There is nothing quite like starting your day a little too late with (a large amount of) delicious food and a good dose of caffeine. Some locals and tourists claim the Belgian capital isn't up to par when it comes to mid-morning feasts, but we are ready to prove them wrong. Find Brussels' very best brunch spots below.
Frank
Located near the busy shopping street Rue Neuve, Frank is a cosy little eatery tucked away behind the Royal Theatre of La Monnaie known city-wide for its unbeatable specialty coffee and fantastic service. For the big eaters, it offers a brunch combo, serving up fluffy pancakes and fresh pastries alongside one of its savoury dishes.
Credit: Frank Coffee
We recommend tucking into Eggs Francine, named after its evening concept: a wine bar with a set vegetable-focused tasting menu that changes according to the seasonal produce. Frank is extremely popular during the weekends, it is probably best to get there sooner rather than later.
Rue des Princes 14, 1000 Bruxelles. Find more information here.
Spread the Moon
This cosy veggie cafe near the central station is a new kid on the block in Brussels. Since opening last year, it has quickly become a favourite among tourists and locals as the place to go for a bright start to the day. One warning in advance: the menu is incredibly tempting, and choosing just one dish will be a struggle.
Credit: Spread the Moon
Luckily, during the weekend, Spread the Moon offers a Brunch Formula, including one hot and one cold drink, as well as a sweet and savoury dish, which allows food lovers to try a bit of everything. Our favourites on the menu? The peachy French toast and Shawarma (veggie) Gyros.
Rue du Gentilhomme 13, 1000 Bruxelles. Find more information here.
The Wild Lab
This Saint-Gilles gem proves that an indulgent breakfast doesn't have to be unhealthy, but can instead make you feel energised and refuelled. The Wild Lab specialises in vegetarian breakfasts and brunches with plenty of vegan and gluten-free options, and guarantees seasonal, natural dishes that incorporate an essential mix of vitamins, minerals and proteins.
Credit: The Wild Lab
For something different, try the Warrior Buddy, a treat that will bring back childhood peanut butter jelly memories with its combination of thick toasted bread, cashew butter and fresh berries. In the mood for something savoury? Then try the Salty Brioche (with extra halloumi).
Rue Antoine Bréart 44a, 1060 Saint-Gilles. Find more information here.
Crème
You will struggle to find a brunch spot in Brussels that does pancakes better than Crème, which serves up this fluffy goodness all day long. From its delectable sweet versions – the Belgian revisited pancakes with the country's speculoos spread, speculoos crumble and chocolate drizzles will have you coming back for more – to the savoury stack combining bacon and maple syrup, these dishes will keep you going all day.
Credit: Creme Brussels
If you're not a big fan of pancakes, don't fret! Crème's signature toasts, adorned with spinach, poached eggs and whatever topping tickles your fancy, are equally as compelling.
Rue de Rollebeek 30, 1000 Bruxelles. Find more information here.
Woodpecker St. Cath.
This is the capital's go-to place for brunch that will cure any hangover (or at least bring you so much joy that you will forget about it for a while). While its Eggs Benedicts and Hemingways are of a top-notch standard and its summer pancakes including homemade strawberry coulis and marmalade, topped with verbena-infused mascarpone cream, are worth writing home about, we advise ordering the Peck Waffles.
Credit: Woodpecker
For those who aren't veggie, the Peck Special with a home-made chorizo waffle is the top of the list, while those with a high cheesiness tolerance will love the "Call Me Cheesus" (with a name like that, how can you refuse?).
Quai au Bois à Brûler 27, 1000 Bruxelles (other locations near Avenue Louise and near Schuman). Find more information here.
POZ
Last but definitely not least is POZ, an underdog on the Brussels brunch scene which can be found in Uccle, Saint-Gilles and Ixelles, and is much-loved for its charming interior, and even prettier presentation of its food.
Credit: POZ
But beauty isn't just on the outside at POZ, its dishes taste just as good as they look. Our favourites are the Avocado Pancakes (a surprisingly flavoursome combination of green veggies), or for those with a sweet tooth, try the Brownie and Pancake combo. For just €25, you can have the best of both worlds with the Brunch Combo.
Find more information here.
