Nuovo Rosso

Nuovo Rosso is a neighborhood institution in Saint-Gilles that delivers exactly what you'd want from an authentic Italian osteria: generous portions of pasta served steaming hot in large pans, a warm (if sometimes hasty) welcome from owner-chef Mario, and an atmosphere that feels more like someone's dining room than a restaurant. The menu is pasta-focused, and for good reason—the pappardelle al ragù di salsiccia, prepared with Italian sausage, red onions, and red wine, is easily one of the best pasta dishes in Brussels. Other standouts include the paccheri del Prete with eggplant and mozzarella, and if you're celebrating, the pappardelle all'Astice with fresh lobster is worth the splurge.

The space is small and colorful, with an open kitchen where you can watch the action. The truffle aroma that wafts from the kitchen window is almost enough to make you forget the occasional service hiccups mentioned by diners. Prices are on the higher side for casual pasta (€18-€36 for mains), and the tiramisu at €11 feels steep, but the quality and portion sizes mostly justify it. Reservations by phone are essential, and don't leave without doing the scarpetta—cleaning your pan with bread, the Italian way. It's the kind of place where Italians and longtime regulars gather, and once you've had the ragù, you'll understand why they never want to switch canteens.