Fin de Siecle
Rue des Chartreux 9, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
La Fin de Siècle is a must-visit spot for both tourists and locals in Brussels. This restaurant, located in the city center near Bourse, is famous for its delectable and original Belgian-inspired dishes at affordable prices. They have a limited menu displayed on a chalkboard, don’t accept card payments, and don’t take reservations, so be prepared to wait for a table – but it’s worth it!
This eatery is a local favorite for authentic Belgian cuisine, even though it doesn’t serve all the traditional Belgian classics. Instead, they use typical Belgian ingredients and cooking techniques, like beer-infused sauces and stewed meats.
The restaurant is known for its long lines, especially after 7:30 pm, but the wait tends to move quickly. Inside, you’ll find a luxurious interior reminiscent of the Grande Epoque era, but the dining arrangement is more canteen-like and can get a bit loud. However, the friendly service and excellent food more than make up for the lack of fine dining ambiance.
L’ana Theme
Rue de la Fourche 14, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
L’Ana Thème is a top-notch Franco-Belgian restaurant in central Brussels, located in the historic Ilôt Sacré near the Grand Place. Chef Ana Firmino’s focus is on quality and freshness of ingredients. It’s a cozy spot for a relaxed dining experience, catering to locals, business folks, and tourists seeking affordable, sustainable cuisine. Ana, originally from Brazil, has a passion for French cooking and honed her skills in top culinary schools.
Their monthly menu changes based on seasonal availability, featuring four starters, four main courses, and three desserts. Homemade shrimp croquettes and succulent beef cheek cooked in Belgian beer are menu staples.
Comme Chez Soi
Pl. Rouppe 23, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
Comme Chez Soi is a prestigious Brussels restaurant with 2 Michelin stars, known for its exceptional fine dining experience. “Comme Chez Soi” translates to “just like home,” and under the guidance of Lionel Rigolet, the culinary journey here is unforgettable. The menu combines classic and contemporary recipes, executed flawlessly with top-quality ingredients and modern culinary techniques.
The restaurant offers an enchanting atmosphere, whether you choose to dine in the kitchen or the Art Nouveau dining room. Booking a table well in advance is highly recommended due to its popularity.
The menu boasts a range of delectable offerings, such as duck liver with gin, Nobashi shrimps, and marinated crawfish, all meticulously prepared and beautifully presented.
Au Stekerlapatte
Rue des Prêtres 4, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
Au Stekerlapatte is a hidden gem in Brussels‘ historic Marolles neighborhood, offering a taste of traditional Belgian cuisine. Established in the 1970s, it’s known for its fantastic atmosphere, Belgian beers, and mouthwatering dishes.
The restaurant’s interior is simple yet classy, with wooden furniture, a piano, antique elements, and large mirrored walls. Don’t miss the beautiful stained-glass window on the ceiling.
The menu features classic Belgian dishes, including carbonnade flamande, Bloempanch, meatballs with tomato sauce, and mouthwatering honey-marinated oven-baked spareribs. Desserts are typically Belgian, with options like speculoos mousse and speculoos ice cream, featuring the famous spiced shortcrust biscuit.
Depending on the season, the menu includes special dishes with seasonal products like asparagus, mussels, game, and sauerkraut. While there aren’t many vegetarian options on the menu, they can adjust dishes to meet dietary preferences.
Le Chou de Bruxelles
Rue de Florence 26, 1050 Bruxelles, Belgium
Au Vieux Spijtingen Duivel
Chau. d’Alsemberg 621, 1180 Uccle, Belgium
Au Vieux Spijtingen Duivel is a cozy gem located in Uccle along the Chaussée d’Alsemberg. It feels like a rustic Belgian countryside family restaurant, with families gathering for a warm meal and laughter after a long day’s work. It’s known as an “estaminet,” a term signifying a place to eat, drink, and share joy with family, rooted in Walloon French culture.
