Bastogne is a small town in Belgium’s Luxembourg area on the crossing of the rivers Rhine and Maas, and lies beautifully nestled in a lush, green valley, perfect for long hikes and lazy afternoons sunbathing on the river banks. Due to the minuscule size of the town, you won’t find a huge number of restaurants, but here are the must-visit places when in Bastogne.
Behind its inferno red neon sign and rather kitsch decor, Il Vinci unveils itself as a truly remarkable trip through culinary Italy. Welcomed by the warmth of the crackling wood fired-oven, dough swirling chefs and Sambuca sipping locals, there isn’t a better place imaginable for a quick and savory meal. Besides your everyday slice of pizza, topped with just about anything ranging from fresh artichoke to fried zucchini, it’s the more traditional cuisine that sets this ristorante apart. Next to some surprising pastas, the rice dishes truly are divine, with both the authentic risotto and arancini (a Sicilian specialty) as the main eye catchers. The large bottles of wine and modest pricing make the picture complete.
This Gault-Millau awarded restaurant with three stars guarantees an original, creative and gastronomic experience, with delicate dishes looking like small paintings and pieces of art. The restaurant is divided in several small corners where you can enjoy the food in privacy and peace, and the castle’s beautiful surroundings are perfect for an afternoon walk to cultivate your appetite.
Real American flavors, generous portions and an excessive 1960s decor; that’s Sixties Burger. It’s a fun place to go with friends, have a good laugh and a tasty bite, and just enjoy the burgers in all sizes and sorts; on focaccia bread, with feta cheese, with eggs, chili or pineapple. The fries are great, the meat is incredibly juicy and the atmosphere is extra-American, so just go for it!
Part of a beautiful hotel, this bistro-restaurant has it all: a rustic décor with Art Nouveau glasswork, a beautiful mise-en-place and delicious food. The wild boar stew is a Bastogne specialty, the cassoulet is incredibly tasty and everything with asparagus is simply divine. One fantastic extra: the outside area of this restaurant is located in an old train wagon and is the cosiest spot of all.
Alla Dolce Vita is just a normal pizzeria, but the decor is so charming and fun it is worth a visit. The photo collages on the walls, the red-white checkered table cloths and the smells of pizza coming from the kitchen; this is a place to feel utterly content. The pizza menu includes all the favourites such as margharita and vegetarian, as well as unique concoctions such as the Corsican, made with Corsican ham, goat’s cheese, honey and oregano.
