Tatar — Restaurant in Ixelles - Elsene

September 2024 (as you cannot add second review): How place can change in a year… We used to love this restaurant. Last year, we were regulars, eagerly returning for the fantastic food, exceptional service, and the personalized touch of lovely bartender that made every visit special. Unfortunately, after having to stop eating raw meat for a while, our long-awaited return was nothing short of a letdown.

The bartender, who used to mix cocktails on the spot and help you choose the perfect drink, was nowhere to be seen. Instead, drinks were pre-mixed and priced at an astonishing €15. To make matters worse, the waitress who served the drinks seemed clueless. While it’s great to enjoy your job and have fun, I’d rather not have someone dancing around when they clearly don’t know what they’re doing. Our experience started promisingly enough. We were seated promptly, and my husband’s allergy was confirmed. The waitress brought us the menu, but when we asked for advice on which drink would pair well with our food choices, she had no idea. We ended up making a guess ourselves. When the wine finally arrived, it was served unevenly, with my glass filled significantly more than my husband’s, despite both glasses being identical. Then came the amuse-bouche. Just as the waitress began explaining the dish, we realized it contained the very ingredient my husband is allergic to—the same allergy she had confirmed at the start of our meal. How could such a basic mistake be made after we had discussed the allergy with her? As for the food itself, while it was fresh, it was nowhere near the memorable experience we had last year. The flavors were fine, but nothing stood out. It felt like the magic from before had completely disappeared. I asked to switch my wine for the same one my husband had. Instead of bringing me a second glass, the waitress simply took my existing glass away and brought the bottle over to top off my husband’s glass, ignoring my request entirely. Sadly, this visit was a disappointment from start to finish. The charm, the attentive service, and the quality that once made this restaurant a favorite are all gone. Unfortunately, we won’t be coming back.

June-September 2023: Everything super fresh and extremely tasty- I was a bit reluctant as everything is raw but omg, it was a symphony of flavours. The drinks are...

First visit to Tatar, drawn in by the glowing reviews, revealed a charming restaurant with a view of its open kitchen that added to the cozy atmosphere, setting the stage for what we hoped would be a memorable dining experience.

While the staff was friendly and well-intentioned, there was a noticeable gap in delivering exceptional service. Upon perusing the wine menu, the limited offerings were slightly disappointing, especially considering the restaurant's high acclaim.

The starters, designed for sharing and substantial when followed by an individual main course, showcased bold and unique flavor combinations that hinted at the chef's creativity and plating skills.

Transitioning to the main course, the food continued to impress with its freshness no doubt about that. The meticulous attention to presentation was evident. However, while eating you begin to question whether less might be more, as the abundance of flavors seemed overwhelming. Nevertheless, the willingness to take risks was commendable.

All enthusiasm was wavered when dessert arrived. The classic tiramisu with a matcha & miso twist topped with shiitake mushrooms, though daring and experimental, left me skeptical about the unconventional ingredient choices. It felt like a bold experiment that fell short, akin to stumbling into a spontaneous live jazz session—full of noise but lacking harmony. On top of a very noisy kitchen where pots and pans kept dropping several times.

Reflecting on my overall experience at Tatar, I found myself torn between the restaurant's bold flavors and lingering doubts about its true culinary prowess. While it offered a unique journey of tastes and textures, there was a debate over whether it truly lived up to its hype or is trying to oversell through hype.

Tatar is undoubtedly a place worth exploring for its adventurous culinary offerings. However, its potential as a regular dining spot remains uncertain. It was a commendable effort, but one that didn't quite hit the mark: definitely not a wow factor.

In conclusion, Tatar is a culinary rebel where flavors clash and boundaries are challenged. The question of whether it is a passing trend or a genuine culinary...

A Culinary Masterpiece: Our "4 Poissons" Experience at Tatar, Brussels!

Our recent dinner at Restaurant Tatar in Brussels, where we indulged in the "4 Poissons" menu, was an absolutely phenomenal experience from start to finish. It was a true journey of exquisite tastes and artful presentation.

The prelude to our meal began with three stunning amuse-bouches, each a delightful surprise that awakened the palate:

A vibrant burst of fresh green apple ingeniously paired with the savory pop of fish eggs.

A delicate tartare exquisitely enrolled in miso leaves, offering a subtle yet profound umami.

The decisive and rich taste of sardines beautifully balanced by earthy algae.

These were merely the opening notes of a magnificent symphony. The courses that followed continued to impress:

A light and airy spuma of potatoes and saffron alongside a vegetarian tartare with perfectly tender, sweet cabbage – a testament to precision cooking.

An exceptional tuna tartare complemented by dried algae and a luscious egg yolk marinated in soy sauce, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.

The "Dorade" (Sea Bream) was a triumph, nestled in a fragrant coconut cream and accompanied by a delectable tartine of smoked salmon.

To conclude this memorable feast, the desserts were nothing short of impressive. The thoughtful combination of  kumquat, hazelnuts, and a fragrant elderberry syrup was simply incredible – a perfect harmony of acidity, sweetness, and texture.

Every dish showcased creativity, fresh ingredients, and a masterful understanding of flavor combinations. This was more than just a meal; it was a delightful exploration of culinary artistry. If you're in Brussels, Restaurant Tatar is an experience not to be missed. We'll...