4x my favorite HOTSPOTS in Brussels

Alsembergsesteenweg 411, 1180 Ukkel
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A new Italian in Brussels? That gets me instantly excited. Think: the smell of freshly baked focaccia before you even step inside, a marble counter behind which an Italian nonna is busy stirring a pot of steaming ragu, and a shop section where you spontaneously want to pull out your shopping bag.

This place is a delightful mix of a trattoria, a deli, and a caterer, entirely run by an Italian family (yes, including hand gestures and warmth). There is no fixed menu, just some suggestions that change according to the season — and especially: what they found at the market that morning.

I hadn't made a reservation (rebellious, I know), but as a solo diner, I found a spot at the corner of the bar by the open kitchen — ideal view of the whole action.

I started with dipping bread in delicious olive oil (yep, the bottle came home with me) and a non-alcoholic spritz that fit perfectly into the picture. What did I taste? Not classics from a fixed menu, but surprises of the day.

Vitello tonnato: beautifully presented, one of those plates that leaves you momentarily speechless. Then: pasta with borlotti beans and raw ham, a combination you only find in local bistros in Italy, and that's exactly why I went for it. My pants button was already open from the overly enthusiastic bread dipping, so the homemade tiramisu unfortunately didn't make it (I did see it wistfully pass by on a plate towards the neighbors...).

And then: the shop. I didn't bring a cooler bag, so I walked out crying without the ready-made arancini or lasagnas to take home. But next time... I'm prepared!

PS: Don't forget to make a reservation. I was lucky, but you don't want to tempt fate.

Amerikaansestraat 89, 1050 Elsene
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I find myself in the quartier chaud of Brussels: Chatelaine. It suddenly gets a spicy Mexican upgrade at Gringo Taco – and I’m a fan, guys! The founders are two buddies who are head over heels in love with Mexico City, and you can taste it in every detail. Think: street vibes, open kitchen, homemade sauces that seriously pack a punch, and tacos with a twist that make your mouth water. Aldwin (23) is full of ideas – young, creative, and eager to venture into business. Cédric (39) is a staple in the Brussels hospitality scene, driven by his love for hospitality.

I tasted among other things a milanesa fried chicken taco (hallelujah!) and a few specials that they create together with other brands. Those collabs that instantly make you crave.

As they say themselves:

And guess what? That is 100% successful.

And what a vibe, guys! The menu is full of classics and surprises, but they also regularly bring specials – collaborations with other brands, new flavors, limited editions… You name it. Ideal if you, like me, can’t choose: you just put together a tasting with three different tacos. And seriously: that milanesa fried chicken taco was truly finger-licking good.

You finish in style with their cinnamon bun with chili soft serve (crazy delicious!) or you try their canned cocktails, all bottled in-house at the back of the restaurant. Yes really, their own Paloma and hibiscus mix in a can – how cool is that?

Gringo is young, cool, and above all straight-up delicious. During the day, it buzzes with energy, and in the evening the atmosphere shifts to intimate and cozy, with dimmer lights, djs, and occasionally even live acts. Whether you want to grab a taco quickly or make a whole evening out of it – one thing is for sure: you’ll go home with a big smile.