A sleekly designed café with tasty brunch options — but not for those on a budget.
Quai des Péniches 35, 1000 Brussels
What’s good? You’ll find your classic aesthetic brunch options at Kosto, from impeccable latte in artisanal ceramics to perfectly presented toasts, pastries and sandwiches. The menu (particularly for drinks) was original and thoughtfully put together, the flavors were great, and the service friendly and helpful. The location on the canal is perfect for a post-brunch constitutional.
What’s not? While the food was good, the prices were less than democratic. We paid €19 for a pastrami sandwich, €9.50 for a rice pudding and €4 for two small slices of halloumi as an add-on to a €14 avocado toast.
Vibe: The staff we spoke to were adamant they have nothing to do with the other Instagrammable brunch spots in Brussels (Seven, Bisou and the like), but they all seem to share an interior designer. Sleek, Scandinavian, minimalist, with views of the canal — 10/10. The major difference is we could actually get a table during the Saturday rush.
Who’s picking up the check? This is a place to test your (and your wallet’s) dedication to novel drinks. An iced rasbperry coconut matcha will set you back €7.90, while an iced pineapple americano was €6.50. Brunch for three cost €79.
Spotted: Kosto will surely be beloved of a specific Brussels demographic — from charcoal latte-sipping lobbyists showing off their new designer handbag or designer dog, to the bougie young families buying up real estate in Molenbeek because “it will be so much better in five years.”
Insider tip: I may not be a connosieur, but I’ll be skipping the pineapple coffee next time.
Fun fact: The café offers “Yogapero” evenings in collaboration with a local yoga studio — so you can retox after your detox. Booking essential, of c.
How to get there: Walk along the canal until you hit the Suzan Daniel bridge and see a building where you just know a one-bedroom costs €1,400 a month. It’s nestled underneath.
Review published on October 17, 2024. Illustration by Natália Delgado/POLITICO.