Easter is just around the corner and you may be wondering how to mark the Holy Season with a special “treat”.
Of course, chocolate is the usual order of the day when it comes to Paques but there are other ways to enjoy the holiday period.
One such way might be a culinary outing and one recommended spot for that in Brussels is Kafenio, one of the city’s most popular Greek restaurants.
Easter is one of the times of the year when families might get together and family is certainly the order of the day at Kafenio.
It is run on a day-to-day basis by Maris Arkoulis and his cousin (also called Maris) who both took charge some years back now from Maris’ father Telis Arkoulis. Telis had originally launched Kafenio, with his brother, in 2002 although it was, in fact, Maris’ grandfather who actually started the family tradition when he entered the restaurant trade back in the 1970s.
Maris and his cousin see it as their responsibility to uphold the high standards set by their parents and grandparents. The good news is that they,backed by a hard working and dedicated team, succeed very well in this endeavour.
It is approaching the 25th anniversary since the restaurant first opened and it has gone from strength to strength. That success is based, essentially, on two things: the quality of the food, of course, and also the very professional and welcoming customer service you find here.
Having passed some years back now to another younger generation, Kafenio is still pulling in the customers on a regular basis, and that even includes wintry nights in the middle of the week.
As ever, it is the quality of the food that matters most to customers and, here, you will not be disappointed.
From mezzes and grilled dishes to authentic Greek coffee, this really is genuinely authentic, delicious Greek food which you’d be hard pressed to beat in Brussels.
It might be worth noting some of the customer favourites which include, for mains, Apnaki (cuts of very tender lamb) and, if fish is your thing, a seafood dish consisting of calamars and scampi.
Not to be outdone, naturally, is that perennially popular Greek dish, moussaka which is another best seller here.
These are all classic dishes and also (according to Noe, one of the friendly staff members) among the tastiest.
While the “star” of the show is, possibly, the mezze, you’re really spoilt for choice with a fantastic selection of different plates.
The generous and well balanced menu comprises some super starters such as fried calamars and a cassolette de scampis along with the aforementioned mezzes (a good choice might be the hot/cold mezze assortment, at just €24.50) and, also a small choice of salads.
There is a fixed menu, priced at €45 pp, called “Mega Pikilia” which is designed for two people and is very nice.
That takes you to the fab choice of grilled dishes, such as brochette of lamb or beef and lamb chops together with the Greek specialities, like moussaka.
You can, alternatively, try something from the sea with a smaller selection of fish dishes.
Whatever you opt for you will not be disappointed as the food is of the highest quality, perfectly cooked and very, very tasty. All in the best traditions of what is, after all, one of the world’s great cuisines (Greek food).
This cosy yet sophisticated restaurant has seats on two levels: the ground floor seats up to 90 while upstairs can accommodate up to 70 people. It is stylish with black leather seating and a lounge-bar (well stocked) with modern art along with arty ceramics on the walls. Look out, too, for the unusual brick ceiling that covers half of the ground level.
With better weather hopefully on the horizon good to know, also, that there is plenty of outside seating.
The resto is located at the very heart of the city’s EU Quarter (opposite the European Commission’s Berlaymont) and Kafenio has been a favourite of eurocrats, locals and tourists alike for years now and it’s easy to see why. It is also good for a quick business lunch (the place is full of people working nearby during midweek lunchtime) and the lunch menu is similar to the evening version but with a few more salads. It is also equally perfect for a relaxing dinner (Friday and Saturday is more the preserve of families and groups). Considering the top notch quality,it is also very reasonably priced with mains from just €16.50.
A “secret” of the quality of the food is that only the freshest possible products/ingredients are used in the kitchen, a good number of them specially imported from Greece.
There’s also a fine selection of Greek (and other) wines including some from Greek islands (mostly white) along with reds from the mainland, including from northern Greece which is particularly well known for the quality of its red wine. If you fancy a cocktail, you might be struck by some of the imaginative names, such as “Pornstar Martini” and “Moscow Mule.”
In Greek, the word Kafenio roughly means “meeting place, a friendly bar where you can have a drink and a bite to eat.”
That very accurately summarises Kafenio, the “king” of Greek restos. Highly recommended.
Kafenio
134 Rue Stevin, Brussels
02 231 5555
