would ask what you like, suggest the kind of flavors, and in the process get to know you. This takes time and is part of the experience and process to making that sandwich special for you. Therefore, if you inpatient, this might not be the right place for you (but please do be with warm open heart). He will connect with the person or group ordering (around 10 min talking and preparing) speaking in various languages. He would ask you to grab a fresh fruit out of the fridge, breaking the barriers and for some reason I truly believe that due to his positive view of life and care for his customers, it is reflected within the sandwich. The place is small with 3 tables but by the time one customer orders a group would finish and all works out in perfect harmony. You get to listen in to conversations of people and where they from or sit and savor the colorful flavor of your sandwich. I would not be surprised if it at least got in the list of Michelin Bib Gourmand, and hope it gets reviewed for that and get recognized. As it is a hidden gem and definitely value for money. It is definitely and experience and fulfilling sandwich and highly recommended to visit, for myself I definitely will be a regular whenever I am in Brussels. Thank you Gary for a wonderful experience, conversation, and of course an amazing sandwich!

Unpopular opinion. The spectacle of Monsieur Garby? Amazing. All the hospitality he shows with his guests could be a bit too much for someone who is quite introverted though. The sandwich? It’s ok. I chose some more “rare” Belgian cheese + Corsican cheese to try because I had tried lots of cheese already, and the result? it was ok. I did not really get wowed. For example, i already forgot about it and can’t think of any characteristics of it. I feel really sorry to say this but that is the truth. My boyfriend loved his sandwich and I saw everyone else around me loving what they received but maybe it is just me. In a summary, go there if you’ve got lots of time or if you see a short queue (there were only 5- 6 people in front of me, quite a short queue but I’ve still waited like 45 mins) OR just get a good bread, lovely cheese and make a sandwich yourself!

Cheeses and sandwiches were great, but what really stood out was the service. The brothers speak all sort of languages and they welcome everyone so warmly. They always recommend their top 4 choices and clients proceed to pick one. They really make you feel comfortable

Drop everything. Wherever you are staying in the city and get on a bike, bus, tram, scooter to get here! I love cheese and they know what they are talking about. Delicious sandwiches that will make you think about think about them weeks later. The happiest humans I’ve ever met and happy to find you a sandwich you love!!!

Excellent sandwiches. The "exotic" papaya goat cheese and spicy Gouda was incredible combination. The fresh bread was so crunchy with a soft inside. You *will queue* waiting. We were just outside the door and it took about an hour.

Would give 10 stars if I could. Best sandwich of my life. We were lucky to not have to wait for too long but almost immediately after we sat down a long line began forming. One lady in front of us even ordered 10 sandwiches! The 2 brothers who run the shop are really friendly, all smiles and pride themselves on making every customer happy and satisfied. They speak all kinds of languages too! They will describe and recommend several combinations based on your preferences. We got 2 to eat inside and it was so good that we decided to get another to takeaway. Each sandwich is €8 I think the service made the whole experience really great, even though it’s a small shop don’t look past it. Definitely recommend the papaya cheese combination!!

The very definition of hospitality and kindness. The hosts were exceedingly welcoming and friendly throughout, from ordering to the end of our meal. We were served a cup of pea soup and even an extra cup of hot chocolate with our order. Sandwiches were great. Best not to challenge them as they know what is best 😆. Loved the flavour combination we had (papaya cow's cheese, pear, grape, blueberry, salami, honey). Sweet and savoury. Please do manage your expectations. It isn't going to taste premium or anything (bear in mind they're not pricey sandwiches) and the queue can be a wait because there's just the two of them. But if you wait and be nice, they will be your friend in a foreign land.

This man's passion for making sandwiches is unrivalled. He'll have a full conversation with you, and then tailor-make the perfect sandwich for you. The greatest sandwich you'll ever have. Oh, and you pay if you like it. Trust me you'll end up paying. Absolutely phenomenal. Might just come to Brussels again just for Tonton Garby. Much love to him.

It was truly an experience! The fact that they took the time to determine what flavors I like and to combine them into a masterpiece was indescribable. Even though there is not much space inside, they will make you feel at home and give you freebies while you wait. Highly recommend if you want the best sandwich of your life for cheap!

