Bar Billie

Say au revoir to Monk and bonjour to Billie! After 10 years of good and faithful service, the former owner Filip Jans handed over the keys to his café to Leentje Bruyninckx (the owner of Roskam), Dries Heyman (who used to work in PR) and Steven De Visscher (a former Monk employee). The result? A welcome makeover, which left the bones of the original institution intact! You’ll still find the timeless tiling, woodwork, long bar and globe-shaped light fixtures, plus the same team in the kitchen, and a wine list that’ll have you drooling with anticipation. For us, it was all about the familiar pleasure of cozying up at the bar, before moving to our table to wolf down Belgian-style spaghetti bolognaise, with a thick and generous sauce topped with a mountain of grated Orval cheese … while the more daring among us will opt instead for the cheeky ham and cheese version. Hungry for dessert? There’s luscious chocolate mousse, incredible speculoos cookie tiramisu, or rice pudding made with brown sugar that’ll send you straight back to childhood. In short, whether Billie Holiday, Billie Eilish or Billie Jean comes to mind, there’s truly something for everyone. //

FEELING THIRSTY? Beer, of course! A rich selection at the bar, including a few beautiful labels at the restaurant: gueuzes from 3 Fonteinen (€15-35 for 375 ml or 750 ml), nonalcoholic Pico Bello from Brussels Beer Project (€6 for 330 ml).

PRICE: Pasta €14-17, desserts €5.