Whether you’re planning to visit Brussels for fun or for business, you’ll have to take advantage of being in a city with incredible food. If you enjoy chocolate, waffles, or french fries, you are especially in luck in Brussels, though healthy eaters will also have plenty to choose from.
Visit These 11 Restaurants And Cafes In Brussels
1. Cafe Belga
As one of the most popular bars/cafe’s in Belgium, Belga is frequented by families, students, young-professionals and tourists alike. Belga is known for its large terrace, views onto the Ixelles lake, live music, and good food. The Art-Deco building is in the popular Flagey square.
Address: Place Eugène Flagey 18, 1050 Ixelles, Belgium
2. Friture Charles
Don’t judge a frite (french fry) shop by its cover, because this unassuming hut has some of the best frites in Belgium. Hidden in plain sight, Friture Charles is right in the centre of Place Dumon — a quaint town square at the end of the 1 metro line. The fries are the perfect amount of crispy on the outside, while inside you’ll find soft and steaming potato. Cheap and cheerful, this small frite shop exceeds expectations.
Address: Place Dumon,1150 Woluwe-Saint-Pierre, Brussels, Belgium
3. Pain Quotidien
You may recognize this one, as its fame has branched out to cafe’s in New York and LA. This Belgian chain cafe has local charm, and is where many Belgians buy their selection of daily bread. Their devilish deserts such as brownies, tarts, and the infamous merveilleux (chocolate and meringue) satisfy your sweet tooth. Ideal for breakfast, lunch, or a cheeky cappuccino and desert in the afternoon.
Address: Avenue Louise 124, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
4. Maison Dandoy Tea Room
In the heart of Brussels and near the Grande Place, Dandoy (pronounced “Dan-Dwa”) has been making delicious treats since before Belgium was officially a country. The business began in 1829, and they’ve been perfecting their cookie tins and speculoos (ginger and spice cookies) ever since. Dandoy’s Tea Room gives you a chance to enjoy on the premises. The waffle drizzled in Dandoy chocolate is a must.
Address: Karel Bulsstraat 14, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
5. Cook & Book
Cook & Book caters to your needs, as its book shop/restaurant is creative and convenient. Entertaining for both adults and children alike, enjoy a sophisticated meal while the kids are busy reading or exploring the eclectic seating areas. Close to the Woluwe Shopping Center, Cook & Book is the perfect calm after the storm.
Address: Place du Temps Libre 1, 1200 Woluwe-Saint-Lambert, Brussels, Belgium
6. Bia Mara
Bia Mara serves a high-quality twist on the traditional fish and chips, and in an eco-friendly wooden box. Sustainable and tasty food is Bia Mara’s goal, with more lemon, basil, garlic and tartar sauce than you could imagine. Bia Mara makes all different kinds of fresh fish into a delicacy!
Address: Rue du Marche aux Poulets 41, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
7. Exki
This healthy-eating chain is so popular that they have cafes all over Brussels. With great options to eat in or on-the-go, Exki has it all — healthy and delicious! Whether you’re looking for a fresh pressed juice, quinoa salad, or even some rich chocolate cake, Exki is the place to go.
Address: Avenue Louise 326, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
8. Vismet
An upscale and unbeatable fish restaurant is Vismet in downtown Brussels. A pricier but unbeatable experience, Vismet is perfect for a celebration or a business trip. Vismet’s Dutch way of cooking is simple but delicious. Enjoy calamari, sole, and top it off with some great wine.
Address: Sint-Katelijneplein 23, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
9. Pierre Marcolini Chocolatier and Cafe
One of Belgium’s finest chocolatiers is the both tasteful and tasty Pierre Marconi. This chocolate shop is like a grown-up’s Willy Wonka, as its often frequented to pick up a fancy box of chocolates with lavender, rose, or even chilli. The small cafe allows you to try the chocolate at the source. Taste and enjoy!
Address: Rue des Minimes 1, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
10. Delirium Cafe
Not quite a cafe, and in fact a bar, Delirium holds over 2000 of the best beers in the world — as well as their own! As the number one stop in downtown Brussels, Delirium’s pink elephant pulls in buzzing locals and travellers to frequent its three floors.
Address: Impasse de la Fidelite 4, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
11. PAUL
This cafe chain can be found all over Brussels, but it seems more like a local bakery. With its delicious fresh baked bread and pastries, PAUL has truly made a name for itself as the bakery of the masses. Gourmet bread on-the-go doesn’t get any better than this.
Address: Rue des Fripiers 3-5, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
This article was written by Clara Hudson.