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

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

This is one of the good and fresh food addresses in the Flagey’s neighborhood.

Of course, eating soup seems more natural during the cold season, but if you’re not a big fan of salads with only lettuce but you still want to have a light lunch full of vegetables this address must be tried.

Everyday they make fresh and original soups, sometimes very original (like the odd, but yet delicious carrot-pineapple soup), served with home made bread.

Followed by a tea or a coffee, a fresh orange juice and even a home made oriental yoghurt and I must confess that I’m full! 

The venue is a modern, with a garden at the back with tables and chairs to eat outside if the weather is good. 

I like to go at any time of the day for lunch or for a late afternoon snack. 

Most of the customers are women, so guys… don’t hesitate to go there too, at least to enjoy the presence of so many nice females! 

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Oups | Snacks
Rue Lesbroussart, 13 | Ixelles
Mon – Thu 09:00 – 17:00, Fri 09:00 – 22:00

Do you know this feeling? You want to eat this particular dish that you use to eat when you were still living at your parents’ place… but you know the preparation takes long, you’re not sure about the recipe and you don’t see yourself calling your mum (who’s not living in the same town by the way) to ask her to prepare it…

Fortunately, I found out in my neighborhood a snack offering salads, soups and… traditional Moroccan food! And I found exactly what I was looking for: the taste from my childhood.

Obviously, I’m not the only one: many Moroccans eat there as well. It’s true that in the neighborhood there’s a Moroccan community: and some of them use to go there to drink the traditional tea, have a chat altogether, listening to the traditional music…

Sometimes, I have the feeling I’m in one of the many snacks in Casablanca… and it’s even true, when the waiter starts to sing an Arabic song while serving everyone!

I’ve tried nearly everything and was not disappointed, but I especially recommend the “Tagine Kefta” (ask for ‘la totale’ with potatoes and eggs), the “Soupes de lentilles”, or for dessert the “Raïb” (a home made yogourt).

Oh, and did I tell you? Yes, they have Couscous, of course!!!

Bsaha (Arabic word to say ‘bon appetit’)

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Perle D’Orient | Coffee & tea, Snacks, Restaurants (Moroccan)
rue Malibran, 23 | Ixelles | +32483422401
11:00 – 23:00 daily

You must know it already if you have been reading my articles, I like jazz music (and soul, funky, groovy, hip-hop music, …): so I can’t keep this legendary place in Brussels for myself and the very few who like Jazz. It’s located in a little street near the city hall of Ixelles : The Sounds.

The name itself sounds like this is the place were things happen. And things have been happening for more than 20 years now at the Sounds!

I can’t explain more than that. It’s not something you have to read, it’s something you should hear and experience by yourself. It’s warm, cosy, friendly and the sound in the air is one of the best in town.

Every Monday, you’ll enjoy the Master Sessions (with very good Belgian jazzmen), every Wednesday the sound is more latino, I’m sure none of us will complain.

And there’s a concert every other day, so you must find what you’re looking for (and even be well surprised).

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The Sounds | Bars, Music, Snacks
Rue de la Tulipe, 28 | Ixelles
Mon – Sat 20:00 – 04:00

One of the spots I like to go to is L’Auberge espagnole. When I make an appointment with French speaking friends, they’re very enthusiastic as it’s the name of a very popular french movie.

The place is a wine bar. I can’t tell you much about that, but it seems they have wine from Argentina and some other South American countries. According to my friends the choice is good.

Once, I tried their Chili Con Carne… and loved it. So few time later, I came back with a friend and on our way I was giving her all delicious details about this Chili… Hmmm we were so hungry! We arrived around 9 pm, and… bad surprise: no more Chili. Their advice was to come earlier or to make a booking… (something I never do).

So one week later, here we are – now the three of us – and it was only 7.30 pm. But again… bad news. No more Chili! I was so desperate and hungry and angry.

“How early is not too early to have this Chili? It’s even before 8 pm?”

After this, they can hardly forget me, and each time I go there, I don’t have to order : they know what I want!

I’m nearly regretting to let you know about this place, ’cause we will be even more people to order that dish!

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L’Auberge espagnole | Bars, Snacks, Restaurants (Tapas) | Tapas from € 5.00
Parvis de la Trinité, 10 | Ixelles | +32473315979
Tue – Sat 18:30 – 23:00

When I’m in the neighborhood of Saint Boniface and a little bit hungry for something quick, cheap but delicious, that’s the place I use to go with my friends.

They serve salads, burgers and pitta’s : all delicious and original recipes. My favorite is the “Pitta Ronron”: rice, nuts, banana, chicken…. The vegetarian burger is also a must.

One pitta is €6 and if you order a second one, it will cost you only €4 for it. Burgers are at €9.

The good thing is that the place is also a good spot to have just a drink.

The place is welcoming in any season : if it’s cold, the interior is cosy and if the weather is good, the big terrace make it certainly a very nice spot.

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Le Comptoir | Bars, Snacks
22, rue de la Paix | Ixelles
12:00 – 00:00 daily

Brussels is a city of islands. Not in the literal sense, of course, but every so often you find disconnected pockets of beauty and harmony floating in the general chaos of the city. Blomqvists is located in one of these ‘islands’ – the art nouveau district at Place St Boniface. There are already some great places to eat and drink (check the L’Ultime Atome article) and this Swedish/Italian espresso bar completes the offer perfectly. 

Every time I go it reminds me of visits to Stockholm with its laid-back cozy vibe; they even have little baskets of books in different languages under the tables for you to enjoy with your coffee. And while we’re on the subject, the coffee at Blomqvists is brilliant – they really know what they’re doing and the end result is a perfect cup, be it an espresso, or a milkier variety.

They have various pastries and cakes for the sweet-toothed among us, but I always know what I want even before I go in and see the selection: Kanelbullar. If you haven’t yet tried these Swedish cinnamon buns, you’re really missing out. They’re delicious here and are a perfect partner in crime for a  good strong coffee.

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Blomqvists | Coffee & tea, Snacks | Coffee € 2.50
Rue Francart 14 | Ixelles | +32484350644
Thu – Fri 11:00 – 19:00, Sat 11:00 – 18:00, Sun 12:00 – 17:00

I discovered this place thanks to the colorful street art of a map of Africa painted on the front. The place, that opened under a year ago, is very small, located in the busy Matonge area, just next to a car park. Not an obvious place for a fast food restaurant, but the owner managed, thanks to the bright and funky painting, to make it look enticing.

It took a couple of weeks for me to eventually go in and eat something, and it was really enjoyable. The dishes come from various African countries. On the day I went, we could choose from Angolan, Burundese and various West African dishes. There was fish and meat, plus several vegetarian options. They were fresh, healthy and delicious! Mister Jacob, the owner, explained that Fridays and Saturdays are especially suitable for vegetarians, as he prepares extra vegetarian dishes.

It’s also very reasonably priced, considering the quantity that piled up on my plate. But the sevice on its own is priceless. Mister Jacob and his friend behind the counter were funny and friendly, took the time to explain what each individual dish consisted of and managed, within a minute, before we had even touched the food, to convince my friend and I to come back very soon. A true gem in the heart of this fascinating neighbourhood!

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Malewa Express | Snacks, Restaurants (African) | Main dish € 5
Rue Francart 19 | Ixelles
Mon – Sat: 12:00 – 22:00

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