MONI

There are plenty of Italian restaurants in Brussels but few that get it right. It’s no secret I love Italian cuisine and over the years I’ve had (more than) my fair share of Italian food to be able to appreciate a place like Moni. And although it’s not your typical Italian trattoria but rather a modern version thereof, it combines all the things I typically look for: good food, kind service and a nice interior. Check, check and check!

At Moni, there is a little modern twist in everything, starting with the decor which has a Scandinavian vibe – a far cry from your average Italian trattoria. The cosy atmosphere is there though: the space is small and thanks to the warm welcome, you feel as if you’re invited at a friend’s place. Sandra Colussi and her partner Francesco Rubino, the owners of Moni, have managed to bring the warmth and delicious food of Puglia to Brussels. That’s not to say that the menu is overly traditional but most of the dishes are inspired by this part of Italy with a focus on using seasonal produce.

After taking our seats and munching more tarallini than we should, my partner in crime and I were ready to order: puccia (a type of bread from Salento) filled with slowly cooked octopus in tomato sauce and broccoli purrée to share, spaghetti alla chitarra with crab, fennel and tomato, capers and olive sauce for me, casarecci with sausage ragu, chard and goat cheese for him and last but not least, a tiramisu to finish on a sweet note. The verdict? It was all pretty good with the highlights being the octopus, the crab pasta and the wine. If I had to complain about one thing (or two) it would be that the tiramisu was not the best I’ve tried and the fact that they only take cash. There’s a bank nearby though, so it’s all good.

Make sure to reserve, enjoy your meal and send me a picture on Instagram to let me know how you liked it with the #seemybrussels hashtag! 

INFO

Address: Avenue Ducpétiaux 35, 1060 Saint-Gilles, Belgium

Telephone: +32 2 4302508

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