Chez/Bij Jansens & Jansens

As Jacques Brel once sang, all of Brussels who are so typically Brussels seem to have gathered at this bilingual bistro on the corner of the (otherwise austere) Boulevard du Midi: grannies with perms, laborers with the local drawl, hungover friends, and even their very own zinneke four-legged friend… With its Tuborg ashtrays, Formica tables and still life paintings on the wall, Chez/Bij Jansens & Jansens has that old-school charm and a hint of yesteryear, all judiciously seasoned with the taste of the times – just consider their sausages from the best butcher in town and the craft beer on tap. All in all, this vibrant spot is part of the capital’s heritage, which former client (and ex-cemetery groundskeeper) Tim Jansens brought back to its former glory, with a little help from the Thomson to his Thompson, France Daulby, who used to be a regular too. Joining them are chefs Marion Vanderhaeghen and Basile Sautois, sending out dishes in a flash from the quirky kitchen, slap-bang in the middle of the dining room. The menu? It features family-style capellini bolognese covered in grated Emmental cheese; black garlic chipolata from Spek & Boonen with stoemp (mash mixed with carrot and broccoli); or mezze passed down from the former Greek owner Voula Karras – homemade tarama, celery tzatziki, Kalamata olives, cubed feta and stuffed vine leaves. Our new boentje! // Laszlo Dela

FEELING THIRSTY? Everything you need to feel right at home: pints of Cristal (€5), zinnebir (€4.50 for 330 ml) and even Trottinette from Drink Drink (ditto); old school grenadine squash (€2.50 a glass); ouzo memorabilia (€5); and Malamatina retsina (€3.50 a glass, €24 a liter).

PRICE: Soup €5, mains €10-16, extra sides €5 (fries or salad), dessert €5