Fast food is in abundance in Brussels, with all the big names around every corner. But for those seeking a homemade, hearty meal, or independent, healthier spots over the greasy global chains, it can be hard to know where to look.
Luckily, The Brussels Times is here to help: we have curated a guide of the best burgers in the Belgian capital to try this summer. From award-winning plant-based burgers to the meaty classics and more unusual flavours, there is something for everyone!
Bintje - Ixelles
This joint encapsulates the 'less is more' sentiment: what the menu might be lacking in options it certainly makes up for in flavour. Each of the three smash burgers (Le Bête Cheese, Original BBBQ, Bintje Mac) is delicious, and there is also the smaller version (Baby Burger) for something a little lighter – all for €10 or less.
Credit: miles.and.food / Bintje / v.wilbaux
Customers can also opt for alternative patties for a few euros extra (bacon, double burger, Beyond Meat veggie burger). The brioche buns, crispy fries and homemade sauces are also worth a mention, all enjoyed while bopping along to Bintje's excellent playlist.
Find more information here.
Kitsune - City Centre
This cosy restaurant offers mouth-watering plant-based burgers with an Asian twist, just a stone's throw away from Grand Place. Having set up shop in April 2022, Kitsune quickly made a name for itself among vegans and meat eaters alike and queues can often be seen outside its doors. It even won 'Best Fast Food' in the 2023 Belgian Vegan Awards and was among the ten finalists in the Best Burger Benelux competition in July 2024.
Credit: kitsune.burgers
Crunchy Korean corn dogs, kimchi rice balls (Korea's answer to arancini), and smash falafel burgers are all on offer, but the real star of the show is undoubtedly the sticky Korean fried mushroom burger with homemade kimchi slaw and gochujang sauce – a sticky, unbelievably tasty treat which will leave you coming back for more.
Find more information here.
Fernand Obb Delicatessen - Saint-Gilles
Although it rose to fame for its other fried snacks, Fernand Obb boasts some unbeatable burgers too. We recommend the freshly-breaded fish burger with tartare sauce and a squeeze of lemon.
Boudin noir burger (Left) and shrimp croquettes (Right). Credit: Fernand Obb Delicatessen
Another delicious option is the white or black pudding burgers (boudin blanc/noir), exclusively and custom made for Fernand Obb by the butcher Antoine Müller, in Bohan (Namur province), paired with caramelised onions or tangy compote. And, of course, don't leave without trying one of the award-winning shrimp croquettes!
Find more information here.
Chardin - Schaerbeek
For a juicy, classic Angus beef burger, look no further: nestled in the heart of Plasky in northern Brussels, this small establishment is packed with a punch. While Chardin's gourmet classics are exceptionally well done, it also experiments with bold flavours such as truffle and coconut-peanut sauce, and fake steak and beetroot burgers for the veggies.
Credit: Chardin
The loaded fries and classic desserts (tiramisu, crème brûlée, mousse chocolat) are also worth a special mention. Chardin is known for its particularly personable service, and sitting on the twinkling terrace is the perfect way to unwind on a warm summer's evening.
Find more information here.
Manhattn - various locations
The Vandermeulen brothers first opened their doors in 2014, with the aim of bringing Brooklyn to Brussels. Over the past decade, they have expanded considerably, with several branches across Belgium and France. But despite the expansion, their motto remains 'don't be big, be great'. "We want to offer real quality," they told Het Laatste Nieuws in 2019.
Credit: manhattns.burgers
The pair spent two years perfecting their fries and say the 'Rockefeller' is the most popular item on the menu. Our personal favourite, however, is the 'Brooklyn Falafel', with tzatziki, pickled red onions, tomato tartare, lettuce and beetroot ketchup.
Find more information here.
Rambo - Ixelles and Waterloo
Rambo's flavours are also inspired by the States. "It's our love letter to the old school burger joint. A return to the origins of burger, to its very essence: no fuss, simple, quality burgers," the owners write on their website. Dedicated to smash burgers, Rambo's offer is similar to that of Bintje: a limited menu, but packed full of flavour.
Credit: Rambo
With three joints on Rue Washington, Rue de la Paix and Chausée de Bruxelles, Rambo also offers a delivery service as well as a weekend brunch between 10:00 and 15:00 (only in Waterloo).
Find more information here.
Chez Bichon - Woluwe-Saint-Lambert
Further out of town, this small bistro dating back to the 1930s has been converted to offer not only burgers, but also a wide selection of tapas, salads, pasta dishes, cocktails and desserts to cater to all tastes. The staff are friendly and attentive and customers are always welcomed with a smile.
Mani burger. Credit: Chez Bichon
Chez Bichon's menu boasts a wide range of burgers with more unusual flavours, such as Mahatma's Burger with béchamel sauce and curry powder, or the Skywhi Burger with cheddar, Serrano ham, green pepper sauce and whisky.
Find more information here.
