Christmas is coming so what better excuse to get out and enjoy the best of Brussels.
The pandemic, of course, put paid to many of the city’s festivities but they are back with a bang this year.
On Friday 25 November there is the opening ceremony of Winter Wonders and the unveiling of the 20-metre high Christmas tree on the Grand Place.
Christmas shopping is already in full swing and, after a day snapping up those festive goodies, most will have built up quite a hunger.
There’s no better place in the area very close to the Grand Place to sate an appetite than a new osteria and vinoteca that’s really packing ‘em in.
It’s called UNIK and, in many ways, it is such that – unique.
For a start, it opened (just a few months ago) at a time when some restaurants here were either closing or struggling to survive, due to the fall out from the health pandemic and/or global energy crisis.
But the owner of UNIK took the rather courageous step to launch a brand new resto and one that is quite different from many others in the city.
It is, in fact, both a wine bar and showcase for classic Italian cuisine.
That means you can visit either for a glass of one (or more) of the very wonderful wines from Italy and elsewhere around the world it stocks or, better still, a meal.
If the latter is your choice you won’t be disappointed, both by the food and service (both excellent).
From the moment you are greeted at the front desk, bedecked in a chandelier, you just sense this is a good place to eat (or, as there are 90 references, drink wine).
The menu is, roughly, split into two halves: the first consists of a choice of platters, or aperitif boards, containing typical Italian cuts of meat and cheese. There’s what might be called a “basic” platter or an artisanal option. The platters are popular as a starter but can also be enjoyed as a mains.
The other half consists of a selection of smaller, tapas-type dishes, ranging from the classic lasagne to customer favourites like mozzarella in carrozza and Polpette al pomodoro and Arancini.
These smaller portions are all very moderately priced and for, say a family of four, you might take about half a dozen of them.
As well as the Italian specialities there are also some equally nice cold Italian regional specialities such as carpaccio de boeuf and bruschetta (which changes daily), a couple of other best sellers.
Veggies are not forgotten at UNIK with several offerings featuring on the menu.
And, of course, no authentic Italian meal is complete with sampling focaccia (a type of bread) and there is a very nice choice here. Combining the salt and tomato focaccia with an olive oil one is a good idea.
The aforementioned wines are tremendous and, as well as an extensive wine card there is a board on the wall with a choice of wine by the glass.
Look out too for an impressive wall-mounted art work showing many different grape varieties from around the world (including Belgium).
The interior of the restaurant, with its black walls and colourful decorations, lends itself to a very pleasant, relaxed and informal dining experience. Here, too, there is a choice (like the menu). Downstairs is a cosy, quiet area but note the tables are low, while on the main level where you enter the restaurant the tables are higher and you are at the centre of a very bustling eatery (with one of the two food preparation areas also located here).
UNIK also serves delicious Italian sandwiches for lunch (from Tuesday to Friday) and has just released an app that allows you to reserve a sandwich in advance and come pick it up without having to wait in line.
One of the best USP’s (unique selling point) of any resto is not just the food but the service and UNIK is, well, unique on that front too.
Special mention must go to its multi-national staff such as Norwegian Marie (very informed about the food and wine) and Belgian Kevin (very amusing) plus others such as Sara, Arnaud not forgetting its talented Armenian-born head chef.
Accompanied by simple but quality cuisine, this brand new osteria and vinoteca is already well on the way to becoming the new reference address for wine lovers in Brussels.
It’s also great for cocktails, ranging from original creations and classic cocktails to personal creations. A small private salon is also available – ideal for those upcoming Christmas parties.
UNIK
Rue de l’Ecuyer 45, Brussels
02 779 9939