The most unique sandwich I’ve hd in my life! My recommendation is to not tell the owner exactly what you want, but give a vague description (eg spicy,salty,meat or not) and let him improvise. You’ll have to wait in line at least an hour (even with 2-3 people in line) but totally worth it!!! Till next time

The best cheese sandwich with belgian cheese. The owner takes his time for EVERY customer and helps choose their best sandwich. I had to wait 1 hour 30min until i could order my sandwich. But i would do it again. Its really good and the owner is really friendly and love to chat with his customers. He really enjoy his work. Its the reason why this place is so famous and always has a queue. Next time i will come very early after opening.

Amazing sandwich experience. Ordering can take awhile because there is only room for one cook back there and he takes care to ask clients questions about what they want on their sandwiches. He then makes sure that everyone tastes the sandwich before paying because if you don’t like it you get your money back. He shows in every step of the process that he cares about each person who walks through the door.

The best sandwich in my life! There are 2 brothers that put so much passion in their sandwiches that you lick your fingers. 7.5 euro per sandwich, you can have a sweet or salty one.

Best sandwiches ever. The owner was extremely knowledgeable and you could just tell he took a ton of pride in his sandwiches and what he does. Watching him make food was like watching art. He took a ton of care to make sure everything was exactly right. He even makes you take a bite if you are taking it to go before you leave to ensure you like it. Don't like it? You don't pay. We were a little worried first walking in as there wasn't a menu but he quickly walks you through asking what you like and giving options. And his combinations are great. HIGHLY recommend

It is the most interesting sandwich place that I have ever visited. The line was about 30 min, however it did not feel long. Everyone in the line made friends with each other. The place was advertised as a best sandwich place in the Brussel. It was truly outstanding. The only warning, go only if you like cheese. If cheese is not your thing or you allergic to it, skip this shop.

Incredible little sandwich shop where everyone gets a personalized experience as they order. You can tell the owner is passionate about what he does. Worth the wait!

Worth the wait. Definitely not your "quick bite to eat" place, but more of a one of a kind sandwich experience that requires patience. I waited for a full hour, watching smiling clients exit the store with their sandwich in hand, knowing I had to stay in line. Cheese, fruit, honey, sausage... He has it all, and makes it up on the go as you chit chat along the way. If you've had enough fries, stop by Tonton Garby!

There are really amazing tasty sandwiches, which I ever have tried. Kind owner put all his soul in this great job. You can order sandwiches salty and sweet with different cheeses, vegetables, fruits, honey…I order sweat sandwich with blue cheese, Camembert, Portugal honey. It was amazing tasty. Always there line waiting.

Amazing sandwiches made by a man specializing in cheese since 1986. He spends 10+ minutes with each customer getting to know them and then recommending four sandwich choices. He makes each sandwich by hand with fresh cheeses and other ingredients that he prepares in front of you. You can also taste the ingredients if you want. He gives you 1/2 the sandwich to eat there and 1/2 in a bag for later. Worth the long wait (add 10 minutes for each person in front of you). Sandwiches are 8 Euro and bottles of water are 1 Euro. Best sandwich in Brussels hands down!

I can see some « karen » type reviews but i honestly think the personalised experience and the delicious sandwiches are worth the wait! I waited for one hour and i loved every bite of that delicious sandwich! If you’re unhappy then just go grab a Mc Donald’s menu, and quit wining 😘

Truly one of the best sandwiches I’ve had in the world and not only that the kindest and most caring owner as well. He is very welcoming and gets to know you and will make the sandwich the way you like to perfection.

Definitely worth the wait!! My husband and I shared two different sandwiches and were told the order in which to eat them for the best experience. We had the best conversation and felt truly cared for while we were here!

