Celebrated table

Fight Club

Lakhdar Lakhdar-Hamina brings Russo’s-style pizza to Saint-Gilles. Le Fooding recognized this takeout spot for its massive slices and punchy vermouths.

The story

Fight Club Saint-Gilles: Award-Winning New York Style Pizza

The dough and the technique

Fight Club in Saint-Gilles serves massive New York-style pizza backed by extensive European culinary experience. Lakhdar Lakhdar-Hamina founded the spot after managing kitchens at Malmö, Verigoud, and Caffè al Dente. He relies exclusively on Belgian flour and allows his dough to ferment for twenty-four hours. This slow rise builds structure that supports heavy toppings without sagging.

Slices and toppings

Diners typically fold the slices in half before eating them. A standard pepperoni pizza arrives with a crisp edge and a generous layer of cured meat. The margherita version features fresh tomato sauce and slightly chewy buffalo mozzarella that stretches with every bite. Roasted carrots arrive with a house-made pistachio pesto, while a light mayonnaise slaw adds crunch to the order.

Vibe and recognition

The Le Fooding guide recently listed the establishment for its straightforward approach to casual dining. Friday evenings draw crowds who line up along the counter under window graphics depicting a retired boxer. The space stays compact and energetic, prioritizing quick turnover during peak hours. Guests often pair their slices with strong vermouths that complement the salty, savory flavors.

Recognition

Awards & accolades

2026
Le Fooding
Listed

Details

At a glance

Le Fooding 2026 — Listed
Cuisines Pizza
Services Takeaway

History

On the record

2026
Le Fooding — Listed

Entering the ring in Saint-Gilles: XXL pizza slices, Russo’s-style. In a spot that’s been empty for years, the “little boxer” adorning the windows has (finally!) been knocked out with hefty pizzas and vermouths that pack a punch. We owe this uppercut combo to Lakhdar Lakhdar-Hamina, who’s also the head coach at Malmö and Verigoud – and before that, Caffè al Dente and Gazzetta. That Friday night in a frenzied atmosphere reminiscent of Bushwick, perched on a bar stool we scoffed down three gigantic slices of pizza made with Belgian flour and dough proofed for 24 hours: an explosive slice of pepperoni, just like you’d get in NYC, a classic margherita with slightly rubbery mozzarella, and the daily special, which this time round featured mozzarella draped in anchovies, all devoured folded in half, as it should be. And on the side (for something slightly healthier), some crunchy coleslaw slathered in a light mayo, as well as some roasted carrots enhanced by one hell of a pistachio pesto – homemade of course. Bam! Like a knuckleduster to the jaw. // Jeanne Jaco

Established

Location

Find us

Chaussée de Waterloo 50, 1060 Saint-Gilles, Belgium
Budapest, Hungary
+32 2 268 09 40
info@fightclub.pizza
Visit website
Map showing Fight Club