Bohemian commune south-west of the centre, Art Nouveau on every corner: Portuguese groceries on the Parvis, Hinterland brunch, late bars and the Saturday Parvis market for tapas-walking.
Premier Comptoir Thai is the standing Saint-Gilles Thai room on Chaussee de Charleroi, with daily-fresh prep, a small summer garden and one of the most.
Signature: Pad Thai, Green curry
Order: A green curry and a plate of pad thai to share, with the house garden seating in summer.
Tip: Closed Sundays and Monday lunch. Reserve evenings, the room fills fast with regulars.
Fanny Thai in Brussels' Saint-Gilles cooks the most editorial Thai room in the city. Priced at €€. At Chaussee de Charleroi 91. Booking recommended.
Signature: Pad Thai, Beef massaman curry
Order: Beef massaman curry and a plate of pad see ew, with a Singha to wash down.
Tip: Closed Sunday lunch and Monday. The back room is calmer than the bar tables.
Rubis Wine Bar in Brussels Saint-Gilles is the neighbourhood wine bar Pierre Val opened in 2015 on Avenue Adolphe Demeur. At Avenue Adolphe Demeur 41.
Signature pour: Burgundy by the glass alongside everyday discoveries
Wine focus: Biodynamic and natural with depth in Burgundy
Food: Cheese, charcuterie, seasonal small plates
Gamin in Brussels Saint-Gilles is the natural-wine bar near Place Van Meenen. At Avenue Adolphe Demeur 34. Booking recommended. Reservations advised.
Signature pour: Compact natural list with rotating glass pours
Wine focus: Living, low-intervention wines from growers who respect the soil
Food: Local, seasonal, organic snacks and small plates
Rooftop Perche on top of Jam Hotel in Brussels' Saint-Gilles serves cocktails with skyline views. Casual rooftop with a small kitchen, DJ programming.
Tip: Open May to September. Reserve through the Jam Hotel app for a guaranteed seat in peak summer evenings.
Le Verschueren in Brussels' Saint-Gilles is the Art Deco brown cafe with the local crowd. A century-old neighbourhood bar with terrace on the Parvis.
Tip: Cheap pints, no music after 23:00; locals stay through the evening into early morning.