Easy Tempo

This stylish and authentic Italian bistro serves antipasta, pasta and pizza. The place is always packed so a quick call will probably smoothen the process of getting a table. Once inside, the bustling atmostphere catapults you from this Brussels street to some trendy pizzeria in a small Italian village. The waiters are quick and look like real Italians, the house wine is decent and the pizzas are just delicious. The most expensive dish on the menu costs $14.

Easy Tempo/146 Rue Haute/T - 32-2-513.54.40/Open : 12.00-14.30 | 18.30-22.30/Closed : Monday, Sunday evening

La Cigogne

A nice alternative to the trendy bars and restaurants of the Rue Dansaert is this tiny bistro: La Cigogne. The menu is simple but good and prices range from €8 to €16. Go for linguine scampi, penne, tuna fish, meatloaf or the classic of the house: spinach stoemp.

La Cigogne/78 rue Antoine Dansaert/T - 32-2-502.87.42/Open : 12.00-14.30 | 18.00-22.00/Closed : Monday, Saturday evening and Sunday

Orangerie du Parc d'Egmont

At the foot of the Hilton Hotel in the midst of a beautiful park, this magnificent neo-classical building is ideal for business lunches, amongst friends when out shopping or with the children after a walk in the park. The interior is modern while the magnificent terrace is sheltered from the busy city. On offer is a €9 plat du jour. The rest of the menu is a mixture of French/Belgian/Italian cuisine and prices are in the brasserie range.

Orangerie du Parc d'Egmont/behind the Hilton near the Av. Louise/T - 32-2-513.99.48/Open : 9.30-17.00/Closed : Saturday

Le Perroquet

So you could go to the infamous pitta street close to the Grand Place. But who would if you can go to 'Le Perroquet' instead. Find a table inside the old Art Nouveau bar or on the terrace, pick one of the many pittas or salads and enjoy the company of the largely international crowd. Staff are quick and helpful. Prices range from €5 to about €12. And after dinner you can go for a stroll through the streets that mark the Sablon area.

Le Perroquet/31 rue Watteeustraat 31/T - 32-2-512.99.22/Open : 11.00-01.00 non-stop/Closed : no closing day