It’s that time of year, when “prizes” are handed out for all manner of things.
There’s medals to be won by footballers at the end of a hard season while movie stars hope to pick up a gong in the Oscars.
Not to be outdone is the horeca industry where, for the lucky few, there are much-valued stars to be secured in that most prestige of food “bibles”: the Michelin Guide.
Of course, the vast majority of restos, both in Belgium and elsewhere, never get to have a Michelin star alongside their name.
But there is one very popular place in Brussels that is most certainly deserving of one and that’s Osteria Romana.
In fact, this resto, opened some 13 years ago now, has already achieved more than most by being listed in the Michelin Guide.
When an address is mentioned in the Michelin selection that means they’ve been “spotted” and recognised by Michelin inspectors for their quality.
It doesn’t necessarily mean they are in the running for a star, but they are officially listed in the guide — which is already a great mark of recognition.
And that applies to Osteria Romana, located at the top end of Avenue Louise in Brussels, just before you reach Bois le Cambre.
The resto, tucked down a side street and connected to local tram services,has become the capital’s must-visit Italian restaurant. Chef and owner Filippo La Vecchia embodies the transalpine tradition with energy and sincerity, one of the things Michelin inspectors look for when awarding stars.
Each dish is, as Filippo himself says, a “declaration of love for the product”, all set in a cozy Belle Époque atmosphere where the cuisine is vibrant, raw, and generous.
One reason why the Michelin Guide says this about Filippo’s restaurant: “The romantic ambiance of the mansion, the cocktail bar where you can enjoy an aperitif, the personalized service: a fascinating restaurant from start to finish.”
One of the reasons why the resto has survived several serious hits to the industry (think pandemic, economic crisis etc) is that this is where you get the chance to taste some real carbonara. Here, they make a point of respecting the original recipe, with guanciale, fresh eggs, Pecorino Romano and a generous touch of black pepper. Filippo, faithful to his Roman roots, takes his guests back to the flavours of his childhood, when his Italian grandmother served him the dish after school.
This unmissable Italian eatery also offers a top-notch burrata. Filippo has chosen stracciatella, the creamy heart of burrata, accompanied by tonno e tartufo, or tuna and truffle. If you prefer primi piatti, opt for Filippo’s succulent pasta al pomodoro, pasta accompanied by cherry tomatoes and ultra-creamy burrata di Andria straight from Puglia.
There is a nice choice from the main card, plus a fixed menu, all accompanied by some exquisite Italian wines. It commands a loyal clientele who, says Filippo, tend to gravitate to the same dishes such as the aforementioned carbonara.
Don’t forget that if you prefer to enjoy the delicious dishes from the comfort of your own home, they are also available to go thanks to the takeaway service.
One of the features of this place is the wonderful selection of artefacts, gleaned from all over Belgium, which adorn the walls.That includes a small private room just off the main resto which can seat a total of about 36.
If the resto is colourfully decorated so too, with an amazing array of tattoos, is Filippo himself.
Unlike so many resto owners who defer the task of the day-to-day running of the business to others, Filippo is pretty much ever present, always on hand to ensure the food is perfectly prepared, welcome and bid goodbye to guests and carry out all the necessary duties in between.
He says that, in these difficult times for the industry and with so many new restos appearing on the scene, it is “no longer enough” just to provide top class food.
This has to be matched by equally good service and that “star quality” sought by Michelin inspectors.
“It is hard staying at the top of the game for 13 years,” concedes Filippo.
In this elegant setting, between high ceilings and a belle époque atmosphere, the menu here invites you on a refined Mediterranean culinary journey.
A plus is the pleasant garden at the back, seating about 30, which, with better Spring weather now upon us, will soon be open.
Be it a cosy, romantic meal for two or a family get together, this fab place really is a must-visit for pasta lovers.
Osteria Romana
11 Av Legrand, Brussels
02 648 1395
https://www.osteriaromana.be/
