Restaurant review: Barracuda

Pl. Eugène Flagey 18A, 1050 Ixelles. 

What’s good? Barracuda is the latest opening by the French restaurant group Big Mamma, which is widely known across Europe for its impeccable service, delicious Italian dishes and affordable prices.

As you enter, you will immediately be captivated by the sparkling decorations and luxurious atmosphere. The menu offers a variety of pizzas as well as pasta, fish and meat dishes to choose from.

We tried the Spaghettone alla Vittorio, spaghetti with incredibly tasty tomato sauce, and their signature Pâtes à la truffe, a type of ribbon-shaped pasta with mascarpone cheese and freshly grated truffle on top. From the fresh bread to dip in olive oil to the creamy tiramisu at the end of the meal, everything was to die for.

What’s not good? As it’s currently one of the most popular restaurants in town, unless you’ve booked months in advance, getting a table at Barracuda might be a tough battle. 

Vibe: Barracuda has a festive and warm atmosphere in a beautifully designed space. The jazzy art deco furniture will leave you feeling like you’re on the movie set of an Italian version of the Great Gatsby.

Fun Fact: “The name Barracuda? It’s just a random name,” the manager of the restaurant tells me. He explains that like many other restaurants of the Big Mamma group, the names are casual: “Some are inspired by Italian sayings, others have no meaning at all.” Some dishes on the menu also have playful, animal-inspired names: for example, the Tigramisu, instead of Tiramisu. 

Who’s picking up the check? Prices are reasonable. Pizzas range from €13 to €21, while pasta dishes are between €14 and €21. Second dishes of meat and fish cost between €15 and €24.

How to get there: It’s in Place Flagey, in the iconic building that once was La Maison de la Radio, the House of the Radio. It’s a 26-minute walk from the Schuman roundabout or 17 minutes with the 59 or 60 bus lines.

Review published on  October 31, 2024. Illustration by Júlia Vadler/POLITICO.