Restaurant review: Spuntino

Rue de Trèves 24

What’s good? As we head into spring, this is the place to be on any given Monday for a light sunny lunch on the terrace. Located a stone’s throw from the Spaak building of the European Parliament, this gem has some of the best pizza al taglio around the institutions.

Spuntino specializes in authentic Italian pizza slices, but there’s a wide range to choose from. Tartufo, rustica, Gorgonzola or parmigiana, you won’t be short of options. The owner and his staff are very polite and helpful, carrying a tradition of Italian hospitality and charm.

What’s not? On a busy day, you’ll face some tough competition to get a table. Your best bet might be to go on a green week when all the members of the European Parliament are in Strasbourg. The tables are a bit tight on the terrace and you might want to squeeze a beer mat under one of the table’s legs for balance (although in their defense, it could have been the uneven pavement).  

Vibe: Laid back, casual but glass-chandelier classy. The vibe is ultimately defined by its delicious food and is Mediterranean to its core.  

Who’s picking up the check? At €6-€8 for a slice, you definitely won’t break the bank. Even if you decide to go all out and order a glass of wine, you’ll only pay €4.50 or €5 for a glass.

Spotted: Two students from the École Supérieure de Commerce de Paris, one of the world’s oldest business schools and Michel Barnier’s alma mater. I lost count of the blue badges and Parliament staff, and according to the owner MEPs frequently visit — but he couldn’t (or wouldn’t?) name them.

Fun fact: By day, this is a calm and fresh lunch spot. On a Thursday night, the restaurant becomes a bar. It’s vibrant and lively and loud. The Spritz comes highly recommended. If you’re new to Brussels, doing a Schuman/Blue Book traineeship and keen to find some other newcomers, Spuntino is a good place to meet people.

Insider tip: Keep your eyes peeled. You never know which parliamentary assistant or MEP you might see walking in. Remember what each color means. The light blue badge is for Parliament staff, the dark blue is MEPs, the brown is for lobbyists and green is for local staff.

How to get there: Turn right when you’re facing the Parliament. It’s straight across from Gare de Bruxelles-Luxembourg.

Review published on  March 27, 2024. Illustration by Natália Delgado/POLITICO