Just a few blocks from my hotel in Brussels, I wandered into the triangular Grand Sablon Square, home of a weekly antiques market, flanked by restaurants, stores, and chocolate shops, and capped by the wonderful Church of Our Lady of Victories at the Sablon. Here I found a bit of Spain in Belgium—not too surprising, given that most of the country was once, long ago, part of Spanish Netherlands, from 1556 to 1714.

Hispania opened in 2016 and quickly established itself as a go-to for fine, traditional Spanish cuisine. The authenticity of Hispania is deep: The elegant and contemporary décor—the golden colors of the central oval-shaped bar, the velvet armchairs and benches, the antiques and mirrors, the tile designs of the floor and ceiling, the lithographs of Spanish royalty—was created by a Spanish designer, and the menu was developed by a Spanish Michelin-star chef. While listening to jazzy music and appreciating the careful and prompt service, you’ll savor every facet of this gastronomical experience.

Try This: Start sipping your Spanish wine while enjoying a complementary aperitivo of bread and Spanish olive oil, and olives and tasty mustard cream served in a little box with little stones that dangerously resemble chickpeas and hazelnuts. As a starter, try the deliciously creamy Iberian ham croquettes—you’ll receive half a dozen of them. For your entrée, choose the Iberian pork meatballs, accompanied by pickles and mashed potatoes with chives and red onion.

 

 

 

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