Babam

And bam! Welcome to the latest bistro from Thibaut van Outryve (ex-Mallory Gabsi in Paris, Yves Mattagne’s Sea Grill in Brussels) and Tristan Derreumaux, which aims to dazzle near the Bois de la Cambre Park. It oozes simplicity (an immaculate white bar, blond wooden tables and that’s all folks), where the chef himself presents the suggestions of the week in a very relaxed atmosphere. There’s no menu, but plates that are worth their weight in gold at lunch: silky and creamy butternut squash velouté topped with a perfect poached egg and a sprig of fresh chervil; pâté en croûte combining veal sweetbreads and chicken that had us wanting a second slice; molto buono risotto with oyster mushrooms, shiitakes and hazelnuts; a slice of perfectly cooked skate with creamy mashed potatoes, tender carrots and brown butter; before an incredibly light chocolate mousse for dessert. // Joséphine Espe

FEELING THIRSTY? Hysope ginger and elderflower lemonades (€4.20), a selection of rather classic wines (a marsanne by Yves Cuilleron at €8 a glass) and a few good labels for in-the-know beer lovers (IPA Delta from the Brussels Beer Project at €4.70 for 330 ml, Rédor pils from Brasserie Dupont at €3.50 for 250 ml).

PRICE: Set menus €25-32 (lunch) and €46 (dinner), à la carte €48-62 (dinner).