Fernand Obb

Fernand Obb: “Humble Belgian fare.” And they certainly stay true to their motto. In this long, narrow delicatessen run by Cédric Mosbeux, the mood is relaxed, the staff are efficient and friendly, and the Brussels specialties are spot on. Stars of the menu include: a grey shrimp croquette, winner of the Brussels championship in 2018-2019, which definitely earned its trophy; home-smoked fish and meat, like Scottish salmon or organic Belgian beef pastrami, either served in a sandwich with celery rémoulade, cornichons, caramelized onions and melted Flandrien cheese, plus a “gaufrite” (shaped like a waffle, tasting like a fry) on the side, or even as croquettes; rillettes made with both fresh and smoked salmon (not available the day we went); spicy but somewhat dry beef-chicken fricadelle patties; pistolet rolls filled with all of the above; and burgers with your choice of beef, breaded pollack or free-range chicken, Belgian halloumi, or even blood pudding or white sausage; and a waffle covered in a decadent speculoos coulis to really leave you feeling stuffed. // Ringo de Balmalon

FEELING THIRSTY? Roughly 20 Brussels-brewed beers to choose from – Delta amber ale from the Brussels Beer Project (€5 for 330 ml), Saint Lamvinus lambic from Cantillon (€19.50 for 750 ml) – and from Belgium at large – Trottinette, an alcohol-free IPA from Drink Drink (€4.50 for 330 ml), a few well-chosen organic/natural French wines – a Côtes-Catalanes white from Jeff Carrel (€5 a glass), a pet’ nat’ from Loire Nouveau Nez (€34 a bottle), L’Appel des Sereines, a Rhone red from François Villard (€36 a bottle), and Fruit Collect juice (€4 for 330 ml).

PRICE: Pistolets €3.50 to €10.50, burgers €8-11, mains €14.90 to €18.90, desserts €6.50, kids’ menu €10-11.