Restaurant review: Eccetera

Chaussée de Wavre 402, 1040 Etterbeek

What’s good? Generous portions, attentive staff and fair prices. The menu offers a wide variety of traditional pasta dishes, such as the popular carbonara, arrabbiata and spaghetti aglio olio e peperoncino, as well as more refined and unique combinations, such as the risotto with black truffle, pistachio and lemon, or the fresh pasta with duck ragù, mint and pecorino cheese.

There’s also a good range of Italian wines to choose from. We opted for a bottle of Terrano, an Italian and Slovenian red which matched perfectly with our pasta dishes. While waiting for your order, you will be served some focaccia bread and a bruschetta — crusty bread topped with olive oil and fresh tomatoes — which is the perfect way to appease growing hunger.

What’s not? Not recommended if you are gluten intolerant or following a strict low-carb diet. 

Vibe: The friendly staff and casual atmosphere will make you feel welcome from the start. The decorations are modern, simple and elegant. The restaurant is divided into three floors, with the third floor reserved only for large groups and private events.

Who’s picking up the check? Considering the average price for a pasta dish in Brussels, this restaurant managed to keep costs reasonable. The traditional pasta plates vary from €13 to €18, while the most sophisticated options vary between €17 to €21. The house wine (75cl) costs €23 and desserts are €6.50 each. 

Spotted: Strategically located behind the lively Place Jourdan in the EU area, this restaurant has become a go-to place for EU functionaries. Whether you are heading here for a work lunch or a nice dinner with your colleagues, you will find yourself among an international crowd.

Insider tip: Although the antipasti options sound delicious and the pasta portions are big, we still recommend leaving some room for dessert. The house tiramisu is unmissable.

Fun fact? If you hadn’t guessed it already, “Eccetera” is Italian for et cetera, and it resembles perfectly the spirit of the restaurant: It’s a place for gossiping and laughing while indulging on delicious pasta and wine.

How to get there: It’s a 10-minute walk from the Schuman roundabout. Head down Rue Froissart until Place Jourdan. The restaurant is located just behind the renowned friterie Maison Antoine.

Review  published  on April 25, 2024. Illustration by Dato Parulava/POLITICO.