Spring has sprung and it spells change for Costa d’Amalfi

9 May 201810 May 2018 Martin Banks

Martin Banks

From 28 April, there has been a brand new menu available at this popular Italian restaurant to herald (hopefully) better weather and the looming summer season.

Alessandro is one of five associates who opened the restaurant 16 months ago. After a sluggish start (partly hindered by the fallout of the March 2016 terrorist attacks in Brussels), the business has now really taken off.

It’s located at the very heart of Brussels’ European Quarter and, as such, has become a firm favourite with eurocrats at the nearby European commission and other EU-related bodies.

Top officials, such as Russia’s ambassador to Belgium, are known to frequent this place so don’t be surprised if you find yourself sat on a table adjacent to a VIP!

But Costa d’Amalfi is also a good place to enjoy a very pleasant meal, weekday or weekend (it’s one of the few restaurants in the area open on Sunday) with the family and friends.

The Amalfi region, hugging a particularly delightful part of the Italian coast) is known for its seafood and the newly introduced menu here features more seafood dishes. The region is also home to several gastronomic places to eat but Costa d’Amalfi would not be out of place in such esteemed company.

This is reflected on the new menu being introduced this month which, for example, features a starter of carpaccio of seabass, with fennel cream and truffle oil.

Among the brand new mains courses is an octopus stew with capers and olives, plus garlic risotto, tagliatelle with rosemary, bar filet cooked in the oven, grilled squid and veal piccata with lemon and apple liquor.

Another to look out for is alla colatura di alici,known as “garum” to the Roman and which is served with anchovy juice, along with rare beef maki, a very tender meat dish served with crispy vegetables.

Alessandro has, however, been keen to retain a few old favourities on the new-look card, such as vitello tonnato (starter) and ravioli with sage and black truffle (mains).

As you might expect at an Italian, the classic tiramisu also features among the deserts (served, imaginatively, in a small plant pot).

Like the food, the wine list tries to showcase some of the best of the Amalfi region (it is updated each month).

The restaurant has been tastefully redesigned and seats about 56 people over different levels.With better weather on the horizon, look out also for the rather pleasant terrace at the rear.

The cooking, overseen by head chef Giacinto Magliano (ably assisted by compatriot Antonio Paolella), aims to infuse a touch of creativity to local produce while at the same time showcasing some dishes which you may not find at other similar restaurants.

Located in a building that had been empty for some time, it has taken no little effort and determination to grow the business.But, thankfully, there is at least one place where you can sample the wonderful delights of typically regional Italian cuisine – and you don’t have to travel to Amalfi region to do so!

Yes, Brussels may lack Amalfi’s sun and sea but this place offers a real alternative and a taste of that region’s great cuisine.

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