Beni Znassen - Chez Mustapha Rue de l'Eglise 81 (tel 02 534 11 94. Métro: Parvis de St Gilles. Wed-Sun 6.30pm-1am. Closed July & Aug. Under ?20.) This off-the-beaten-track Moroccan restaurant, just behind the Parvis de St Gilles, attracts an eclectic crowd united only by their appreciation of tasty, well-priced North African food. The decor is a bit on the dingy side, but somehow it adds to its attraction. Great couscous.
Chelsea Ch de Charleroi 85 (tel 02 544 19 77. Métro: Louise. Tues-Fri noon-2pm & 7-11pm, Sat 7-11pm. ?20-32.) A wine bar, restaurant and cigar lounge all rolled into one. The pretty garden and sumptous interior, with furniture from Rajastan, oriental carpets and contemporary art, are guaranteed to lull you into a state of contentment. The tasty food (for example, caviar of vegetables with olive oil) won't disappoint, either. Reservations recommended.
La Maison Berbere Ave Brugmann 1 (tel 02 539 48 56. Tram #91, #92. Daily noon-3pm, 6-10.30pm. Under ?20.) Located in a former theatre and full of North African flavour, with dozens of overhead lanterns, ceramic-tile tables and earthen colours. Does excellent couscous, but anything from the reasonably priced menu will have you smacking your lips.
Les Salons de l'Atalaide Ch de Charleroi 89 (tel 02 537 21 54. Métro: Louise. Tram #91, #92. Daily 11.30am-3pm & 7pm-midnight, closed July 22-Aug 15. ?20-32.) Voguish Belgian-French restaurant housed in an atmospheric and stunningly impressive 1900s building a few minutes' walk from place Stéphanie. The food - pasta, salads, steaks - is fair to moderate in quality and the service is a little gruff, but it's worth going just for the decor - high ceilings, arches, drapes, mirrors and candles. Reservations a must.
SiSiSi Ch de Charleroi 174 (tel 02 534 14 00. Tram #91, #92. Mon-Fri 10am-2am, Sat & Sun noon-1am. Under ?20.) A late-opening café in the St Gilles neighbourhood, with large windows so you can watch the world drift by. It's a good spot for lunch - the delicious pittas and pizzas are particularly recommended - and enjoys a loyal following of hip, young things.
from $95.38 USD