Mano à Mano — Restaurant in Ixelles - Elsene

Good but expensive pizza. Far from satisfactory table service. Waited for 45 minutes for pizzas. Had to waive to the waiter that we had not received them. He mumbled something unconvincing to the effect that the machine had eaten the order, literally. When the pizzas finally landed on our table, we were not as hungry anymore, as we had in the meantime voraciously consumed the bread and butter found on the table. Anyways, the pizzas were there and we accordingly asked for chili oil, a good accompaniment to our choice. The waiter said he would bring it, but the oil never materialised at our table. The dude also vanished. The beer we started drinking 45 minutes earlier had in the meantime run out. Since no waiter attended us, we could not order another one, and ended the night with a biblical thirst. Would have been nice to receive a proper apology. In the country where I was born and raised - which incidentally gave birth to pizza - customers would receive a sweetener - either a free drink or a dessert - to make up for these kinds of mishapps. But of course, you need to know your job to be able to do it properly. I recommend to train your waiters, or...

It's a shame this restaurant is so badly organized. I've given it multiple chances but it keeps getting worse. Last time we went on a Friday night and made sure to make a reservation before arriving. When we were there they told us they got the reservations mixed up and were seated outside then had to move back inside. They gave us a table right next to the kitchen which is not the most pleasant. We've ordered entrées and main dishes and had to waited almost an hour between the two. People who arrived after us were served before us. When we made that remark to the waitress she literally said "you shouldn't have came a Friday night we're really busy". Really? The restaurant was full both inside and outside and they were also taking deliveries. Honestly, it's not a cheap restaurant and you expect a better service, if you're unable to deal with that many orders, just don't take as many. My advice: Go spend your...

It’s rare that I leave a negative review. I’ve been coming here for over 20 years because the food is consistently good and the location is lovely.

So why the one star? Unfortunately, because of the service. I was looking forward to enjoying lunch with my mother and we chose a shaded table for four, as there were plenty of empty tables and very few guests. However, the waiter insisted we move to a small table for two in the sun. I politely declined, given the many free tables available.

What followed was simply poor service. The way the waiter handled the situation was unfriendly and left us both uncomfortable. Being in the hospitality industry myself, I know I should have asked to speak with the manager—but the waiter’s attitude had already spoiled our appetite.

A disappointing experience, especially when sharing a meal with someone as special...