Brussels is already thriving on the culinary front, but new restaurants, cafés and bars continue to pop up across the region, further adding to its limitless offering.
From Lebanese food like you've never seen it before to an eatery serving as an homage to the ultimate comfort food, find our favourite new dining (and take-away) spots in Brussels below.
Everyday enjoyment
Mission Masala (dinner)
This popular restaurant first set up shop in Ghent and Antwerp, which saw it being crowned the Valhalla for Indian soul food. But it wasn't until the end of August this year that Mission Masala started sharing the joys of its flavour-packed dishes with people in Brussels, with an extra focus on Indian barbecue and street grill.
Credit: Mission Masala / Nicolas Legein
Since opening its restaurant near Flagey in Ixelles, few nights have gone by without it being filled to the brim with diners. For those looking to tuck into the mouth-watering goodness plated up here, we recommend booking in advance to avoid being disappointed. Takeaway options are also available.
Chaussée d'Ixelles 280, 1050 Ixelles. Find more information here.
Mondday (brunch)
Just a few doors down from Mission Masala, the family-run eatery Mondday brings a whole new concept to the capital: a tapas and brunch snack bar.
Credit: Mondday
Aside from offering tasty brunch dishes – with both sweet and savoury options on the menu – the restaurant serves up a selection of delicious sharing plates such as nachos and charcuterie boards for later in the day, accompanied by original cocktails.
Chaussée d'Ixelles 314, 1050 Ixelles. Find more information here.
Special occasions
KLOK (all-day dining)
This new restaurant is set in a 19th-century building just a stone's throw away from Brussels' iconic Grand Place, on the ground floor of the Hotel La Grande Cloche. It is run by chef Florent Ladeyn, admired for his playful handling of ingredients and bringing together traditional Franco-Flemish folk cuisine.
Credit: KLOK
The restaurant's name refers to the building itself, but also to the fact that people can eat around the clock here. Whether you're an early bird looking for a breakfast with homemade specialities, are in search of a flavour-packed lunch in a unique setting or are looking for a gourmet dining experience (a five-course tasting menu or à la carte), KLOK has something for everyone.
Place Rouppe 10, 1000 Bruxelles. Find more information here.
Cantina Valentina (all-day dining)
Step inside the newly renovated Victoria Tower near Botanique for a Peruvian culinary experience like no other in the capital. It brings foodies on a journey through the country, from Lima to Iquitos, guided by its well-known food and drinks, with a modern twist.
Credit: The Hoxton
From a full Peruvian breakfast earlier in the day to an evening of tucking into homemade croquetas, chicarrones, ceviche, tartare and Pisco Sour, this eatery's menu will have you coming back for more. After dinner, why not head up to the building's rooftop to end the night on a high?
The Hoxton, Avenue Victoria Regina 1, 1210 Saint-Josse-ten-Node. Find more information here.
Quick and small bites
Foor'n (lunch)
This unique Lebanese eatery opened up earlier this year around the corner from Place Stephanie and has since been taking the capital by storm with the country's street bread called kaak, which can be found everywhere in Beirut but was still missing on the Belgian culinary seen.
Credit: Foor'n
The savoury roll, with a handbag-like shape and covered in sesame seeds, is crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. It can either be savoury (try the halloumi, black olive tapenade, sun-dried tomatoes and black cumin seeds) or sweet (we recommend the Carob molasses).
Rue de Stassart 131, 1050 Ixelles. Find more information here.
ANAM Kitchen (lunch)
Asian caterer ANAM is the place to be for on-the-go South East Asian food. Located at Fort Jaco in Uccle, it serves up a wide range of fresh dishes using quality produce, from Tom kha with asparagus to beef salad with lemongrass and tuna tataki.
Credit: ANAM
Order the day's special and eat it at the stylish kitchen counter or on the beautiful sun-soaked terrace, weather permitting. Feeling like a cosy night in? Then enjoy your dish in the comfort of your home, too.
Chaussée de Waterloo 1359, 1180 Uccle. Find more information here.
Pop-up CHeesy (temporary)
This eatery is so new it hasn't even opened its doors to the public yet. Another newbie located in Ixelles, this pop-up dedicated to Swiss cheese croquettes will start sharing its delights on 4 October. It is the brainchild of Les Fromages de Suisse, the creators behind the short-lived croque monsieur bar Monsieur Suisse x Liesse, setting the bar high.
Credit: Les Fromages de Suisse
There will be an array of new and artisanal cheese croquettes on the pop-up's menu, developed by four of Belgium's top chefs and cheese masters. They will revisit this iconic dish by incorporating bold ingredients and a selection of high-quality cheeses from Switzerland.
As if this could get any better, CHeesy will be setting up shop at REBEL, the Flagey wine bar, setting the scene for some great wine and cheese pairings.
Rue Lesbroussart 48, 1050 Ixelles. Find more information here.
