Viva M'Boma

Viva M'Boma is a neo-bistro at Rue de Flandre 17, in the Sainte-Catherine and Flandre district of Brussels, Belgium. It occupies a former butcher's shop and keeps the tiled interior of that trade, and its name is a Brussels-dialect phrase for 'long live grandma'. The restaurant focuses on nose-to-tail Belgian cooking and classic Brussels dishes, with offal playing a prominent role. There is no Michelin context; the appeal is a respect for traditional recipes that have become less common on restaurant menus.

The signature dishes include tête de veau, calf's head in the traditional style; boudin noir, black pudding; and fresh sole meunière, a classic of Belgian cooking that provides a more conventional choice for diners who prefer fish. The menu reflects the seasons and the market, and the kitchen is known for dishes that other restaurants have dropped. Mains cost roughly €18-28, which is reasonable for the quality of the cooking and the central location.

The dining room is compact, rustic and sociable, with the butcher's-shop tiles and fittings giving it a distinctive character. There is no dress code. The mood is convivial and informal, with moderate noise at peak times. It suits food-focused visitors who want to try traditional Brussels dishes, though diners wary of offal can rely on the fish dishes and other choices.

The drinks list is made up of Belgian beers and a selection of wines suited to the robust food, which is the usual approach in a bistro of this kind.

Reservations are recommended, as the room is small and fills quickly at lunch and dinner. Booking a few days ahead is sensible, and longer for Friday and Saturday dinner. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner on most days and closed on Sundays, but visitors should verify the current schedule. It is a short walk from the Place Sainte-Catherine and the Grand Place.