Les Brassins

Looking for a taste of Amsterdam in Brussels? Head to Les Brassins, this bruin café that was nearly abandoned but then saved at the last minute by Jean Callens (Épicerie Nomad and ex-Callens Café). It all takes place on Rue Keyenveld, the discreet street where Audrey Hepburn was born. Our initial impressions: the estaminet-style decor still operates the same charm – in a space with enameled plaques and a rustic, tavern-style ceiling, the ambiance is that of a delightfully Brussels-style zwanzeur. The night we went, we opted for ham mousse served with two pieces of toast and two different sauces (cocktail sauce and herb sauce), along with a small salad; followed by a chicken vol-au-vent made with juicy and tender chicken thigh, slow-cooked and enveloped by an incredibly flaky puff pastry, served here as a modest rectangle, which doesn’t fall apart when sliced open. Regretfully, the fries were lacking crispiness, and felt more like mashed potatoes served in stick form. // Salty Litchi

FEELING THIRSTY? No thank you to the wine list that lacks imagination, and hello to the much more interesting beer selection: XX-Bitter from De Ranke (€4.50 for 330 ml), Tanteke from En Stoemelings (€5) and Berliner Weisse by the Brasserie de la Mule (€4.50).

PRICE: À la carte €3–53.