Brussels Local Food: Ixelles

Maria, our Dining Traveler contributor  and Belgium expert is at it again, this time sharing all about one of my favorite communes in Brussels: Ixelles.  She shares her Brussels local food tips and I cannot agree with her more on her picks!  Truly made me nostalgic to my time in Brussels.  Her story:

I am beyond excited to share a bit of Brussels with The Dining Traveler readers. This beautiful and underestimated city has been my home since 2002 and every day I fall more in love it (even if I now live in the “suburbs”).  Brussels is diverse, international, sometimes chaotic but utterly charming. It has the great advantages of big capitals without the pollution or costs of other major European capitals.  Brussels has an indescribable effect on people, the more you stay, the less you want to leave but no one understands why.

One of my favorite weekend routines, especially during spring time is to walk around Ixelles Lake, go to the Saturday Flagey market, and people watch while I sip a fresh mint tea from Café Belga.  I am obsessed with markets as they are the best portraits of a city.  Flagey market is very  popular among students and expats: it showcases a variety of fruit and veggie stands and small eats on Saturdays and Sundays.  The Champagne & Oyster bar on the market is a popular stop when the sun is out and an ultimate favorite to meet friends for a chat and quick catch up.

Indulge in Brussels Local Food:

Belgian & Edgy (splurge!): Rouge Tomate. Rouge Tomate has  wonderful and creative Belgian fusion dishes.  The interior is very beautiful and service is top notch, a total package culinary destination. One of my favorite restaurants to splurge!  Sentimental note: this was the first fine restaurant Jessica aka Dining Traveler ate at when she moved to Brussels in 2006!

Comfort & Budget (cheap eats): The fab burgers at Manhattn’s (Avenue Louise 164, 1050 Ixelles). It’s my new favorite burger place in the city but what I love the most is the fun, relaxed and helpful service.  A must after a busy day of shopping!

Yummy Japanese (ethnic): Izakaya (Chaussée de Vleurgat 123, 1000 Brussels) I used to live next door to this authentic Japanese restaurant and it never disappointed. Their sushi is the freshest in the city and their teppan dishes and yakitoris are worth the (sometimes long) wait.

Drink:

High-End:  Ideal for after- work drinks is the amazing bar at the Crystal Lounge of the Sofitel Brussels Le Louise. The decoration is modern, sophisticated and dreamy, the service super friendly.  I had the honor of trying The Angers-lima, a cocktail created by the very talented bartender Fabian van Roy.  The Angerslima has pisco, minth liquor, amaretto, cranberry juice, egg white and lime! Fabian made it to the prestigious Belgian Giffard West Cup Preselection with this cocktail and now is his signature drink at the bar. Being a cocktail lover I went to cocktail heaven with this!

Casual: Have a cold Leffe or a fruity Lindemans Kriek (cherry beer) at Café Belga, absolutely fun atmosphere day or night, sunshine or rain!  Cafe Belga brings together local bohemians, students, and expats in suits.  The ample indoor space welcomes DJ’s and live music from time to time on the weekends and the outdoor terrace is prime people watching real estate.  Sentimental note: Jessica aka The Dining Traveler went there on her first date with the Dutchman!

See:  There is so much to see and experience in Brussels, this is just a little glimpse of Ixelles (I had to start with my favorite part of the city) but I am looking forward  to share the fun and delicious places of all other Brussels neighborhoods.  For more tips, check out The Dining Traveler Weekend Trip Guide to Brussels.  Have you been to Ixelles?  What’s your favorite part of the commune? Share it with us on the comment box!