Restaurant review: Strofilia

Rue du Marché aux Porcs 11/13, 1000 Bruxelles

What’s good? Feeling nostalgic about that octopus you ate on a dreamy Greek island? Then this is the place for you. As a starter, you can choose between all the Greek classics — tzatziki, hortopita, tarama and much more.

We were very happy with our tender grilled octopus and citrus-flavored sea bream — and can warmly recommend fava and peas as a side. The mezzes are ideal for sharing — so don’t be selfish. And there are also plenty of options for the carnivores out there. We can’t wait to go back to try the grilled black pork from Mount Olympus.

What’s not: It’s a place for fine palates, so it’s not ideal if you’re starving. The portions are small and delicate.

Vibe: Close your eyes and you’ll be in a rustic taverna somewhere in the Greek countryside. Don’t expect anything fancy. The unpretentious wooden tables, brick walls and chatty waiters give a homely vibe, and it’s unambiguously Greek. The ancient kitchen tools which are laid out on an alcove and the mythology-inspired mosaics hammer that point.

Spotted: Couples, locals and a large group of Asian visitors. Strofilia doesn’t seem to be on the radar of the EU expat community. After all, we’re in the hip neighborhood of St. Catherine ― which is the home turf of the Flemish bruxelloise, and feels distant from the drab Schuman architecture. Strofilia is surrounded by fishmongers, cute Flemish bookshops and traditional Belgian fish taverns. After your meal you can take a stroll along the canal or grab a drink in one of the many trendy cocktail bars nearby.

Who’s picking up the check? The bill is the ultimate reminder that we’re not in Greece but in overpriced Brussels. Expect to pay around €60-65 for a full meal with wine.

Insider tip: The restaurant hosts jazz nights, and Greek wine tasting sessions in the cellar.

How to get there: You can take the metro lines 1 and 5 from Schuman to St. Catherine. If you have time, it’s a 40-minute walk via the brutalist EU buildings, the Royal Palace and the tourist-filled city center.

Review published on  July 4, 2024. Illustration by Dato Parulava/POLITICO