On September 28, 1974, in Wezembeek-Oppem, Chaussée de Malines just in front of the passage of the old railway to Tervuren, which has since become tram 39, opposite the site of the old Wezembeek station, the Trattoria opened di Parma operated by the Cosmai brothers.
Giuseppe (1949) and Sergio Cosmai (1957) come from the coastal village of Bisceglie, in Puglia not far from Bari. Like many other villagers, they were approached by Mauro Di Pilato, an enthusiastic boss of their village, but who was already established in Belgium, and who offered in 1968 to come and work in Belgium. Giuseppe found himself in Leuven at the Tiensestraat in the parent company (casa madre) “Parma”, and Sergio later in Ghent, with another boss Da Gianni, and was one of the survivors of the terrible fire that struck this establishment in March 1974.
In September 1974, Di Pilato opened a new establishment in Wezembeek-Oppem in the former “Café de la Gare”, a building dating from +/- 1880 and put Giuseppe Cosmai in the kitchen. It was the time when Italian cuisine was developing in Belgium, with the arrival of many nationals to European institutions, the need for labor attracted all the young Italians from Bisceglie.
Given the rapid success, Di Pilato left the Cosmai brothers alone in charge with the arrival of Sergio and Carlo (who after 10 years returned to Italy), and 50 years later, the two brothers are still present, even if the The business is officially in the hands of Enzo, Giuseppe’s son since 2015.
A very beautiful establishment that has been successful for 50 years
The place is pleasant, has been renovated by Enzo: new terrace, bright triple-glazed veranda-pergola, new tables, comfortable chairs, modern sanitary facilities.
The front of the trattoria is like a brasserie, at the request of regulars, to simply have a drink or enjoy an Italian espresso.
In terms of the menu, we find authentic Italian cuisine, only fresh products, a calm restaurant, attentive service with order, precision and serenity.
Before any order, the table is set with olives, savory appetizers and freshly baked rolls.
The escalope remains the best-seller, whether Milanese, al parma, gratinated, with sage or tomato but Belgium obliges, often served at the request of customers with fries. To please children especially, Al Parma also offers pizzas although it is not really a pizzeria.
In season, and at the request of the many loyal customers, mussels are offered. The Cosmai family organizes, upon request, banquets and receptions.
Enzo is creative and inventive, knows all his customers and regulars, and takes care to organize the room service to perfection.
Another major advantage? The ease of accessibility, by car very close to the Ring or by tram with the “Ter Meeren” stop of tram 39 right in front, but above all the car park, plenty of places to park without discs without a ticket!
50 years of success and excellent trattoria cuisine for a real moment of happiness in a relaxed atmosphere!
Trattoria di Parma, Chaussée de Malines, 44 at 1970 Wezembeek-Oppem, closed Tuesday evening and Wednesday.
