Top Tables
Words: Kamin Mohammadi, Adrian Mourby, Robina Dam Queen of the mouth This month is when Belga Queen in Brussels really comes into its own. It’s still one of the most stylish eateries in the Belgian capital after master chef-cum-architect Antoine Pinto transformed this superb belle époque bank into a restaurant, oyster bar, beer bar and cigar [...]
Words: Kamin Mohammadi, Adrian Mourby, Robina Dam
Queen of the mouth
This month is when Belga Queen in Brussels really comes into its own. It’s still one of the most stylish eateries in the Belgian capital after master chef-cum-architect Antoine Pinto transformed this superb belle époque bank into a restaurant, oyster bar, beer bar and cigar lounge. Eschewing the traditionally cramped conditions of your average Brussels brasserie, Pinto provides spacious club chairs for diners (also available to purchase) while a life-sized silver horse dominates the dining area. Seasonal embellishment for Christmas is always one huge silver ball hanging from the ceiling but the delicious seafood works at any time of the year. Belga Queen is open every day except Christmas Eve and there will be a special new menu for New Year’s Day.32 Rue Fossé aux Loups, Brussels, +32 (0)2 217 2187; www.belgaqueen.be
Lounging about
Behind a red door in the northern reaches of Tehran is Lounge, a restaurant that would be at home in any European city’s trendiest districts. Lighting is low and the background music ranges from South American jazz to classic rock. The interiors are a medley of dark wood and darker leather, the square plates are large and laden with Western-Asian fusion dishes such as bruschetta, medallion steak, Thai green curry and more. Best of all, unlike many of Tehran’s food joints, at Lounge
they really do want you to do as the name suggests and they welcome lingering lunchers and dallying diners.17 Erfani Alley,
Mojdeh St, Niavaran Ave, Tehran, +98 (0)21 2271 5953
Ladies who dine
Owned by designer Nicole Farhi, 202 in London’s Notting Hill quickly became a hit with the ladies who lunch set. A mix between a fashion house, furniture shop and café, it feels like a home from home for them as they browse the clothes, check out the furniture, stop for coffee and basically spend all day there. Now the nights
claim them too as the new evening menu offers salady dishes such as tiger prawn, roast cherry tomato and chilli salad. Luckily for the rest of us with
non-model appetites, the portions are generous – maybe the restaurant is now trying to woo the local husbands? 202 Restaurant, 202-204 Westbourne Grove, London W11, +44 (0)20 7727 2722
