Cuisine Amériques - Caraïbes Belgium

If the sign sets the tone for possible dissatisfaction, it's full and happy that we leave here. You'll marvel at the fine Spanish-influenced tapas, which are more convivial when shared. But above all, the small plates are very creative, not hesitating to marry savory and sweet, like these roasted sweet potatoes with fresh goat's cheese and tomato chutney. Or the grilled octopus with hazelnut sauce, the dish's secret weapon. Rolling on the floor. Reservations are highly recommended, as this is one of the best addresses in town.

Hidden away in the Rue de Loi neighbourhood, this parrillada (barbecue restaurant) will transport you straight to Argentina! You'll feel like you're there: the rustic setting, the sturdy meat knives, the bottles of wine on display and, of course, the tango as background music. We eat Argentine meat with the local cuts: the bife de chorizo (strip loin), the lomo (pure filet) or the tira de asado (rib on the bone) thick and juicy with chimichurri sauce. Serve with a glass of malbec or, for those with a delicate palate, a merlot-malbec.

Finally a Mexican cantina worthy of the name! Los Agaves is small in size and big in personality, like the jaguar head mural that greets you once you push the door. Run by a family, this establishment is really warm and transports you directly there. The menu is simple, we find enchiladas, quesadillas, empanadas and other tamales which have the taste of the kitchen made in casa. The chicken enchiladas with molle, a sauce that mixes chocolate and chilli, are a favourite. You can wash it all down with a maxi size margarita!

This is the one and only restaurant that cooks its meat like a Texas barbecue: low & slow, in a smokehouse, until 8pm. At lunchtime, we come for the burgers (given the way they're cooked, there's less to choose from) and in the evening, for the tender, tasty meat dishes (ribs, briskets, sausages), accompanied by coleslaw, smoked butter potatoes and homemade cornbread. And where there's BBQ, there's whiskey or bourbon. You'll be spoilt for choice (100 of them!), but the menu will recommend the perfect pairing.

Fat, fat, fat... but good fat and homemade, at Jimbo's! Generous burgers served in red and white checkered paper between two slices of bun: potato, beef, chicken, veggie, home fries cooked with their skin, XXL hot dogs, grilled corn and lemonade and ice tea, just like over there! If you're really hungry, their porchetta, bell pepper and arugula sandwich should satisfy you. All in a casual atmosphere, with white walls, metal chairs and wooden stools.

" Food and tequila " is the slogan of Vérigoud, which revisits Mexican cuisine with a contemporary twist. The restaurant's decor is not marked "Mexican" and is even rather sober. Everything is articulated around the bar from where you can watch the cooks working. We browse the menu where the degree of spiciness is indicated by small peppers: chicken tostadas, red bean salad and we recommend the conchinita pibil with the home made tortillas. Nice assortment of tequilas, mezcals and delicious cocktails (especially the Mezcal Smash).