Bruges, with its medieval charm and picturesque canals, is not only a feast for the eyes but also a paradise for food lovers. The city’s culinary scene seamlessly blends traditional Belgian flavours with innovative international cuisine, offering something for every palate and budget. Whether you’re a local seeking new dining experiences or a tourist wanting to taste authentic Belgian dishes, this guide will lead you to the most exceptional restaurants in Bruges.
From Michelin-starred establishments to cosy local haunts, we’ve carefully selected venues that showcase the best of what Bruges has to offer. Each recommendation comes with insights on cuisine, ambiance, price range, and signature dishes to help you make the perfect choice for your dining adventure in this fairytale city.
High-End Dining Experiences in Bruges
Bruges boasts several exceptional fine dining establishments that showcase the best of Belgian cuisine with a modern twist. These restaurants offer unforgettable culinary experiences for special occasions or when you’re looking to indulge in the very best the city has to offer.
1. Bruut
Housed in a handsome building overlooking one of Bruges’ picturesque canals, Bruut offers a dining experience that perfectly balances innovation with respect for traditional Belgian flavours. Chef Bruno Timperman presents a no-choice set menu that changes regularly based on seasonal ingredients.
The dining room exudes sophistication with its leather chairs, tiled floors, and exposed light fittings. During warmer months, the al fresco tables by the canal provide a magical setting for an unforgettable meal.
Cuisine: Modern Belgian
Price Range: €€€€ (Set menu €85-€120 per person)
Signature Dish: Steak tartare with salt and milk
Address: Meestraat 9, Bruges
Opening Hours: Wednesday to Saturday, 12:00-14:00 and 19:00-21:00
2. Goesepitte 43
Located in a beautiful townhouse in the southwest of the city, Goesepitte 43 offers a refined dining experience that showcases the best of Belgian cuisine with French influences. Chef Jan Supply creates dishes that are visually stunning and bursting with flavour, using the finest seasonal ingredients.
The restaurant’s elegant dining room provides an intimate setting for a memorable meal, with impeccable service that enhances the overall experience. The attention to detail extends to their excellent wine list, which features carefully selected options to complement the menu.
Cuisine: Belgian-French
Price Range: €€€ (Lunch set menu €34, Dinner à la carte €65-€85 per person)
Signature Dish: Risotto with fine herbs and monkfish
Address: Goezeputstraat 43, Bruges
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 12:00-14:00 and 19:00-21:30
3. Assiette Blanche
Assiette Blanche offers a more classic and formal dining experience in a charming wood-panelled dining room. The restaurant strikes the perfect balance between traditional and contemporary, serving robust Belgian dishes that are generous in portion and flavour without being overly fussy.
Popular with both locals and visitors, Assiette Blanche is often packed with regular customers, testament to its consistent quality and welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant offers both à la carte options and set menus, with the lunchtime set menu providing excellent value for the quality of cuisine.
Cuisine: Classic Belgian
Price Range: €€€ (Lunch set menu €30-€40, Dinner €55-€75 per person)
Signature Dish: Dame Blanche (vanilla ice cream with chocolate sauce)
Address: Philipstockstraat 23, Bruges
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 12:00-14:00 and 18:30-21:00
Authentic Belgian Cuisine
For those seeking traditional Belgian flavours and classic dishes, these restaurants offer authentic culinary experiences that showcase the country’s rich gastronomic heritage. From hearty stews to perfectly executed seafood, these establishments pride themselves on preserving Belgian cooking traditions.
4. Bij Koen en Marijke (In't Nieuw Museum)
Run by the passionate husband and wife team of Koen and Marijke, this exceptional restaurant specializes in perfectly grilled meats and outstanding Belgian beers. The division of labour is perfect – Koen sources and cooks the finest meats over fire, while Marijke selects interesting beers to accompany them.
Located slightly off the beaten track, the restaurant occupies a corner plot with two dining rooms – a main dining room and a tasteful extension. The warm, welcoming atmosphere makes it the perfect spot to experience authentic Belgian hospitality alongside extraordinary food.
Cuisine: Belgian Grill
Price Range: €€€ (€50-€70 per person)
Signature Dish: Koen’s ribeye cooked over fire
Address: Hooistraat 42, Bruges
Opening Hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 18:00-22:00
5. Brasserie Raymond
For an authentic Franco-Belgian brasserie experience, Brasserie Raymond stands out as one of the city’s finest establishments. Located near Eiermarkt in the heart of Bruges, this restaurant offers a grand brasserie tradition with a menu that covers everything from fresh seafood and oysters to perfectly executed steaks and classic Belgian dishes.
The restaurant’s bustling atmosphere and professional, attentive service create the perfect setting for enjoying traditional Belgian cuisine. Even during the quietest periods of the year, Brasserie Raymond maintains a lively ambiance that speaks to its excellent reputation among locals and visitors alike.
Cuisine: Franco-Belgian
Price Range: €€€ (€45-€65 per person)
Signature Dish: Skate wing with capers and beurre noisette
Address: Eiermarkt 5, Bruges
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 12:00-14:30 and 18:00-22:00
6. Café Vlissinghe
As Bruges’ oldest inn, established in 1515, Café Vlissinghe offers a truly authentic Belgian dining experience steeped in history. Hidden away just outside the main city centre, this charming establishment has been serving locals and visitors for over 500 years, maintaining its character and culinary traditions throughout the centuries.
