Once you step through the door of this imposing century-old building on Leopoldplein, the hardest part is leaving! Between the simply delicious homemade dishes and the ultra-cozy atmosphere (school desks, dried-flower bouquets, a cheery terrace), Thijs Tielen (front of house) and chef Stan Mouling (ex-Vous lé Vous) sure have a knack when it comes to charming their guests at this irresistibly cutesy café. The day we went, we didn’t notice the time fly by as we tucked into crispy fried chicken topped with a creamy Szechuan pepper sauce, pickled cucumber, gomasio and chunks of sourdough bread from Bakkersdochter on the side; followed by flatbread to scoop up the dreamy homemade hummus and a zingy chili jam – which is also available to buy, so you can enjoy a jar at home! · Lina Megalinia

FEELING THIRSTY? Homemade unsweetened lemonades, in blood orange and rosemary or ginger and lime versions (€4), filter coffee from Antwerp-based roaster Cross Roast (€3.50) and even a Cuba Libre mixed with homemade cola (€12).

PRICE: Savory plates €8.50 to €21.50, sweets €5-8.