If you are in Saint-Gilles, Brussels, I probably don't need to tell you to go to the "Parvis de Saint-Gilles". This square is full of bars and restaurants, and especially in summer it's always crowded. When I say "Let's meet at the Parvis" I can almost feel the music playing, hear the laughter and see people sip their cocktails, while enjoying the last rays of the setting sun.
If you are looking for a "real" italian restaurant in this area to have dinner (and I say "real" because I lived too many years in Italy to be able to still enjoy the 'belgian adapted italian style' restaurant) - look no further: CI PIACE. The italian translation says it all: WE LIKE. hahaha. You gotta love a good italian word play.
When you enter the restaurant, everything feels and looks like home, that is: Italia. The restaurant is clearly run by italians, little kids are running around, you can talk to all the staff members in italian - with all the appropriate gestures, the menu is exactly what you'ld expect it to be when in Italy, and the food is pure and delicate.
Besides the food, their cocktails are INSANE. All very 'special', and uniquely designed. If you don't know a lot about drinks, you may find it hard to choose one, but trust me: they are all amazing with glitters on top. Last summer I ordered "The tunnel of Love", a smoked cocktail that - today still - I can't seem to forget.
Just make sure you book a table in advance, because it's tiny and always full house.
Buon appetito!! 🍹🤍
