The first detail I discovered about the neighborhood I was going to live in: a step away I could find the best frites in the whole of Brussels.

Maison Antoine is widely known as one of the best places for French fries made from fresh potatoes, and although I can’t be the best judge on this typical Belgian food, I admit they are very good, just perfect when you add any of those dozen of sauces available.

What I also find very attractive is the deal they made with the pubs around the square. If you see in display on the windows of the pubs a “happy cone”, you are sure that they are happy to serve you a beer while you eat your “cone” of frites: very convenient!

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Maison Antoine | Snacks | Fries € 2.00
Pl. Jourdan, Etterbeek | Etterbeek/ Eur.Qt
Sun – Thu 11:30 – 01:00, Fri – Sat 11:30 – 02:00

There is only one good vegetarian place to go on the Anspachlaan. This little restaurant offers the best falafel ever. A counter, three tables, a fridge with beverages and a large salad bar are the settings for a cozy restaurant experience.

You order your falafel and watch the skilled cook preparing it. Then you take your falafel to the salad bar and you fill it up with a nice assortment of vegetables. Do not forget the delicious white tahin sauce that goes with a genuine falafel. This restaurant is a wonderful change from the abundant sandwich joints in Brussels, here you can eat a falafel that’s definitely worth the name.

The people of this place are opening another Mr. Falafel at the Horta Gallery soon and in Ghent, Antwerp and Brugge. Tasting their falafel will have you wanting more. Especially the fresh sauces and salads that are full of flavor and herbs. I know you’ll be wanting to return or ask the owner to establish one in your hometown. And these must be the nicest restaurant owners in town.

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Mr Falafel-snackbar | Snacks, Restaurants (Egyptian) | Falafel € 4
Lemonnierlaan 53 | Center
12:00 – 00:00 daily

Opened few years ago, Mamma Roma is already one of the meeting points for quick and healthy food in town for any time of the day. 3 shops are located near 3 of the main apero squares in town (Chatelain, Flagey, Jourdan), 1 (Bondael) in the university area and 1 soon to open right in the center in St. Gery. They serve sliced pizza  (pizza al taglio) in 10 or more different flavors.

You choose which one, you choose how much and there you are: your quick dinner is ready. It’s good, really, I’m Italian and I have some knowledge about pizza. It’s cheap too. The “lunch” (anytime) is 2 slices plus a drink, and it’s just € 7! Also for take away it’s the same price.

The only downside… it’s always crowded. I prefer the one in pl. Jourdan: it’s bigger and has a nice terrace.

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Mamma Roma | Snacks, Restaurants (Pizza) | Lunch € 7.00
Pl. Jourdan 37 | Etterbeek/ Eur.Qt
12:00 – 23:00 daily

Therese et Dominique is one of those places where ordering the regular would be a true crime.

Although this is ‘just’ a sandwich bar, it would be a pity to go for the baguette with tuna fish you always eat. Apart from the usual stuff they have a bunch of specialties worth to be discovered. Try for instance an adapted ciccio bello, mozzarella-tomato with sweet peppers and fried aubergine slices, divine.

When the weather is nice I like to take-away my treasure and eat it sitting in the sun of the Poelaert square while doing some tourist watching, but it’s also possible to eat at the place itself, inside or in the cute garden.

Measured by the queues that might appear at the entrance it seems I’m not the only fan of the place, make sure you’re in it. Don’t worry, they work fast, you never have to wait too long.

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Therese et Dominique | Coffee & tea, Snacks | Baguette € 3.50
Dejonckerstraat 23 | Ixelles
Mon – Sat

The Rue Jourdan is one of the places to be when you’re looking for a cozy street full of nice resto terraces in the Louiza Area. Located close to movie theatres UGC Toison d’Or and Vendôme (check the Vendôme article) makes it a good spot for a pre-movie dinner.

Italians are well represented in this street, Al Piccolo Mondo, I Trulli, Il Rinascimento , Il Vecchio Mulino… your pick! Fancy French food? Try a Coq au vin in Le Délire Parisien or French/Belgian cuisine in Au Boeuf Gros Sel while Kwiling will feed the ones looking for Asian kitchen.

Take a look around the corner in Rue Dejoncker for other (and more budget-friendly) options such as Lebanese and Vietnamese restaurants and a regular brasserie.

