Francesco Parisi

Some restaurant owners are known for their cuisine. And then there are those you remember for their smile, their personality, and that unique way they have of welcoming you.

Francesco, the owner of Gusto Trattoria in Ixelles, is one of those personalities who breathe life into a restaurant.

The son of a restaurateur and deeply attached to his Sicilian roots, Francesco grew up with a simple belief: hospitality is just as important as great food.

Since 2006, he has been bringing this philosophy to life in the heart of the Châtelain neighborhood in Brussels.

At Francesco’s, customers are never strangers

Francesco loves people—spontaneous exchanges, lively conversations, returning guests, and new encounters.

At his restaurant, there’s no unnecessary formality or complicated etiquette. He prefers sincerity, smiles, and that Italian warmth that puts everyone at ease.

He loves recognizing his regulars, welcoming newcomers, and seeing his tables fill up with people who enjoy each other’s company.

Because for Francesco, a good Italian restaurant is about more than just a menu of specialties. It’s a lively place where people share much more than just a meal.

Cooking in his blood, Italy in his heart

His Sicilian roots and family heritage have shaped his vision of the craft.

Francesco champions a generous, authentic, unpretentious Italian cuisine, where the pleasure of taste takes precedence over passing trends.

He loves recipes with a story behind them, ingredients with character, Italian wines that pair well with a good meal, and, above all, happy guests gathered around his table.

His greatest satisfaction? Seeing someone leave with a smile and the desire to return.

A lover of Italy… and of Sophia Loren!

But Francesco isn’t just about the restaurant business.

He’s also a man deeply attached to Italian culture—its cinema, its elegance, and that famous Dolce Vita that has inspired dreams for generations.

And he has a special admiration for Sophia Loren, that iconic figure of Italian cinema who so perfectly embodies Italy’s charm, spirit, and personality.

A small detail that speaks volumes about his world!

In fact, movie lovers will recognize a few nods to the golden age of Italian cinema in Gusto’s decor.

Twenty years of passion, and still the same joy

After twenty years at the helm of Gusto Trattoria, Francesco knows that the greatest reward of his profession isn’t measured solely by the number of meals served.

It’s seen in the smiles, the loyalty of regulars, the new friendships, and those customers who now consider Gusto their go-to Italian spot in Ixelles.

And if you haven’t met Francesco yet, there’s only one thing left to do: come meet him!

Take a seat, enjoy the food, let yourself be swept away by the atmosphere, and discover why, since 2006, Gusto Trattoria has been so much more than just an Italian restaurant in Châtelain.

Benvenuti a casa—at Francesco’s!