The Catch

Congolese rumba coming from the loudspeakers, a Sofia Loren figure for its fearless logo, and a haggle of old-fashioned fisherwomen peeling shrimp and keeping watch from their picture frames… Jim and Tommy Coopman have taken over their sister Julie’s old watering hole, and have gone all out at this summer-vibes bar with indomitable style, boasting the holy trinity of cocktails, seafood and pizzas. If the marble-topped wooden counter, funky cocktails (Malfy Sour, Tequila Oyster Shooter, Basil Smash) and sounds of Sekouba Bambino seem to place The Catch in the category of trivial beachside restaurants, the homemade shrimp croquettes and some extremely rare Ostend oysters matured in Spuikom Bay will dispel all prejudices. We kicked things off with an atomic Spicy Bloody Mary before gorging ourselves on a stone-baked pizza, like the Frutti di mare with local shellfish, or the decadent pear and blue cheese version. As for the fish & chips, they’re ultra-fresh and ultra-local, enough to knock you back and settle the debate! //Kiko Zushi

FEELING THIRSTY? Classic cocktails (€7), beers (Achille triple, €4) and white wines that pack a punch (Grande Crevette, a Languedoc Sauvignon from Pierre Degroote at €17 a bottle).

PRICE: Pizzas €17-23, dishes €15-30.