Brussels, the heart of Belgium, offers a culinary landscape as diverse as its cultural heritage. From traditional Belgian brasseries serving hearty classics to innovative fine dining establishments pushing culinary boundaries, the city’s restaurant scene caters to every palate and occasion. This curated guide takes you through the best restaurants in Brussels for 2024, highlighting authentic experiences that showcase the city’s gastronomic excellence.
Essential Dining Tips for Brussels
Before diving into our restaurant recommendations, here are some practical tips to enhance your dining experience in Brussels:
- Reservation Culture: Most quality restaurants in Brussels require reservations, especially for dinner and weekends. Book at least 2-3 days in advance for popular spots.
- Dining Hours: Lunch typically runs from 12:00-14:00, while dinner service begins around 19:00 and continues until 22:00 (last orders).
- Tipping: Service is usually included in the bill (12-15%). Additional tipping is appreciated but not expected.
- Language: While French and Dutch are the official languages, most restaurant staff speak English, especially in tourist areas.
- Menu du Jour: Many restaurants offer excellent fixed-price lunch menus that provide great value.
For Traditional Belgian Classics
Les Brigittines
Located in the historical Marolles district, Les Brigittines enchants with its charming Art Nouveau decor and impeccable service. Chef Dirk Myny crafts refined, seasonal dishes using locally sourced ingredients that honor traditional Belgian cuisine while adding creative modern touches.
Must-try: Vol-au-vent with handmade pastry and rich chicken filling
€€€ Art Nouveau Setting
't Kelderke
This underground restaurant in a 17th-century wine cellar offers an atmospheric dining experience right on the Grand Place. The stone walls and vaulted ceilings create a cozy ambiance perfect for enjoying hearty Belgian classics prepared with traditional recipes.
Must-try: Carbonnade à la Flamande (beef stew cooked in beer)
€€ Historic Setting
In 't Spinnekopke
On a cold evening, nothing warms the heart like a meal at In ‘t Spinnekopke. This historical establishment in central Brussels feels like walking back in time with its old wooden doors and creaking floors. Their beer-infused dishes represent the best of Belgian culinary traditions.
Must-try: Moules-frites with a choice of preparations
€€ Beer Cuisine
For a Special Occasion
Bon Bon
Chef Christophe Hardiquest’s two-Michelin-starred restaurant showcases the best of Belgian terroir through innovative techniques. The seasonally changing menu celebrates local producers, with each dish telling a story about Belgian culinary heritage reimagined for the modern palate.
Must-try: The surprise tasting menu with wine pairings
€€€€ 2 Michelin Stars
Comme Chez Soi
A Brussels institution since 1926, this two-Michelin-starred restaurant blends Art Nouveau elegance with contemporary cuisine. The kitchen, now led by the fourth generation of the Wynants family, maintains exceptional standards while continuously evolving their culinary approach.
Must-try: North Sea sole with grey shrimp and white asparagus (seasonal)
€€€€ Historic Legacy
La Paix
Chef David Martin transforms this historic brasserie (established 1892) into a culinary destination that honors its butcher-shop roots. The Michelin-starred cuisine focuses on exceptional meat dishes while incorporating innovative techniques and global influences.
Must-try: Aged beef with seasonal accompaniments
€€€ 1 Michelin Star
For Foodie Innovation
Anju
Nestled in Saint-Gilles, Anju is the latest creation from renowned chef Sang Hoon Degeimbre (of L’Air du Temps fame). This culinary gem blends Korean traditions with Belgian ingredients, creating a unique fusion experience that honors both cultures.
Must-try: Bibimbap with seasonal Belgian vegetables
€€ Korean Fusion
Barge
This waterside restaurant brings a breath of fresh air to Brussels’ dining scene with its industrial-chic design and ingredient-focused cuisine. The open kitchen showcases the chefs’ commitment to sustainability and zero-waste cooking, with a menu that changes based on seasonal availability.