The restaurant offers an extensive selection of Belgian specialty beers, including the delightful Maredsous Dubbel on tap. The menu is quintessentially Bruxellois, featuring dishes like ballekes sauce tomate (meatballs in tomato sauce) and carbonnades Flamandes (beef and onion stew made with beer). They also have a daily catch of North Sea mussels. All main dishes are generously accompanied by unlimited servings of pomme-frites (French fries).
Save some space for their special glace au spéculoos, a speculoos-flavored ice cream, if you can.
9 et Voisins
Rue Van Artevelde 1, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
If La Fin de Siècle’s crowds are a bit overwhelming, consider giving its lesser-known but equally delightful sister restaurant, 9 et Voisins, a try.
9 et Voisins is discreetly located just across the street from La Fin de Siècle. It used to have an unmarked exterior with two doors, but now there’s a small sign to confirm it’s a restaurant. Inside, you’ll discover a quirky Art Nouveau setting with stained-glass doors and a spiral staircase leading to a one-table balcony, where you can enjoy a Belgian beer while waiting for a table. On the ground floor, tables are arranged canteen-style, giving a cozy, homey vibe reminiscent of a Belgian family meal.
The menu, displayed on a chalkboard, offers a delightful selection of Belgian-inspired dishes similar to its parent restaurant, La Fin de Siècle. You can expect generous portions of meat stewed in beer sauces, served with endless potatoes and salad, all at affordable prices (ranging from €15 to €30), a true taste of Belgium.
La Porteuse d’Eau
Av. Jean Volders 48, 1060 Saint-Gilles, Belgium
If you’re a fan of Art Nouveau, make sure to visit La Porteuse d’Eau in Saint-Gilles. It’s tucked away in a block of Art Nouveau houses designed by the Belgian architect Ernest Blerot. After exploring Brussels’ architectural gems, a meal at this brasserie-restaurant is the perfect way to end your tour.
La Porteuse d’Eau’s interior is as well-preserved as its exterior. It features an elegant spiral staircase leading to an upstairs dining room with stained-glass windows and a roof. The downstairs salon and bar are also Art Nouveau-styled, complete with winding wrought iron, a stained-glass bar, and flower lamp chandeliers.
Once you’ve taken in the intricate architecture, find a table and immerse yourself in the friendly Brusseleir atmosphere. You’ll feel right at home among local regulars and jovial waiters who can guide you through the extensive list of Belgian beers and classic Brussels dishes. The food is reasonably priced, ranging from €15 to €20, and the portions are generous.
Les Brigittines
Pl. de la Chapelle 5, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
Les Brigittines is an iconic Brussels restaurant, set within a beautifully preserved Art Nouveau building that was once a post office in the Marolles neighborhood. Chef Dirk Myny, a true Brussels native, creates an exceptional dining experience with a focus on terroir cuisine. The menu features traditional yet contemporary Belgian dishes, using top-quality ingredients sourced from specific regions. The North Sea provides the gray shrimps, and Limousin supplies the veal.
This establishment prides itself on being an early adopter of the Slow Food movement, displaying its ingredients and suppliers on the menu. Signature dishes include pork belly with tuna tartare, cow’s udder soup, tripes Caen’s style, and the iconic vol-au-vent with rooster combs. For an extraordinary experience, try the 7-course tasting menu, customized by Chef Dirk to your preferences and the day’s fresh offerings.
The restaurant offers champagne and wine pairings or Gueuze Cantillon, and, if you’re feeling adventurous, inquire about Chef Dirk’s secret cave – a hidden delight.
Le Vismet
Pl. Sainte-Catherine 23, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
Le Vismet is a classic Brussels restaurant located near Place Sainte-Catherine, and its name hints at its specialty – seafood. They offer fresh, no-frills delicacies from the sea, such as fried sole, poached skate, and an excellent filet americain à la minute for meat lovers. You can finish your meal with a typical dame blanche (vanilla ice cream with chocolate sauce).
The restaurant’s interior has a canteen-like feel with wooden floors, exposed light bulbs on the ceiling, and wooden walls. The extensive seafood platter, including oysters, whelk, crab claws, grey shrimps, and shrimp, is a must-try.