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Rue Jourdan | Bars, Snacks, Restaurants
Rue Jourdan | Ixelles
Early breakfast – late dinner daily

Looking for a tasty crêpe and don’t have time to go to Brittany or Normandy? We Belgians like pancakes too. The sweet ones are the most popular and widespread, most brasseries offer sweet pancakes as a dessert and it is a typical treat at children’s birthday parties.

Pancakes with savory fillings are a little harder to find however. Maison des Crêpes is one of those places that offers both sweet and savory fillings.

Enjoy your lunch/dinner or ‘in between’ in this cosy place with over-friendly service…and don’t forget to order your apple Cider… ;)

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La maison des Crêpes | Snacks, Restaurants (Crepes)
Zuidstraat 13 | Center | +322475957368
Tue – Sun 11:00 – 23:00

Together with Gecko (see the Gecko article) this cosy place is definitely one of my favorite bars in Brussels.

In wintertime or during rainy days you can admire the wooden interior and mirrored walls. Music is always good, and the volume is often limited so you still can have a decent conversation with your friends.

In summertime, if the weather permits, you also can sit outside at the lovely terrace. Since it’s located in a pedestrian area you’re not attacked by exhaust fumes, making it an ideal spot to relax, read a book or to do some people-watching while you are sipping your cocktail.

Coke lovers, be warned, you won’t find any Coca or Pepsi in here. Other softdrinks are present, a wide range of beers as well. Cherry beer lovers, surprise yourself and ask the waiter if they have the special acid one.

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Au Soleil | Bars, Snacks
Rue du Marché au Charbon 86 | Center | +3225123430
Sun – Thu 10:00 – 01:00, Fri – Sat 10:00 – 02:00

The world refers to them as French fries, although there is no population in the world that eats more of them and they were invented here, in this country. You spent all your money in chocolate stores and you’re running out of budget? Or you’re just looking for some quick and cheap snack?

Try a typical ‘frietkot’ and head to Fritland, located in the tourist heart of the centre. Ready in a minute and you can eat them inside, outside on the terrace or as takeaway to enjoy your meal at the steps of the Bourse.

Wanna act like a local? Skip the french fries but do try a mitraillette, Fritland has the best ones in town. No fear, no one will get harmed, it’s just a baguette with hamburger, lettuce, baked onions, cocktail sauce and – of course – Belgian fries.

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Fritland | Snacks, Restaurants (Friterie) | Mitraillette € 3.50
Rue Henri Maus 49 | Center | +3225140627
Sun – Thu 11:00 – 01:00, Fri – Sat 11:00 – 07:00

This was the first bar I went to when I moved to Brussels. My friend brought me here to celebrate my new job. Since that time I can’t avoid a stop here if I’m in the neighborhood.

They have few tables, friendly staff, and a good choice of wine and beers. However, what attracts me most are the tapas. Just what you need while drinking a good glass. Try the quinoa salad or the cheese (not always available)!

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Delecta | Bars, Snacks | Beer € 2.00
Rue Lannoy, 2 | Ixelles
Mon – Fri 10:00 – 01:00, Sat 11:00 – 02:00

Ever since Le Fonograf opened, just a few months ago, I’ve been trying to find an opportunity to check it out. When I finally made it there on a Saturday night, I had an amazing time. The atmosphere is laid-back and convivial, with a few large tables that strangers often share with each other. 

The concept is a cross between a workers canteen and a dance hall, so they serve basic but good value food to keep the hunger at bay and allow you to stay longer. The drinks too are very reasonably priced, with some good Italian and Spanish organic wines, as well as a good selection of artisan Belgian beers.

They have free live music almost every night. I ended up during an open jam session and a group of Balkan musicians stumbled in and entertained us all for over two hours. Located very close to the Grand Place, it fills a void in an otherwise touristy area of nothing but kebab shops, overpriced restaurants and kitsch bars. 

I will definitely be going back again and again and it’s one of those places where everyone is having such a good time, you’re sure to make new friends.

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Le Fonograf | Bars, Snacks | Drink € 1.90
Rue de la Violette 32 | Center | +3225112226
Sun – Thu 12:00 – 01:00, Fri – Sat 12:00 – 02:00