iOda

Natural, relaxed, ambitious, and humble

Head Chef Cesar Hoed began his career as a lawyer before eventually setting out on a long period of travel. When he needed money for the road, he applied to restaurant jobs around the world. In 2002, after a short stint at Humus x Hortense, he decided to open his own place in Saint Gilles in Brussels. iOda calls itself a Rôtesserie végétale, and the idea is to put locally grown vegetables on a pedestal. The wine list is full of funky and tannic natural wines that match the delicious, inventive food.

Summary

• Almost exclusively organic

• Plant-based

• Works with a handful of selected farmers and growers

• Focus on work-life balance

• Only one sitting per evening to avoid stressing the guests