When it comes to pizza, this hidden gem in the heart of Saint-Gilles combines perfectly simplicity and high-quality ingredients. So perfectly so that I found myself returning to Pizzeria El Mekan twice in a week—something that I almost never do.
A fun evening to eat pizza in Saint-Gilles
From the moment you step inside, Pizzeria El Mekan feels special. The first thing that hit me was the mouthwatering aroma of freshly baked dough mingling with the scent of herbs and melting cheese. I was pleasantly surprised by the vibrant atmosphere punctuated by Puerto Rican salsa, adding a festive and welcoming vibe to the entire experience. The warm, friendly staff and owners, who are also Latino, made me feel like I was being invited into their home for a meal.
A curated menu with the best ingredients
One of the first things I noticed about Pizzeria El Mekan is the simplicity of their menu. The limited number of pizza recipes is a testament to their commitment to quality. Each pizza is crafted with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. You’ll find Belgian mozzarella without lactose, fresh basil grown on Brussels rooftops, and dough that has been slowly risen to perfection. All these elements come together to create a thin yet surprisingly filling pizza that bursts with flavor. When the pizza arrives, you’ll find a homemade chili oil set on the table— a must-try whether you like spicy or not. I ordered a Margherita, as I always do when I visit a pizzeria for the first time, and was thrilled by its taste. I was also so surprised by the generosity of the toppings! Unlike many other places, El Mekan goes above and beyond, ensuring every bite is as flavorful as the last. And despite the top-notch quality, the prices remain surprisingly affordable, making it an exceptional value for the experience you get. We left excited to have found a new favorite pizza spot close to home!
Great wine pairings for your pizza
While the menu might list just red and white wine, don’t be fooled—there’s more to choose from. Our server presented us with a choice of three different bottles of red wine, each thoughtfully selected to pair well with the pizzas. On both of my visits, I opted for a bottle of Rioja El Coto, a round and fruity wine that paired beautifully with the pizza. Priced at just 20 euros, it was not only delicious but also a fair price! The wine selection, like everything else at El Mekan, reflects the owners’ dedication to offering the best at an honest price.
A Warm Welcome Back
After my first visit, I was so impressed that I returned the very next day with friends to celebrate a birthday. We called in last minute as we hadn’t planned on eating out, and the owner were so nice and accommodating! The experience was just as delightful the second time around. We were seated on the charming terrace in front of the restaurant, where the staff went out of their way to make the evening special. They brought out a complimentary garlic bread—it was soooo good but not on the menu—when they learned it was a birthday celebration.
This time, I tried the “Say Cheese” pizza, their take on the classic four-cheese pizza. It was fantastic, the flavours were refined and the quality of the blue cheese really stood out. My friends took « la diabolique » and « marguerite » and were sooo pleased as well. The night continued, the sun set and it got a bit chillier. A couple of bottles of El Coto later and we were ready to go! As we stood up, we were offered a rum and cinnamon digestive to celebrate my friends birthday 😊 A thoughtful gesture that perfectly ended the night!
The new place to be in Saint-Gilles
Pizzeria El Mekan is more than just a pizzeria—it’s a place where passion for food shines through in every detail, from the carefully selected ingredients to the friendly service and vibrant atmosphere. It’s rare to find a spot that combines such high quality with affordability, but El Mekan does it effortlessly. I’m thrilled to have discovered this new pizza haven so close to where I live, and I can’t wait for my next visit. Whether you want to have a fun dinner with a group of friends or take your partner for a chill date in Saint-Gilles, Pizzeria El Mekan is not to be missed!