Les Potes en Toque
Drève du Château 71, 1083 Ganshoren, Belgium
Located in a Ganshoren residential neighborhood, Les Potes en Toque is a charming 17th-century farmhouse turned restaurant. It features an open kitchen, a spacious terrace, and an all-Belgian menu. The restaurant is known for its convivial and peaceful atmosphere, offering generous servings of classic brasserie dishes like filet americain and choucroute. Additionally, they serve seasonal specialties, such as asparagus, chum (a type of fish), and game. The setting combines rural chic with a distinct Belgian charm, making it an inviting place to savor flawlessly prepared and hearty brasserie favorites.
Fripon
Rue du Berger 24, 1050 Ixelles, Belgium
Fripon is a Belgian-Brussels bistro located in the legendary art deco hotel Le Berger in Ixelles. The restaurant offers a fresh take on local dishes, including innovative options like a vegan version of beetroot-based steak américain. They also have a snack menu available from 6 pm onwards, perfect for enjoying with an aperitif.
‘t Potverdoemmeke
Av. Général Eisenhower 10, 1030 Schaerbeek, Belgium
Amidst the crowded dining scene in Brussels, ‘t Potverdoemmeke stands out as a cozy and unpretentious establishment, delivering traditional Belgian food in a warm and friendly atmosphere. Their menu includes dishes like the scampi casserole, which has been a capital city staple since 1973. Whether you choose cheese and shrimp starters or hearty main courses like the Brussels burger, you can expect a true taste of Brussels in this charming family-run restaurant.
GUS
Rue des Cultes 36, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
GUS is a cozy brasserie in Brussels where Pierre Baeyens and Jonathan Delhière introduce the concept of “brassonomy,” which combines beer and gastronomy. They skillfully incorporate the diverse flavors of artisan beer and hops into their Franco-Belgian lineup, both in the glass and in their creative dishes. For example, you can enjoy a foamy beer mousseline alongside a soft-poached egg and mushrooms, or savor steak that’s been smoked in hops. The chefs bring a unique twist to their recipes, elevating traditional bistro cuisine with a focus on brewing culture and its products.
Nuetnigenough
Rue du Lombard 25, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
Nuetnigenough is the neighborhood restaurant you’d wish to have at the end of your street, offering a genuinely warm and welcoming brasserie-style ambiance that encourages casual dining with elbows on the table and bread dunked into sauces. What sets it apart is perhaps the best bottled beer menu you’ll find in any restaurant, complemented by a concise draft beer selection that would challenge even dedicated beer bars.
Starters like duck pate, olives, and Brussels black pudding are perfect for sharing, served with baguette slices to soak up the flavors. For the main course, the Belgian classic of beef braised in Rochefort beer with frites is a standout. This dish features tender, well-seasoned meat in a flavorful gravy, served alongside crispy, salty frites—a combination that even a Yorkshireman would appreciate as gourmet chips and gravy.
Chez Jacques
Quai aux Briques 44, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
Chez Jacques, a 60-year-old family-owned brasserie, is a hidden gem among the touristy fish market spots at Vismarkt/Marché aux Poissons. Located right in front of Sainte-Catherine metro in the heart of Brussels, it offers classic Belgian dishes in a traditional Brussels wooden interior. It’s a reliable choice for honest and delicious food that pleases both locals and tourists.
Their salmon gravlax is a favorite, known for its well-balanced flavors without being overly sweet. Langoustine ravioli, a recent discovery, has become a signature dish, stuffed with langoustines and served with a langoustine bisque.
Le Marmiton
Galerie de la Reine 38, Rue des Bouchers 43, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
Le Marmiton is a typical Belgian brasserie where regulars and passing tourists mingle to savor traditional Belgian cuisine. For over three decades, Toni Beja and her children, Anthony, Sandra, and Alexandre, have been dedicated to showcasing Belgian seafood and specialties.
