Lubbi Tikarson is the brand-new playground of the Michelin-starred duo, Vilhjalmur Sigurdarson and Joke Michiel, who are also behind Souvenir. Nestled on the ground floor of WATT The Health, the new sport- and health-tech hub in Gentbrugge, this XXL canteen-style bistro effortlessly mixes large communal tables, granito tile floors, 70s Thonet chairs and comfort food that feeds both belly and soul. As for the terrace, it’s clearly been made for enjoying a casual pint of Dok Brewing or a natural wine, whatever the time of day. And the kitchen has something for every appetite – a quick lunch, an impromptu aperitif or an unhurried dinner that stretches well into the night. That evening, dinner included: focaccia with chicken liver, dried apricots and black garlic; plump cockles bobbing in a celery jus drizzled with herb oil; a slightly reserved shrimp croquette coaxed to life with a parsley oil mayo; steak tartare topped with oyster emulsion and herring roe for a surfy twist; Caesar salad modestly dusted with Parmesan; and Lubbi’s famous balletjes (meatballs) in tomato sauce, served with crispy-yet-tender pommes Anna and lemon aioli. And the cherry on top? Every summer, a rooftop version of Souvenir makes an appearance – it’s a huge crowd pleaser! // Annie Zette

FEELING THIRSTY?: Clean in every way: Méchant, a Loire chenin from Nicolas Réau (€6.80 a glass), a Venetian pinot gris maceration by Dario Princic (€105 a bottle), and a pinot noir by Fred and his wife “Carotte” at the L’Arbre Blanc winery in Auvergne (€128). As for the barrels on tap, go local with the13 Export pilsner or Waar Is Loca pale ale from Dok Brewing (€4.80 to €5.50 for 330 ml).

PRICE: Snacks €4-12, starters €15-24, mains €18-22, sides €5-7, desserts €12-15.