Eating out in Brussels: Costa d’Amalfi and L’Architecte

1998
EATING OUT

In our regular Eating out articles we look at two more fine restaurants.

L’architecte
Housed on the first floor of the Brussels University Press building on Flagey, the creation of the space was a collaboration involving the building’s president, architect Pablo Lhoas, chef Antoine Germain and eminent restaurateur Damien Bouchéry. And it works very well indeed – it’s bright and spacious with a great view over the bustling square below. The menu is mercifully straightforward, allowing for dishes that use only the best seasonal produce. I had the succulent brill filets with chips, but not chips like you see elsewhere – these are hand-cut in long triangular shapes, and they were delicious. My dining partner went for the vegetable risotto and we finished off with young chef Germain’s charming dessert of the day: carmelized French toasts with a dollop of ice-cream on top.
https://restaurant-larchitecte.be
Photo: Frederic Raevens

EATING OUTCosta d’Amalfi
In the heart of the European Quarter, this Italian restaurant has been open for only a few months, and has a few surprises up its sleeve. We’re talking genuine cuisine, far from the Italian gastronomic standards that everyone knows. As it name suggests, the Costa d’Amalfi takes us on a trip to the magnificent Amalfi Coast. The chef and his associates (there from the kitchen to the table, everyone is involved in the restaurant) offer creative dishes with produce of exceptional quality. We followed the chef’s suggestions of a beef Maki, crunchy vegetables, Grana Padano 24 months and balsamic reduction, followed by the suggestion of the day, spaghetti à la (anchovy juice) and red tuna tartare. A veritable feast for the taste buds. It’s worth noting the lunch and wine of the month formulas. This an address that will become the HQ of all lovers of good food.
www.costadamalfi.be