Must-try: Catch of the day with foraged herbs
€€€ Sustainable Cuisine
Humphrey
This buzzing spot in the Ixelles neighborhood specializes in creative small plates designed for sharing. The ever-changing menu features bold flavor combinations and unexpected ingredients, complemented by an excellent natural wine selection from small producers.
Must-try: Seasonal small plates (menu changes weekly)
€€ Natural Wines
For Casual Dining & Great Value
Fin de Siècle
Just a five-minute walk from the Brussels Stock Exchange, this bustling brasserie serves traditional Belgian fare in generous portions. The rustic interior with long wooden tables creates a convivial atmosphere where locals and tourists mingle over hearty, well-priced meals.
Must-try: Stoemp saucisse (Belgian mashed potatoes with sausage)
€€ No Reservations
No reservations – arrive early to avoid waiting
L'Express
Nestled on a charming side street just off the famous Grand Place, this Lebanese eatery is far more than your typical fast-food joint. L’Express specializes in incredibly fresh and authentic dishes that stay true to their native roots, offering excellent value in a prime tourist location.
Must-try: Mixed mezze platter with freshly baked pita
€ Quick Service
Wantany
The first word that comes to mind when thinking of Wantany is “home.” This family-run establishment welcomes guests with warm smiles, and during lunch service, you’ll find the owner’s mother hard at work in the kitchen making the handmade wontons they’re famous for.
Must-try: Handmade wontons in spicy sauce
€ Family-Run
Neighborhood Gems Worth the Trip
Racines
A few steps away from Place Flagey, Racines is one of those places that quietly earns a loyal following. No flashy signs or over-the-top marketing—just an honest focus on good food, good wine, and a deep respect for ingredients. This is Italian cuisine at its most authentic.
Must-try: Handmade pasta with seasonal ingredients
€€ Natural Wines
Toucan Sur Mer
An incredible establishment for anything seafood in the upscale Ixelles neighborhood. The fresh seafood display showcases the day’s best catches, and the kitchen prepares them with minimal intervention to let the natural flavors shine. While seafood comes at a price, the exceptional quality justifies every euro.
Must-try: Seafood platter with oysters and daily catches
€€€ Seafood Specialist
Le Plattesteen
Le Plattesteen has been a beloved part of Brussels’ scene since 1936. Nestled in the Quartier St-Jacques, it’s surrounded by classic Brussels charm and history, just a short walk from the Grand Place and Manneken Pis. The restaurant preserves traditional recipes while maintaining excellent quality.
Must-try: Traditional Belgian meatballs in tomato sauce
€€ Historic Venue
International Flavors in Brussels
Karma Kitchen
The latest venture by the folks behind Mission Masala brings bold, vibrant Indian flavors to Brussels. The rich aromas and warmth of each dish create a sensory experience like no other. Their contemporary approach to Indian cuisine respects traditions while adding creative twists.
Must-try: Butter chicken with garlic naan
€€ Modern Indian
Yi Chan
This exceptional Asian restaurant, a few steps away from the Brussels Stock Exchange, offers a unique culinary experience. Award-winning bartender and owner Yen Pham creates exceptional cocktails that perfectly complement the innovative Asian fusion menu.
Must-try: Bao buns with contemporary fillings
€€ Craft Cocktails
Mizu
This Japanese restaurant in Châtelain, Ixelles offers a refreshing dining experience with its tablet ordering system that allows you to pick and choose as you go along. The dishes are fresh, well-made, and presented with authentic Japanese attention to detail and aesthetics.
Must-try: Chef’s selection sashimi platter
€€ Interactive Ordering
Plan Your Brussels Culinary Adventure
Brussels’ restaurant scene offers something for every taste and budget. From centuries-old establishments serving traditional Belgian classics to innovative newcomers pushing culinary boundaries, the city invites you to explore its rich gastronomic landscape.
Remember that the best dining experiences often come from venturing beyond the tourist hotspots. Don’t hesitate to explore the city’s diverse neighborhoods, each with its own culinary character and hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
Pro Tip: For the most authentic experience, ask locals for their favorite spots. Brusseleirs are proud of their food culture and happy to share recommendations that might not appear in guidebooks.
