Brussels' bites

African flavoursKokob This laid-back central restaurant packs in locals, who come here for great-value platters of spicy Ethiopian food. Sounds scary but it’s as tasty as Indian, and not too dissimilar in style. Meals are eaten the traditional way, using pieces of injera (a soft flatbread) to mop up your food. Forks are available for the less nimble-handed. Ethiopian art adorns the walls and world music acts occasionally perform here. Booking advisable for tables from 7-9pm. Mains around £10. 10 Rue des Grands Carmes; +32 (0)2 511 1950; www.kokob.bePerfect pizzaPapillon Pizza by ChefMichelin-starred chefs have created unusual pizza toppings that change daily at this new spot in the south of Ixelles. Forget your Margherita, here choose from options like Gruyère, aubergine, pistachio and almond, or bacon, truffles and béchamel sauce. Despite the gourmet leanings, this is fast food, with the square pizzas being premade, sliced and presented at the counter, where you make your choice. They are then cooked in the oven. If dining in, hop on a swing or banquette for your meal. Pizza slices around £4 each. 91 Rue Américaine; +32 (0)2 539 0510; www.papillonbychef.comClassic contemporaryYume Villa Two-Michelin-starred chef Yves Mattagne has converted a Modernist villa into a unique dining space, with a casual Asian lounge (Yu) downstairs and a more formal French brasserie (Me) upstairs. Black floors, concrete ceilings, and red, white and black Mondrian-esque walls provide a contemporary setting for light lounge meals of sushi or dim sum, or in the brasserie more filling fusion cuisine, such as quail served with truffles, soya sauce and sushi sauce. Reservations are essential. Mains around £25. 292 Avenue de Tervurenlaan; +32 (0)2 773 0080; www.yume-resto.beFine art + fine diningBozar Brasserie Causing a stir on the local creative scene, Bozar Brasserie is the buzzing new eatery at the heart of the city’s popular Centre for Fine Arts – the grand Palais des Beaux-Arts. Hipsters and culture vultures in need of nourishment can now scoff classic comfort food, given gastronomic flair by Michelin-starred chef David Martin. Order entrecôte of Bavarian beef, followed by coffee profiteroles drizzled with salted caramel butter, but do make sure to book in advance as this is the in-spot for fashionable couples and groups of friends. Mains around £18. 3 Rue Baron Horta; +32 (0)2 503 0000; www.bozar.beRock 'n' rollsLe Balmoral Milk Bar Betty Boop dolls and vintage Coca-Cola bottles sit on candy-coloured counters, transporting young families back to the 50s and 60s. With juicy hamburgers and thick, creamy milkshakes, it feels as if you’re on the set of Grease, with John Travolta and Olivia Newton- John waiting in the wings. Kids will love the cheerful vibe of this retro diner. Mains around £6. 21 Place G Brugmann; +32 (0)2 347 0882; www.sites.resto.com/balmoral