Bistro Nazionale
Like many of you, Italy holds a special place in my heart. And, more importantly, in my taste buds. So when I discover an Italian restaurant that brings back memories of those beautiful, sun-drenched days in Italy, I have to share it. On a sunny Sunday morning, after a stroll around the water ponds of Place Flagey, I found my way up the winding streets to Bistrò Nazionale.
Sunday is a sacred moment in Italy—a time for family gatherings, sharing stories, and cooking glorious food for loved ones. To welcome us into this tradition, Bistrò Nazionale opens its doors every Sunday for Domenica, offering not just incredible Italian food but also the warm hospitality that comes with it. They’ve lovingly called this brunch Giro Pasta. This is not your typical Sunday brunch. It’s generous, abundant, and comforting—everything you’d expect from lunch at Nonna’s house.
As you settle in, you’re welcomed with a choice of a hot drink and an alcoholic beverage. The waitress warmly guides you to the buffet, a feast of mortadella with stracciatella di bufala and pistachios, beef carpaccio, quiche, fried cheesy polenta, and so much more.
But wait, there’s more! Once you’ve indulged in the buffet’s delights, the waitress makes two rounds at every table, carrying casseroles brimming with incredible pasta. First, she served creamy gorgonzola gnocchi with pumpkin and walnuts. Then, a second round brought paccheri rigati all’Amatriciana. And just when you think you can’t eat another bite, you take a spoonful of the light and creamy tiramisu—and, of course, you wipe your plate clean.
This charming establishment, with its checkered floors and green velvet seats, is a subtle nod to our beloved Roman trattorias. Opened in 2018 by Carmelo Licata and Antoine Bradfer, both from Brussels, and Eleonora Giordano from Apulia, the team has lovingly brought amazing pasta dishes to Ixelles. Over the years, they have united all their restaurants under the Squadra Cocina group, which also includes: Cocina Chatelain (Italian trattoria), Cocina Flagey (pizzeria & aperitivo bar), Villa Fiore in La Hulpe (trattoria and pizzeria), Gabriella (delicatessen and catering service)
The Domenica brunch buffet is priced at €38 per adult and €17 for children under 12, including:
The Italian buffet
Two types of pasta—one with meat and one vegetarian
One alcoholic cocktail
One hot drink
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience, they offer two services: from 11:00 to 12:45 and from 13:00 to 15:00. This allows everyone to enjoy the buffet at their own pace before the pasta dishes are served fresh from the stove.
The team at Bistrò Nazionale is exceptionally welcoming, ensuring that every guest has everything they need to enjoy this little slice of Italy in the heart of Brussels.
Bistro Nazionale
Rue Lannoy 2
1050 Ixelles
CALL 02 657 09 75
Domenica Brunch: Sundays from 11:00 to 12:45 or 13:00 to 15:00
Regular restaurant opening hours: Monday to Saturday for lunch (12h to 14h) and dinner (18h30 to 22h)
