Located on an avenue of embassies near the forest that surrounds Brussels, the Villa Empain offers a unique experience. When you first walk in, you are blown away by the sheer opulence of the whole thing, standing in a house straight out of the Great Gatsby and the gilded jazz age. The architectural details hit you next and you ask yourself if you have somehow stumbled into an interbellum murder mystery à la Hercule Poirot.
In 1930, Baron Empain, industrialist and financier, developer of the Paris metro, commissioned the villa to be built in the most fashionable style of the day: Art Deco. 80-odd years later and the villa has been a museum, home of the Russian embassy and headquarters of broadcaster RTL.
It is now the property of the Boghossian Foundation, which has beautifully restored the villa and dedicated it as a venue for artistic dialogue between East and West. It is worth visiting for the building itself, but the rotating exhibitions are also very interesting.
Find your way with 292 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Tatar was born with the intent to bring together a fine cuisine that mixes Mediterranean and Japanese tastes and mixology. Cocktails wise, I chose Osaka!
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"Le Petit Train de Forest" in Brussels is a miniature railway run by passionate volunteers, complete w/ real 1:8 models of locomotives! It makes me happy.
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From side dishes like dumplings to main dishes like Bibimbap and Bulgogi, all are served with freshly cooked vegetables, steamed rice & homemade sauces.
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Do you just want everyday dishes that you would eat at home in Japan? Then "Tokidoki" in Brussels is what you are looking for. No sushi or noodles here!
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"Tero" in Brussels is so much more than a restaurant - it's a philosophy. It offers tasty, natural cuisine that follows the seasons!
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"Certo" in Brussels is a tiny Italian restaurant on a corner just behind Place Saint Boniface and one of my favorites. Federico Mazzoni is the perfect host!
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"Les Petits Bouchons" is a typical Brussels bistro with a lot of wood, some mirrors and old-skool lighting. Zwanzers love it!
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"Rambo" in Brussels will make you feel like you're in LA. Loud music, an open kitchen and three amazing types of burgers!
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"Belga & Co" in Brussels is one of the city's great coffee places. Everything made in-house, friendly service, big window, no frills - just good coffee.
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Even though it's a little out of the route for most, Glacier Zizi is definitely worth the detour! Ice cream, waffles, crêpes, smoothies... Your pick!
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Come at any point of the day and have a fresh drink, a burger, salad or chill and let your kids/dogs run in the park while you chat with your friends.
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A simple but still refined style characterizes this café, which at night becomes a warm wine bar with small plates to share.
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