Fish Tank

Milan La Roche and Loïc Dedoncker haven’t finished shaking up the Marolles neighborhood! After getting their hands on the keys to the former Dangel fish monger’s shop – which kept locals flush with briny treats for 40 years before a well-earned retirement – the chef (who crafted the menus at St Kilda, Tuck Shop and Manneken Pis Café) and his partner have turned it into their very own Fish Tank. Upon closer inspection, you’ll find a mood-boosting tiled bistro (a zinc-topped bar, Ateliers J&J furniture, colorful plastic chairs on the terrace) serving up seafood from the North Sea and the English Channel, fried every which way by chef Morgane Brees – who has previously worked at the Auberge du Vert Mont, Nénu and Tarzan. Get ready for greasy fingers: homemade shrimp croquettes with a deliciously creamy filling, swapping parsley for fried cima di rapa; a decadent fish burger layering delicious hake, melted cheddar and crisp iceberg lettuce, paired with perfectly made fries and served (much like the burger) with homemade sauces – tartare, harissa, and mango or seaweed mayo. Other options include the remixed américain-frites (the Belgian version of steak tartare) made with salmon trout, fish & chips or, for those looking for something a little less indulgent, an old-fashioned brioche pistolet roll, filled with grey shrimp salad and pickled cucumber. // Lina Megalinia

FEELING THIRSTY? Loïc takes care of the drinks, pouring clean wines (Petite Nature, a pet’ nat’ by Martin Texier at €6 a glass, or Gratte Conil, a white produced by Lori Haon available on tap for €4 a glass), pilsner from the Brasserie du Borinage (€4 for 330 ml) or Umà cola (€3.50 for 330 ml).
PRICE: Set menu €15 (burger + fries + sauce), appetizers €7.50 to €12, mains €12-18.