Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – It happens every five years….. the EU’s traditional transition from one legislative cycle to another.
It has just happened again, of course, with “all change” being order of the day following last year’s EU elections, with the subsequent intake of many new MEPs, and a brand new EU commission.
As well as a big change in personnel at the top of the EU tree it also means that many of the staff who work in the European Commission, Council and Parliament, leave their posts and move on to pastures new, with a new “intake” replacing them.
In fact, an estimated more than half of the MEPs now comprising the EU parliament are also new to Brussels, having been elected as Euro members for the first time.
This can trigger a little-publicised
serious spin-off effect – the impact on the businesses in and around the EU Quarter, or “bubble” as it is called by many. Many will be unknown to the newcomers which can, in turn, badly impact on their trade.
But one thing most, if not all, these newcomers have in common is a desire to find out more about their “adopted” new city – Brussels – and what it offers.
So, in a spirit of trying to raise awareness of such things Brussels Morning has compiled a list of places that are sure to satisfy at least one demand on the tip of most people’s tongues – the search for some good places to eat.
In no particular order we have compiled a “top ten” of some of the best in Brussels (and beyond). Here they are:
Osteria Romana
Chef/owner Filippo likes to “transport” his customers to his childhood memories spent in Rome and “his grandmother’s kitchen.” Well known for its signature dish, carbonara, which is full of flavour and really respectful of the authentic carbonara recipe (no cream, no onions).Considered one of the best in the Belgian capital, the dish is prepared with al dente spaghetti, organic eggs, Pecorino romano, Amatrice pork cheek and a blend of black pepper. Devine.
It is served in a (sometimes wobbly) pan so one top tip: for stability, hold the handle in one hand while you scoop out the (mouth-watering) pasta with the other.
Manhattn’s has continued its remarkably rapid expansion by opening its 10th burger restaurant.
Launched by go-ahead Belgian brothers Jerome and Philippe Vandermeulen, it prides itself on what they call a “fast-casual dining experience.”
Jerome once worked for a spell in a food truck in New York’s Central Park selling something that Belgium is well known for (waffles).
To mark the 10th anniversary of the business they brought out a special burger which, like the others, is sourced from grass-fed Irish Angus beef.
Belgium’s also known for its frites and they do not come much better than here (nice names too: “Godfather Fries”; “Yankee Fries”).
L’Orchidee Blanche
“Women power” is the name of the game at this quite splendid Vietnamese resto in Ixelles.
Something of a trendsetter and one of the few that practices what it preaches about gender equality.
The result is that virtually all the staff are ladies.This partly reflects the key role traditionally played by women in restaurant businesses back in Vietnam.
Most hail originally from Vietnam and are all kitted out in some delightful traditional costumes, most of which are brought back to Belgium by super-friendly owner Katia Nguyen.
The food is as good as the outfits look. So good, in fact, that, a few years ago, it was awarded the prestige title of “Best Asian Restaurant in Belgium” by the renowned food guide, Gault and Millau.
Cite Du Dragon
There are hundreds of Chinese restaurants in Brussels – some good and some very good – but this place, surely, beats them all.
It is not difficult to see why it is as popular today as it was back in 1991 when it first opened.
Why? Well, start with the decor – a glorious garden and water features, and the cavernous inside (it can seat hundreds), with oriental antiques and painted murals – all in a 1923 villa and quite something to behold.
Importantly, of course, the same applies to what is some fabulous cuisine – another reason for its continued and long lasting success. A real palace of Eastern gastronomy.
Bocconi
If you are looking for the finest Italian food in Brussels, look no further than this stylish restaurant, next to the famous Amigo Hotel (a regular spot for the rich and famous) and just round the corner from the iconic Grand Place.
The fantastic menu in this newly reimagined resto is designed by Fulvio Pierangelini, one of Italy´s most renowned chefs.
The chefs here, who hail from Italy’s diverse regions, try to use only a handful of ingredients in his top-notch cooking. Keep it simple is the motto. Simple, maybe, but sumptuous. All served in a light filled dining room surrounded by great artwork.
Of course, all new arrivals to Belgium will want to venture out of the capital and see a bit of the rest of the country.Belgium is full of lovely places to visit (and eat) including the fine Flemish city of Gent.
Restaurant Du Progres
The owner of this splendid establishment in Gent for over two decades, Johan De Baets, has now handed over the reins to Stijn Verpaele, a fellow Fleming and close friend.
Unashamedly a classic Belgian brasserie, the wholesome food, which can be ordered via iPad or scanning a code on the table, includes a great and very tasty mixture of meat and fish as well as salads, pasta and veggie options.
It is located right at the heart of this delightful Flemish city (ranked No.9 in the world for quality of life by Oxford Economics’ new Global Cities Index).
In the southern, French-speaking part of the country is some exquisite countryside and at least one equally exquisite place to dine.
Manoir de Lébioles
The cuisine here respects locally sourced ingredients but it is also fashioned with original twists.
Set against a magical Ardennes backdrop, not far from Spa, the restaurant at Manoir de Lébioles, offers splendid regional produce and the freshest and seasonal food. The chef aims to combine fine flavours and unusual compositions in order to create regional dishes, all accompanied by exclusive wines.
The hotel takes its name from the delightful Bois Lébioles which it overlooks. There are many walks before or after sampling some terrific top cuisine.
It is not just MEPs and Eurocrats themselves who may be new to Brussels – so too are at least a couple of culinary newbies.
Maracudja
Since the beginning of January, Brussels has welcomed a new culinary offering, with the opening of Maracudja, specialising in West Indian-inspired food.
But it offers much more than a simple meal with tropical scents: it is a real invitation to travel to the heart of West Indian culture as soon as you walk through the door.
The menu is based on family recipes that pay homage to the richness of West Indian culinary traditions. Emblematic dishes of the Caribbean islands, such as chicken colombo and cod fritters (commonly called “accras”) are all featured. But it also offers the chance to discover other lesser-known family dishes such as “grandma Sylvie’s roasted beef” and “mum’s coconut flan”. A welcome addition to the city’s eating out scene.
ZEYYA
Another very recent (and equally welcome) newcomer to Brussels’ culinary landscape is ZEYYA which, set in refined surroundings, seeks to combine Mediterranean flavours with contemporary sophistication. It celebrates Greek, Lebanese and Turkish traditions and invites you to an “unforgettable taste journey.”
At the helm is the highly promising young chef Artem Goncharov.
Perfect for a business lunch, a dinner for two or an evening with friends. The soon-to-open terrace, decorated with fountains, wisteria and lavender, offers a total change of scenery. The unique acoustic design, thanks to a recycled paper ceiling, is ideal for the live music it boasts. Also check out the O’Bar rooftop (open from April) for a selection of finger food and mezze.
The Black Sheep
This atmospheric place has just introduced something all British expats in particular usually miss about their “homeland” – the good old Sunday roast dinner.
It comprises the full “works”, including prime cuts of roast beef along with all the usual trimmings. It is available on Saturdays and Sundays and you can wash it all down with the pub’s selection some great Belgian beers. This bustling and popular eatery also has a totally separate menu during the week, featuring a great choice of fish, meat and other dishes (all very reasonably priced).
So, there you have it. From burgers and pasta to Asian and Mediterranean cuisine, the “newbies” in Brussels will soon discover the self-proclaimed “capital of Europe” has something to more than satisfy even the most demanding of tastes.
