Hand-pulled Shaanxi-style noodles and MO sandwiches shine for flavor and value, but long queues, crowded space, and inconsistent service are common; go early and focus on the noodle dishes.
La Taverne De ZHAO delivers excellent hand-pulled noodles with satisfying chew and bold Shaanxi flavors, supported by strong value for money in a central location. However, inconsistent execution—with reports of undercooked noodles, temperature variation, and portion fluctuation—prevents a higher grade, compounded by stretched service during peak times and long waits to be seated. While moderate review authenticity concerns add some uncertainty to the assessment, the core noodle experience remains solid for casual dining enthusiasts willing to navigate crowds.
Lively and queue-prone, this Saint-Boniface nook turns out broad, chewy hand-pulled noodles and MO buns in a small, bustling room. Service reads friendly but stretched at peak, with one diner noting, "Food flew out fast once we finally sat." However, there are some review authenticity concerns raised by mentions of reward-for-reviews, so weigh feedback with a dash of salt. The cooking leans Shaanxi comfort: biang biang noodles with beef or tomato-egg, liang pi, dumplings, and crispy fried chicken. Flavors are bold yet approachable; chili oil can be added for extra kick. Desserts like sesame ice cream with chili oil are playful outliers that split opinion. Best experiences come from sticking to the handmade noodles and MO sandwiches, which many call great value for central Brussels. Families should find it easy to order: tomato-egg noodles (€12.8), MO chicken (€7.5), and plain rice (€2.5) suit cautious eaters. Portions are often filling, though a few guests reported lighter meat. There is no kids menu, seating is tight, and waits can be long, so arrive early for a low-stress visit.
Area vibe: Trendy dining pocket in Ixelles with many small eateries and bars; youthful crowd and lively evenings.
Safety: Generally safe, busy and well-lit at night; typical urban pickpocket awareness applies.
What's nearby: Near Place Saint-Boniface, close to Avenue Louise and Matonge; heavy foot traffic and nightlife.