Writing this column pushed me to visit parts of Flanders I had never seen and to get to know cities beyond a cursory tourist visit. I’ve met interesting people, discovered unusual shops and products and been constantly impressed by the quality of culinary life in this region of Europe. I also discovered new things about my current hometown of Brussels, as I tried to present a diversity of world cuisine or find that off-the-beaten-track surprise.

But there are plenty of meals that I eat in Brussels that haven’t made it into Bite. These are my “go to” restaurants, the old standbys that guarantee a good meal when meeting up with friends, or where I can go to unwind when I can’t face my kitchen at the end of the day. So, before I leave, here is a quick round-up of some of my fave Brussels eateries.

Cosi Com’è This Italian joint in Vorst was recommended to me by a Belgian friend as “the best pizza in Brussels”. The thin crusts and fresh toppings have never let me down. Their pasta selection is equally impressive; the day’s offerings are displayed in a case for your perusal and drooling. The service is slow but worth the wait. Hoogte Honderplein 3

Nea Genia Greek food, tapas style. I can’t say enough good things about this place in Elsene, from the meltingly soft eggplant topped with enough garlic to scare off a vampire, to the fried anchovies that will make even a sceptic into a lover of these salty, little fish. The biggest challenge is narrowing down your order to only three per person. There’s a nice list of Greek wines, but I opt for their smooth Ouzo. Waterloosesteenweg 437

Triskell A cosy Breton crêperie in Ukkel. Straightforward buckwheat crepes, topped with your choice of ham, cheese, egg, mushroom, cream, spinach and more. With a side salad it makes for a light meal, so there’s always room for the wheatflour dessert crepes with sugar, jam, whipped cream, chocolate or alcohol. Order a bottle of Breton cider and enjoy the prompt, friendly service and simple, satisfying food. Brugmannlaan 150

Comocomo Finding a well-priced restaurant with quality food around the Beurs is somehow always a traumatic experience. The Basque tapas at Comocomo (shown above), delivered to your seat by conveyor belt, is a reliable standby. If the fried potato wedges with garlic mayonnaise aren’t in sight, order them. Actually, order two. Dansaertstraat 19 (Also in Antwerp at Kammenstraat 75)

Fanny Thai My other Beurs area favourite. The enormous mask covering one wall always kind of freaks me out, but once my pot of red curry arrives, I’m in heaven. The food has been excellent on every one of my countless visits, and I can get in-and-out in an hour, which is perfect on theatre nights. Jules Van Praetstraat 36

Dolma An Elsene-area vegetarian delight. Their buffet always includes a soup, a selection of fresh salads, a good half-dozen warm dishes and desserts. The desserts are limited to one per person, but for the rest you’ll be making a minimum of two or three trips to collect up all their goodies. The décor is Indian inspired and warm, but the food is roundthe- world goodness. Elsensesteenweg 329

Although your Bite correspondent is packing up her chocolates and witloof and setting sail for the US, Bite itself will be back next week.

Contact Bite at flandersbite@gmail.com