Bone marrow and ballekes, what could be better? At Stekerlapatte, it simply can’t be beat! A lunchtime spot for lawyers, the perfect place to revisit the classics or to take friends who are visiting from out of town at night, this legendary brasserie located a stone’s throw from the Palais de Justice continues to lay down the law. Run by Luc Wittevrouw and Lan Chen, you won’t find any modern twists on the authentiek Belgian-Brussels cuisine, savored in a timeless space with wooden banquettes, spotted mirrors and brass light fixtures. The day we went, we opted for a crispy duo of shrimp and Orval croquettes, followed by hanger steak with shallots, which was delicious in its simplicity, served in a full-bodied jus with crispy and fluffy fries like grandma used to make, along with a carbonnade op zijn Vlaams (Flemish style) that melted on the tongue… Before a good Calvados tarte tatin, so we were sure to end the meal on a high note. //

FEELING THIRSTY? An old-fashioned Pisang orange for the apéro (€7), plenty of Belgian beers (Cantillon gueuze at €10.50 for 375 ml, Orval or Chimay trappist beers at €6.80 and €6.50 for 330 ml), classic wines (Brandluft riesling at €34 a bottle, or a Saint-Émilion from the Château Patris at €44).

PRICE: À la carte €50-60.