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Chef and designer Antoine Pinto has turned a former Belle Epoque bank into the epitome of glamour. Everyone from diplomats to musicians loves to be seen perched on a stool at its splendid oyster bar, seated beneath the stained glass cupola enjoying dishes like cuckoo or piglet or – for the lucky few – savouring a cognac over live music in the members-only bar in the former vault. Pinto is also a crusader for Belgian winegrowers around the world and for Belgian beer, which is lavishly used in Belga’s dishes.
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This bold brasserie is where those in the know dine. A fish and seafood trolley outside draws punters in and inside diners sit close together at wooden tables piled with platters of oysters, mussels and lobster on crushed ice. Hearty stews, game and steaks are also excellent. It’s not the place to take a nervous date – unless you want the person at the next table to be able to chat them up – and it is noisy, but for no-nonsense food, fast service and bags of atmosphere it’s a gem.
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