Rue Stevin 82, 1000 Bruxelles

What’s good? El Quetzal offers all the classic staples of Mexican cuisine, including tacos, enchiladas, quesadillas, ceviche and tortas. We tried the beef tacos, served with onion, cilantro and avocado dip, and the nachos el quetzal, which included crunchy and tasty homemade corn tortilla chips. Both plates were delicious, combining great flavors and making you desperately wish you could hop on a flight to Mexico as soon as possible.

We also loved the margaritas — both the classic and the strawberry one — so make sure to check the drink lists for cocktails and alcohol-free options. And yes, there’s a lot of tequila and mezcal options on the menu.

What’s not? The prices for some of the main courses are not the cheapest, especially considering the portion sizes.

Vibe: From the outside, El Quetzal is almost hard to spot, only noticeable because of the Mexican flag hanging above the door. But once inside, the vibe is much different: colorful tablecloths and décor, upbeat music, pleasant chatter and extremely kind staff make for a great dining experience.

Who’s picking up the check? A plate of three tacos will cost anywhere from €17 to €20. Similarly, the enchiladas cost €16-€17, but they offer much more food for the price. There are some cheaper options at lunch, such as the burrito, which costs €13.

Spotted: El Quetzal is right in the middle of the EU bubble, so it’s regularly visited by an international expat crowd.

Insider tip: You can book El Quetzal for large parties, so don’t sleep on this opportunity.

Fun fact: Quetzals are large birds found in Mexico and Central America, known for their vibrant colors. A beautiful illustration of the bird is the logo of the restaurant.

How to get there: It’s just a few minutes walk from the Berlaymont and Schuman metro station.

— Review published on February 22, 2024. Illustration by Dato Paruvala for POLITICO.