OSTERIA BOLOGNESE

Italian food has a very special place in my heart. Ever since I was a little girl pasta has been one of my favourite dishes and nowadays I find myself gravitate towards pizza rather than a burger whenever I’m craving comfort food. And while my go-to places for Italian food in Brussels include La Piola and Il Sapore della Dolce Vita, it’s always nice to discover new gems like Osteria Bolognese.

Truth be told, I was dubious about this spot in the beginning. A hole in the wall in Matonge that had to be booked weeks in advance? Thanks but no thanks! But it seems I judged too quickly. Behind the low-key decor with the vintage tables and vichy tablecloths lies a piece of Italy. Having made a reservation a couple of weeks in advance (I would suggest you do the same as it seems practically impossible to get a table otherwise, especially for dinner) my partner in crime and I arrived ready to be treated to a homey Italian meal. And what a treat it was!

We were warmly welcomed by Giacomo, one of the owners, who immediately noticed I was taking pictures and offer to pose for me together with the rest of the team. You gotta love those Italians! Some may say they’re pushy or overly friendly but I did find them really fun, the soul of this place. The menu is short comprising just a handful of different pasta and meat dishes. We started with an assortment of cheese and cold cuts from Bologna that were accompanied by a cone of crescentine fritte, fried flat bread typical of the Emila – Romagna region in Italy. Topped with mortadella mousse, they were out of this world – if you try Osteria Bolognese make sure to try them!

For mains, we had the ravioloni with scamorza, aubergine, tomato sauce and fresh basil as well as the maccherroncini al guanciale, i.e. pasta with cured pork jowl and grated pecorino romano. Nothing too fancy; just delicious food washed down with a glass of Italian wine – it almost felt as if I was invited to a friend’s place for dinner. And since a good meal always ends with dessert in my books, we shared a tiramisu and a cup of coffee before saying our goodbyes and promising to come back really soon.   

INFO

Address: Rue de la Paix 49, 1050 Ixelles, Belgium

Telephone: +32 2 6085154

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