An authentic-seeming Dutch bruin café with its original decor (wood-clad walls, a timeworn bar with a plaque inscribed “Jean Huygens – Mechelen” and timeless tables), Bar Ami is the former cafeteria of the nearby Agence Maritime Internationale. An acronym with a double meaning that Katia Basiliades and Jean-Noël Chavée took over back in 2018 to open up their friendly taqueria, with Katia in the dining room and Jean-Noël in the kitchen, where he sends out his perfectly executed Mexican flavors. Here, the blackboard menu changes every day and tacos are the star of the show: incredibly tender braised beef for the Barbacoa des Res tacos; explosively flavorful habanero-pineapple salsa on the Chicken Tinga tacos; well-made Cochinita Pibil tacos… A slight detour to try the tamales (stuffed masa dough steamed in a corn husk) for the most adventurous among you, and a smooth finish via paletas de piña (chili-spiced pineapple popsicles) or Ancho Fudge Pie made with chocolate and pecans. Buen Provecho amigo! // Sugar Kowalczyk
FEELING THIRSTY? Agave is king at Ami, with a squadron of top-shelf mezcals and tequilas: Chichicapa from Del Maguey (€8.50 a glass), El Jolgorio (€11) or Patron Reposado (€13.50)… The homemade cocktails and Mexican beers are also an excellent choice.
PRICE: Tacos €11.50 to €15.50 (for three), tamales €14.50, desserts €10.50.
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