Their menu features Belgian classics such as grey shrimp croquettes, moules marinières, sole meunière, American steak with fries, waterzooï, beer-battered rabbit, carbonnades flamandes, and more. Desserts include iconic Belgian treats like Brussels waffles, speculoos dessert, and Dame Blanche.
Aux Armes de Bruxelles
Rue des Bouchers 13, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
Aux Armes de Bruxelles, an iconic restaurant in the heart of historic Brussels, offers a nostalgic journey through time with its traditional brasserie ambiance and staff dressed in period costumes. Established in 1921, it’s a culinary institution known for serving classic Belgian dishes. The extensive menu includes favorites like “tomato crevette” (tomatoes with brown shrimp), Flemish stew, moules frites (mussels and fries), and a wide selection of Belgian beers. The restaurant is divided into two sections: the elegant left side with white tablecloths and chandeliers and the more casual right side resembling a classic brasserie with wooden booths. It’s a perfect place for first-time visitors to Belgium seeking an authentic dining experience, and it’s conveniently located near the Grand Place.
Ploegmans
Rue Haute 148, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
Ploegmans, located in the Marolles district of Brussels, offers an authentic and working-class Belgian dining experience. The restaurant has a rich history, dating back to 1929 when it first opened as a tavern. Over the years, it has become a beloved institution known for its traditional Brussels cuisine. The menu features classic Belgian dishes like cheese croquettes, steak and chips, vol-au-vent, and more. One of their specialties is veal kidneys in mustard sauce, which is prepared with great care.
The interior of Ploegmans retains its original wooden walls, tables, and chairs, creating a cozy and nostalgic atmosphere. It’s a perfect place to warm up with hearty soul food, especially during the cold season. The restaurant can get busy, so reservations are recommended.
Authentic Belgian restaurants in Brussels FAQs
What food is famous in Brussels?
Brussels is renowned for its diverse and delicious food offerings. Iconic dishes include moules-frites (mussels and fries), Belgian waffles, high-quality chocolates, and a wide variety of Belgian beers. You can also savor hearty Flemish stew, steak and fries, and unique specialties like Brussels sprouts and chicons au gratin (Belgian endive wrapped in ham). Whether you’re a fan of seafood, sweets, or savory dishes, Brussels has something to satisfy every palate.
How expensive are restaurants in Brussels?
Restaurant prices in Brussels vary depending on the type of dining establishment. Budget eateries offer meals for around €5 to €15, while mid-range restaurants typically cost between €20 and €40 per person for a three-course meal. Fine dining and upscale restaurants can be more expensive, often exceeding €50 to €100 or more per person. Belgian beer cafes and traditional brasseries fall in the moderate price range, with meals typically ranging from €15 to €40 per person. Keep in mind that prices may fluctuate based on the neighborhood and cuisine type, and checking the menu in advance can help you plan according to your budget.
What is Belgium’s national dish?
Belgium doesn’t have a single national dish, but some of its most iconic and beloved dishes include moules-frites (mussels with French fries), carbonnade flamande (Flemish beef stew), waterzooi (a creamy chicken or fish stew), and vol-au-vent (a creamy chicken and mushroom dish typically served in a puff pastry shell). Additionally, Belgian waffles and chocolates are internationally famous and considered national treasures, though they are more associated with dessert than main dishes. The country is also renowned for its wide variety of beer and cheese.
What is the most delicious food in Belgium?
Belgium boasts a delectable array of culinary delights. From iconic dishes like Moules-Frites and Flemish Beef Stew to sweet treats such as Belgian chocolate and waffles, the country’s cuisine is a feast for the senses. Don’t forget to explore the world of Belgian beer, known for its diversity and quality. Cheese lovers can indulge in local varieties like Chimay and Herve, while speculoos cookies offer a spiced, sweet indulgence. And when it comes to fries, Belgian frites are a must-try, often served with various sauces. Belgium’s food scene caters to a wide range of tastes, making it a food lover’s paradise.
