Rue Bosquet 62, 1060 Saint-Gilles

What’s good? This little restaurant has the ambiance and portions of an authentic Italian osteria. As you walk past it on the street, you will be immediately attracted by the appetizing smell of truffles coming from the kitchen window. The menu offers a variety of authentic pasta dishes, all served in large steaming pans perfect to share with friends or to indulge in all by yourself. We tried the truffle ravioli and the spaghetti alle vongole with pistachio pesto. They were both delicious and left us craving more. A signature dish is the pappardelle al ragù, prepared with Italian sausage, red onions and red wine. 

What’s not? Although the food portions were abundant, prices were too high for pasta in an informal restaurant. Unfortunately, we experienced some hiccups with the service, leaving us a bit disappointed with the overall experience.

Vibe: The space is small. The aesthetics are simple and colorful. As you enter, you will immediately see the steam emanating from the open kitchen, and chef Mario, the restaurant’s owner, welcoming you with a smile. 

Who’s picking up the check? Pans of pasta range between €18 and €36. Bottles of wine start from €30, and the house wine costs €15 for half a liter. We paid €11 for the tiramisu, which was more expensive than we expected.

Insider tip: Once you finish your pasta, don’t relinquish the empty pan before having done the scarpetta. The word means “little shoe” in Italian, but it’s the act of cleaning the plate with bread — the best part of the meal!

Spotted: Just a few minutes from the Palais de Justice, the area is renowned as a hotspot for magistrates and judges. Sadly, however, we did not spy any notorious legal eagles when we dined on a Friday night. 

Location: If you are heading to Nuovo Rosso from the European Quarter, you can catch the metro from Arts-Loi and stop at Hôtel des Monnaies.

— Review published on January 11, 2024. Illustration by Dato Paruvala for POLITICO.