In the shade of the cathedral on Minderbroedersrui, hungry souls with high standards have been finding refuge at the timeless Bistrot De Pottenbrug since 1974, with its dark wood paneling and delightfully busy retro wallpaper. These days, chef Thomas de Blieck (ex-Slagmolen), together with Nicolas Moreels, brings a fresh perspective to classic Franco-Belgian cuisine, like shrimp croquettes, sweetbreads or chicken in a creamy cognac sauce. That evening, we devoured: silky foie gras terrine with caramelized Cévennes onions, brioche and pomme Moscovite (potato crowned with caviar and sour cream); followed by Anjou pigeon à la Clamart (“served with peas”), perfectly roasted and so tender it cut like a knife through butter; and for the sweet finale, a crème brûlée with an ultra-thin caramelized crust that shattered to musical perfection. A little slice of good old-fashioned gastronomy – served with style! · Saffron Edge

FEELING THIRSTY? Take in the beautiful wall of wines and champagnes curated by Junior, the house sommelier: Blanc de Blancs by Hervé Dubois (€18 a glass), a pinot blanc from Marc Kreydenweiss (€60 a bottle) and Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru by Michel Niellon (€175). Alternatively, there are a few non-alcoholic cocktails (€12).

PRICE: Appetizers €28-74, mains €44-76, desserts €16.