Bodeguilla Rue Archimède 65-67 (tel 02 736 34 49. Métro: Schuman. Mon-Sat 7-11pm. Under ?20.) A simple Spanish tapas bar hidden away in the basement of the expensive
Le Jardin d'Espagne restaurant. The place seems to be a second home to legions of Spanish expats, no doubt attracted by the home cooking and cheap prices. Great place for a quick snack before hitting the town.
Restaurant de la Bonne Humeur Ch de Louvain 244 (tel 02 230 71 69. Bus #29. Mon, Thurs-Sun noon-2pm, 6.30-9.30pm. ?20-32.) If you want traditional moules and frites then forget the crass Chez Léon and come to this authentic, well-known, family-run restaurant with a great atmosphere.
Sahbaz Ch de Haecht 102 (tel 02 217 02 77. Tram #92, #93. Daily 11.30am-3pm & 6pm-midnight. Under ?20.) This Turkish restaurant is the best in the capital. The food is cheap and delicious, the staff friendly and attentive, and there are usually cheerful crowds all week. Just beyond the northern boundary of St Josse in Schaerbeek, an area reputed for street crime, so it may be worth getting a taxi home.
Version Originale Ave des Celtes 11 (tel 02 732 64 69. Métro: Merode. Mon-Fri noon-2.30pm & 6.30-11pm, Sat 6.30-11pm. ?20-32.) Milking the movie theme, with black-and-white photographs of film stars and other cinema-related bits and bobs, the "Original Language" delivers when it comes to the food: zesty French cuisine, such as duck with caramelized pears, at slightly inflated prices. Perhaps its main draw, however, is the characterful rooftop terrace, with its vaulted arches and kitsch decoration.
from $95.38 USD