Went there today after wanting to go for so long but always saw a long queue. Today's queue was okay, only 2 couples before me but it did take a long time as the owner talks with his customers while making their sandwiches. I will say that this is by far one of the best sandwiches I've tried after living in Brussels for 5 years. The owner asks you what you like, if you have any allergies, if you like sweet or salty and even asks what cheese you like. He kind of just generates a sandwich for you, even letting you taste the cheese before to see if you like it or not and always asks whether you want something on your sandwich. I was lucky to have the last sandwich before closing time :) He makes his sandwich with so much love and care as well as lets you try it before leaving because if you don't like it, he'll make you a new one! An honestly friendly guy which brightened my mood for the day, absolutely recommend the place if you see that there is not a long queue ahead of you.

Don’t think. Just go. The most incredible sandwich. Nicest people. Salt of the earth type of people. I left wondering how I can excuse that kind of joy to everyone I meet. I just told them what I loved and didn’t like and let them go wild with our sandwiches.

I cannot say enough good things about this place. A must when visiting Brussels A very special experience in every way possible. Highly recommended

One of my favorite places in Belgium :) The owner is super friendly and the taste of their sandwiches is definitely the best. Definitely recommended!

This small shop near the city center has the best sandwiches I have had in memory.

One of the best places I’ve ever dined in! The staff is made in Heaven: very attentive and caring, the process of serving food is personal. The food itself is made of fresh and high quality ingredients right in front of you. You might stuck in the line for a while, but believe me it’s worth it!

This is were you order your last meal, after a sandwich from this place it's OK to die. #YouDontRushPerfection

This family owned establishment was one of the highlights of our trip. They made a lunch stop an experience. The sandwiches were unbelievable and they took great care in making sure we got something we enjoyed. The girls from Chicago say thank you and hopefully we get to return here one day.

Excellent sandwiches and definitely worth the conversation and time spent there!

The waiting time of over one hour was to be expected but still very long. It‘s a nice show but you will experience it multiple times while waiting. The sandwiches are pretty good but not out of this world.

Amazing sandwiches with an equally amazing owner. He starts by asking you questions about what you like and then offers suggestions on sandwiches. He only uses the best ingredients because he's passionate about making the best possible sandwiches. His key concern is for his customers and he just wants them to be happy.

Worth the wait - customer experience at its finest! The owner is so friendly, patient and wants you to be happy. And he definitely overachieved with the most amazing sandwich I have ever eaten!

Go for the sandwich and enjoy the show. The best sandwich I have ever tried. Custom made to each customer. Huge selection of cheeses. You must visit this place. There may be a long line, but worth the wait.

Come here early so you won't run out of bread and miss it! I think we spent ~1h waiting in line to get a sandwich and we were lucky to get the last bread of the day at 3pm. Had to split 1 sandwich with my boyfriend because it was the last one. He asks what type of sandwich you like and gives you options to choose from based on that. My boyfriend also enjoyed talking with "Tonton Garby" the sandwich guy. He had so many stories for all his customers and tries to get to know them while making your sandwich. He was so nice and polite and he made sure we liked the taste and apologized for the long queue.

Houssain makes this small sandwich shop an amazing experience. He treats each customer as if there isn't anyone else in the room. Will speak in 4-5 languages in order to interact with them. Now for the food: it's phenomenal. Chef understands how to balance his cheeses and flavor profiles and creates can't miss combinations. Sweet, savory, spicy, creamy concoctions of greatness. This place is a can't miss in Brussels. A place I won't forget

Fantastic sandwiches and a wonderful owner. Such a joyful place. They won't let you pay until after you try the sandwich and are happy and smiling. They only have 3 tables and the place is tiny, so you share with others if there's room. They take time with each customer to go through the cheeses and suggest sandwiches, so you have to wait a while to order once you are in line. Probably about 10 minutes per customer. It's totally worth the wait! Also very affordable. I was only in town for a day, but if I had more time in Brussels, I would probably make it a daily stop.

This is the best experience ever. Owners are making the best sandwiches in the world! Their love for what they are doing is enormous. Definitely must go while in Brussels!

Amazing! A must in Brussels. Best sandwich I’ve ever had. Plus the owner is fantastic! Takes time to talk to every guest. Worth the wait

Amazing sandwiches with a wide selection of cheeses. The hospitality and customer service was out of this world, especially with how much effort he puts into each sandwich to make it perfect just for you. If you love cheese and sandwiches you need to come here.