Pl. Jean Rey 8, 1040 What’s good? The décor. To mark the 40th anniversary of its Stockholm collection, IKEA has transformed the Living Room café in the European Quarter into a little bubble of Swedish comfort, with plush armchairs and warm lighting — all presumably yanked from the pages of the household goods giant’s catalogue. What’s not? The soup of the day. We visited on a Tuesday and did not enjoy the combination of beetroot, carrot and potato — but then I am reliably informed by a Swedish colleague that the country is not known for its culinary prowess. The cookies are also quite dry; you’ll want to chase them down with a drink. If you purchase an IKEA-branded flavored water, crack it open carefully, or it might fizz all over your shoes. Vibe: Upon entering, you are instantly transported into an IKEA showroom. Your humble reviewer was taken back to his first week in Brussels, wandering the labyrinthine interior of the IKEA store in Anderlecht in search of potted plants, spatulas and assorted knickknacks for his new apartment. Who’s picking up the check? The soup was €8.50 for a rather standard portion and the cheddar scone was €4.50, so the prices are not exactly in line with IKEA’s budget-friendly reputation. Spotted: Several Belgian influencers from Instagram and TikTok attended the pop-up’s opening day, the manager told us. With the EU institutions a stone’s throw away, it is also a popular spot for officials looking for a cheap feed. Fun fact: Customers can try their luck at a hand-cranked roulette next to the till to win a €100 IKEA voucher. The winning number is 40; naturally, POLITICO drew 39. Insider tip: Go early if you want to get your hands on the (vegan) meatballs or IKEA’s famous cinnamon rolls. They sell out fast. How to get there: It’s located in front of Park Leopold, about five minutes’ walk from the Schuman roundabout. You’ve got until May 7 to go. Review published on  April, 24 2025. Illustration by Natália Delgado/POLITICO CHECK MORE REVIEWS

Sent. de l’Embarcadère 1, 1000 Bruxelles What’s good? Chalet Robinson isn’t just a restaurant — it’s a unique experience. Reaching it involves taking a short ride on an electric platform to a small island in a lake in the middle of the Bois de la Cambre park. Once you arrive, the food is tasty, with a mix of Belgian and French dishes. We tried the Burger Robinson with sweet potato fries and the Crispy potato rösti with feta, veggies and rucola pesto — both were delicious and filling. What’s not? There’s a small fee for the ferry ride to the island, which not everyone expects. Vibe: The restaurant is a cozy wooden cabin; warm and welcoming. It’s a relaxed place that works well for families, dates or groups of friends. The setting is adaptable to every occasion, whether you’re heading out to spend a lazy afternoon, or planning for a romantic dinner. Who’s picking up the check? Although it’s viewed as one of the city’s most iconic and upscale spots, the prices are surprisingly reasonable by Brussels standards. The entrées range between €14 and €22 while the main dishes cost from €22 to €32. Insider tip: Planning a dinner visit? Arrive a little early to enjoy the sunset with a drink on the scenic terrace. And if you’re around on a Sunday, don’t miss their generous brunch buffet. The place is spacious, so unless you’re heading there with a large group, you shouldn’t need to reserve much in advance. Fun fact: Originally built in 1877, the chalet was destroyed by fire twice — first in 1896 and then again in 1991. It was eventually rebuilt and reopened in 2009, reclaiming its reputation as one of Brussels’ most picturesque — and fun — locations. How to get there? From Schuman, take metro line 1 or 5 to Merode, then switch to tram line 7 and get off at Bois de la Cambre. From there it’s a short walk through the park to the little ferry that takes you to Chalet Robinson. Review published on  April, 16 2025. Illustration by Natália Delgado/POLITICO CHECK MORE REVIEWS

Rue Américaine 122, 1050 Ixelles What’s good? Sao Thai offers mouthwatering Thai delicacies in a warm and refined setting. The staff is welcoming, attentive and ready to accommodate special requests. The food is delicious and nicely presented. As a starter, we ordered the Assiette Sao, an assortment of six different warm appetizers with sauces. As main course, we shared a Kai pad med mamaung — succulent wok-fried chicken with cashews, peppers and pineapple — and a Discovery plate which includes four different curries accompanied by rice. Our favorite? The scrumptious green curry! Mildly spicy, it includes tender chicken and Thai eggplants that burst with flavor. What’s not? We were eager to explore more exotic desserts, but the only traditional option available was the Sticky Mango Rice, so our choices were limited. Vibe: The atmosphere is warm and vibrant while maintaining a sophisticated touch. From high tables with swing chairs to the elegant round tables at the center of the room you have plenty options. It’s the perfect place for a business lunch as well as for an intimate date night.  Who’s picking up the check? While pricier than an average Thai takeaway, the experience is well worth it. Appetizers range from €13 to €19, while main dishes are priced between €22 and €32. Water is on the expensive side (€6.50), so we recommend opting for a nice bottle of red wine at €32 instead! Fun fact: Sao is the name of the chef and, together with her husband Leon and her son Beer, she runs the restaurant to share her passion for Thai culture and food with the customers. Insider tip: Step outside your takeaway comfort zone and try something beyond the usual Pad Thai. You won’t be disappointed! How to get there? Located in one of Brussels’ most stylish neighborhoods — the Châtelain district of Ixelles — at the corner of Rue Américaine and Rue du Mail. It’s a 45-minute walk from Schuman or a 24-minute ride on the 60 bus toward Uccle-Calevoet. Review published on  March 6, 2025. Illustration by Natália Delgado/POLITICO.  CHECK MORE REVIEWS

Rue du Marteau 29 What’s good? The mix of crispy samosas we ordered as starter were delicious. My companion then went for moambe chicken, drumsticks in a peanut sauce, served with fragrant white rice and fried plantain. I’d already diligently studied the menu before arrival, and had my heart set on the tilapia with a fresh green sauce — I wasn’t disappointed, the fish was grilled to perfection. The staff also went out of their way to create a welcoming environment. One note: You’ll be out of luck if you’re looking for a light dinner — they don’t serve salads as a main dish. Not that either of us would have ordered one. What’s not good? The place was packed the Friday evening we went, so it took a while for the food to arrive. Understandable. But what we still haven’t recovered from is that the restaurant ran out of desserts. Like, all of them. Vibe: Pleasant atmosphere with upbeat African music. Added bonus: The restaurant is close to the POLITICO office, so keen-eyed diners might spot some of our colleagues getting their fill. It’s not the most intimate spot, rather informal and perfect for celebrations. We witnessed a couple of birthday outings, complete with spontaneous singing — guests joined in too — making it an unforgettable evening for everyone. Who’s picking up the check? Prices are moderate, especially considering the portions were too large for us to finish. Cocktails are standard, ranging from €10 to €13. But there’s also plenty of delicate wines, such as Ruinart Blanc de Blancs (€ 95), if you like to splurge. Insider tip: Don’t miss their cocktails (or a mocktail, if you’re working the next day). The sweet African star, a mix of vanilla vodka and passion fruit, is served with a shot of sparkling wine. How to get there: It’s a 10- to 15-minute walk from the EU institutions. A great opportunity to both get your steps in and help with digestion after your meal, which is guaranteed to leave you stuffed. Review published on  November 14, 2024. Illustration by Natália Delgado/POLITICO.  CHECK MORE REVIEWS