Belgium is rarely considered a culinary destination and its cuisine is often dismissed as basic, fatty and repetitive. But besides the waffles and frites there's a rich gastronomic heritage, with several top eateries in Brussels serving up the best of Belgian fare.
From the lighter "tomates crevettes" (a tomato stuffed with succulent shrimps) to a comforting cheese croquette and warming vol-au-vent, Belgian cuisine is flavoursome and seasonal. But what better excuse to acquaint yourself with Belgium's classic dishes than the run-up to National Day?
A spectrum of global cuisines can be found in Brussels and with tourist season upon us, the buzzing city centre is filled with establishments catering to crowds hungry for a taste of Belgium. As the options are many we have listed our favourites. Tuck in!
Les Brigittines - Aux marches de la chapelle – Best of the year
Located on Place de la Chapelle, a stone's throw from the Mont des Arts and the quaint Sablon district, Les Brigittines is reputed for its exemplary Belgian cuisine. Chef Dirk Myny, a true Brussels native, serves a regal traditional meal with a personal touch. The charming setting takes visitors back to the "Belle Epoque".
Credit: Les Brigittines
This Art Nouveau brasserie was named "Brusselicious" Restaurant of the Year by the city's tourism board Visit Brussels, which provides a ranking of quality restaurants that offer authentic Belgian cuisine. "Myny has succeeded for years in giving a very personal yet very authentic interpretation of Belgian terroir cuisine. He turned Les Brigittines into a mecca of Belgian gastronomy by combining tradition and creativity in a very beautiful setting," the jury wrote.
Other top addresses for Belgian food selected by a panel of culinary experts, can be recognised by window stickers with the Brusselicious logo.
Place de la Chapelle 5, 1000 Bruxelles. Find more information here.
In 't Spinnekopke – Veggie-friendly
Nestled on the cosy Place du Jardin aux Fleurs, In 't Spinnekopke was once an inn for weary travellers. The restored 18th century building is now an authentic estaminet where foodies can enjoy a hearty meal for a reasonable price.
Choesels, a mysterious regional dish of bull testicles, inextricably linked to Brussels' identity. Credit: In 't Spinnekopke
Belgian cuisine is often meat-heavy, making it difficult for vegetarians to enjoy traditional dishes. But In 't Spinnekopke reinvents classics to make them veggie-friendly. The vegetarian stew saucisse with “Kanunnik” beer sauce is our recommendation. Wash this down with a wide selection of lambic beer on tap. Or why not sip a Brussels classic – the 'Half-and-half', one part sparkling wine and one part white wine?
Place du Jardin aux Fleurs 1, 1000 Bruxelles. Find more information here.
Ploegmans – Brussels authenticity
In the fast-changing restaurant landscape of Brussels, few establishments are as authentic as this brasserie. The restaurant serves typical Belgian following the recipes of yesteryear. The decor takes diners back to a bygone era, 1927 to be precise when this was one of many working-class dining spots in the heart of the Marolles.
Credit: Brasserie Ploegmans
Heartwarming dishes include preskop (a preparation of pork from the head, tail and ears), freshly ground"americain" (raw beef), scampi with gueuze beer, or a veal schnitzel with mushroom cream sauce, the favourite sauce of many Belgians.
Rue Haute 148, 1000 Bruxelles. Find more information here.
Les Caprices d'Harmony – No fuss
Located in Schaerbeek, this restaurant is off the tourist-beaten track but is a favourite among neighbourhood locals. The chef is known for his no-nonsense style and producing traditional dishes at reasonable prices.
Credit: Les Caprices d'Harmony
The pan-fried, escaloped onglet (hanger steak) with shallots; scampi sautéed with garlic and Pastis or the Waterzooi (a simmered soup-meal originally from Ghent based on chicken or fish) are excellent. But be sure to leave some room for the restaurant's iconic "Profiteroles Café de Paris".
Rue du Noyer 236, 1030 Schaerbeek. Find more information here.
Nüetnigenough – For beer lovers
Few restaurants pay such attention to cuisine à la bière – where beer is a key ingredient – like Nüetnigenough in the city centre. From the Flemish Carbonnades cooked in St-Bernardus Prior, to the homemade sausage with Noir de Dottignies and Quadrupel gravy, flavours of local beer are matched with rich meats.
Credit: Nüetnigenough
Beer isn't the only beverage to feature heavily on the food menu: the Vaca Punk rib steak features a True and Whisky pepper smoked butter and the Black Angus tagliata comes with a Pedro Jimenez reduction. Naturally, diners have an extensive beer list to accompany their meal, with servers on hand for recommendations.
Rue du Lombard 25, 1000 Bruxelles. Find more information here.
Master Frites – Quick and delicious
Though there is plenty on offer aside from potato dishes, it's an offence not to pay tribute to Belgium's celebrated "frituren" or "friteries". Kiosks across the capital serve frites with a choice of sauce (real locals choose mayonnaise). Master Frites, which has two locations in Brussels, deserves a shout-out. It was voted best chip shop in Brussels and second best in Belgium by francophone broadcaster RTL in 2023.
Credit: Master Frites
As well as crispy fries in cardboard cones it is also much-loved for its "frituursnacks", a quintessential part of the Belgian experience. First-timers should order the "Fricandelle" and "Boulette Speciale".
Chaussée de Louvain 503, 1030 Schaerbeek and Chaussée de Boondael 362, 1050 Ixelles. Find more information here.
