Stella

In the poker game of life, who knows which cards you’ll draw? Damascus-native Bassel Abou Facker wound up with a dog named Stella and a specialty coffee shop. After fleeing the war in his home country and miraculously finding his white shepherd dog in Brussels, the Syrian musician tried his luck with a miniature café. Jackpot! Two years later, he’s now running an expanded spot, located on the same Chaussée de Charleroi as the original location – bigger, more stylish than before and equipped with a dreamy little terrace. In addition to coffee roasted by Wide Awake, you’ll discover a concise savory menu dreamt up by Australian chef Sidney Lauwers. In a very Berlin-inspired all-day-brunch atmosphere, we opted for a plump bun filled with thinly sliced halloumi, hot chili honey, grilled zucchini, plus pistachio and arugula pesto; a satisfying shredded tofu burger with buffalo sauce, lettuce and fried onions. Also available on the blackboard menu and served at the bar: pancakes, açai bowls, egg buns, cardamon knots and cookies prepared by the pastry chef Coline Vercruyssen. It just goes to show, some hands are worth the gamble. // Laszlo Dela

FEELING THIRSTY? The full range of caffeinated classics (espresso, flat white, V60 pour-over, etc., ranging from €3.50 to €5), in addition to a few rarities: rose water lattes (€5), lemongrass lattes (€5.50), matcha tonics (€6)…

PRICE: Savory eats €4-8, sweet treats €2.30 to €6.50.