We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.

Osteria a l'Ombra

2 rue des Harengs, Brussels 1000, Belgium
32-2-511.67.10
Update restaurant details
Ranked #106 of 1,860 restaurants in Brussels
Cuisines: Italian
Dining options: Reservations, After-hours
13 visitor photos
Restaurant details
Dining options: Reservations, After-hours
Write a Review

67 reviews from our community

83% Recommend
    33
    23
    7
    3
    1
Rating summary
    Food
    Service
    Value
    Atmosphere
Date Rating
VA
Senior Contributor
26 reviews 26 reviews
17 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 17 cities Reviews in 17 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 3 May 2013

We arrived about 10 minutes prior to opening time, and there were several people already waiting. The dining room is very small with seating for only 15 persons. (Didn't know they had an upstairs room.) There is a communal table in the center of the room that seats eight and a counter along one wall that seats another five. We... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
newbury, berkshire
Senior Contributor
23 reviews 23 reviews
9 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
34 helpful votes 34 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 March 2013

We were 5 girls on a weekend break to Brussels, I had been to this restaurant on a previous trip with my husband, we had such a good time I just had to return, we weren't disappointed! We were greeted by the staff and taken to our table upstairs. We ordered a starter of meats and cheeses to share, and... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 5 more reviews by daviest1 for Brussels
Kaiserslautern, Germany
Senior Contributor
23 reviews 23 reviews
5 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
15 helpful votes 15 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 March 2013 via mobile

While strolling the Grand Place, we wanted to find the best reviewed restaurant in the "tourist trap" so to Trip Advisor we go! Osteria was recommended. We were warmly greeted when we walked in. Nice, Italian family run restaurant. We sat upstairs, which has a very cozy, warm & rustic atmosphere. We asked for a wine recommendation to which he... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Brussels, Belgium
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 2 March 2013

honestly, since my 6 years in Brussels, I have never been in a restaurant that loud. We had a reservation with friends and were seated upstairs next to another group of friends. The accoustic of the room led to the fact that we shouted in competition to actually hear smth. Incredibly exhausting. The air being anyway rather tense because of... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by K V for Brussels
Duesseldorf
Senior Contributor
25 reviews 25 reviews
4 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
14 helpful votes 14 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 February 2013

Pasta was just as it should be. House wine was good. Service was prompt. An amuse geule was on the house. Prices, for Bruxelles and near Grand Place, nearly unbeatable. I prefer downstairs to upstairs, but opinions on this do vary.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by gessy01 for Brussels
Brussels, Belgium
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
3 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 1 February 2013

The restaurant is ideally situated near the Grand'Place and the staff is friendly. The food is of good quality but I didn't find it exceptional. This would deserves a "very good". Unfortunately, my feet were frozen by the end of the evening since the heating system was not able to warm up the cold air of january. This is the... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by Thomaline for Brussels
Wirral
Senior Contributor
29 reviews 29 reviews
14 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 18 cities Reviews in 18 cities
21 helpful votes 21 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 December 2012 via mobile

We went on recommendation. Its un assuming but outstanding. Do not leave Brussels without a visit. Its a listed building so you could easily miss it. We had an awesome experience one of the best in all of our wandering which is saying something. Class act start to finish. We will be back.

Was this review helpful? Yes
Brussels, Belgium
Senior Contributor
24 reviews 24 reviews
16 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 November 2012

This was a recommendation. On first arrival I was convinced it was a wind up. On entering into a somewhat 'communal' (and enpty) dining area, we were told it was fully reserved and directed upstairs. Here, one has to negotiate a steep and norrow staircase and pass the smallest of kitchens before being seated in a room with no decoration... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 9 more reviews by AnIdiotAnywhere for Brussels
Bruges, Belgium
Senior Contributor
23 reviews 23 reviews
10 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 27 October 2012

Thias was my second visit. The first time I want tto ezt there, I blamed the company for having such a good meal and company. Maybe we got attaneded to so well because we were early visitors,.... ? This time, we were quite late (last table entering the place, last to leave). This place has a real heart, real emotion.... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 2 more reviews by DidierF1966 for Brussels
Denver, Colorado
1 review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 October 2012

I love this restaurant. My husband, daughter and I searched for it after seeing it recommended in Rick Steve's travel book. We went for dinner but did not have a reservation. Lucky for us, The waiter was very accommodating and tried to get us a table. The food was the best Italian food I have had in a long time.... More

Was this review helpful? Yes

Travellers who viewed Osteria a l'Ombra also viewed

Brussels, Belgium
Brussels, Belgium
 
Brussels, Belgium
Brussels, Belgium
 

Been to Osteria a l'Ombra? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage Osteria a l'Ombra, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

Manage your listing