The interior is full of character with historic details that transport you back in time. Despite its historical significance, Café Vlissinghe offers reasonably priced traditional Belgian dishes in a cosy, unpretentious atmosphere that makes everyone feel welcome.
Cuisine: Traditional Belgian
Price Range: €€ (€25-€40 per person)
Signature Dish: Flemish beef stew (Stoofvlees)
Address: Blekersstraat 2, Bruges
Opening Hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 11:00-23:00
Contemporary Dining Spots
Bruges’ dining scene isn’t just about traditional Belgian cuisine. The city also boasts a number of restaurants offering contemporary interpretations of classic dishes and international flavours. These establishments combine innovative cooking techniques with high-quality ingredients to create memorable dining experiences.
7. Onslow
Located in Bruges’ Sint-Anna district, Onslow is an achingly cool restaurant that brings a contemporary dining experience to the city. With its plain unshowy tables, bare white walls, and vibrant atmosphere, it’s the kind of place you wish was just around the corner from your home.
The menu consists of snacks and sharing plates that showcase global flavours with a Belgian twist. The staff recommend about two sharing plates per person, though the food is so delicious you might be tempted to order more. Since receiving a Bib Gourmand from Michelin, the quality has risen even further, making this a must-visit for food enthusiasts.
Cuisine: Contemporary International
Price Range: €€-€€€ (€40-€55 per person)
Signature Dish: Fried chicken with lemongrass
Address: Jeruzalemstraat 53, Bruges
Opening Hours: Wednesday to Saturday, 12:00-14:00 and 18:30-22:00
8. TouGou Fijnproeverij
TouGou is an exquisite lunch-only restaurant that has quickly established itself as one of Bruges’ culinary gems. The menu is divided into hot and cold bites that are perfect for sharing tapas-style, along with more substantial main courses that showcase the chef’s creativity and technical skill.
Run by another husband and wife team – him in the kitchen, her managing the front of house – TouGou offers a warm, personal dining experience. The restaurant’s popularity means booking is essential, but the exceptional food and friendly service make it well worth planning ahead.
Cuisine: Contemporary European with Asian influences
Price Range: €€-€€€ (€30-€45 per person for lunch)
Signature Dish: Crab ravioli with curry sauce
Address: Smedenstraat 47, Bruges
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 12:00-14:30 (lunch only)
9. Más
For a delicious departure from Belgian cuisine, Más brings authentic Mexican flavours to the heart of Bruges. This popular spot serves up exceptional tacos, quesadillas, and other Mexican specialties in a vibrant, energetic atmosphere that feels like a slice of Mexico in medieval Bruges.
Más operates on a walk-in basis only, though they helpfully take your number and call you when a table becomes available. This system allows you to enjoy a beer at a nearby bar while waiting. The restaurant’s popularity is testament to the quality of its food and the warm, personable service that makes every guest feel welcome.
Cuisine: Mexican
Price Range: €€ (€30-€45 per person)
Signature Dish: Shrimp tacos with chorizo
Address: Academiestraat 10, Bruges
Opening Hours: Wednesday to Saturday, 18:00-22:00
Casual Dining and Light Bites
Not every meal needs to be a formal affair. Bruges offers plenty of excellent options for casual dining, light lunches, and quick bites that don’t compromise on quality. These establishments are perfect for a relaxed meal or when you’re looking to refuel during a day of sightseeing.
10. Sanseveria Bagelsalon
For a perfect light lunch in Bruges, Sanseveria Bagelsalon offers a delightful selection of gourmet bagels in a cosy, welcoming atmosphere. This small, charming café specializes in freshly made bagels with creative fillings that cater to meat-lovers, vegetarians, and vegans alike.
What sets Sanseveria apart is the quality and size of their bagels – these aren’t dense supermarket varieties but huge, golden, sesame-speckled creations filled with fresh, high-quality ingredients. The dedicated owner single-handedly manages orders, prepares food, and creates a warm, friendly environment that keeps customers coming back.
Cuisine: Gourmet Bagels
Price Range: € (€10-€15 per person)
Signature Dish: Avocado and bacon bagel
Address: Predikherenstraat 11, Bruges
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00-16:00
11. Kottee Kaffee
For a relaxed brunch or light lunch, Kottee Kaffee offers a chic yet comfortable setting on Ezelstraat, a likeable street with tasteful boutiques. The café’s menu is reminiscent of Le Pain Quotidien but with an independent spirit, featuring fresh bread with salted farmhouse butter, cheeses, charcuterie, and a variety of brunch options.
What makes Kottee Kaffee special, beyond its delicious food, is the friendly staff and the 90s music playlist that they often sing along to, creating a joyful, welcoming atmosphere. The coffee is better than you might expect from the tall, old-fashioned latte glasses, and their ginger shots provide a perfect pick-me-up.
Cuisine: Café/Brunch
Price Range: € (€12-€20 per person)
Signature Dish: Waffle croque monsieur
Address: Ezelstraat 68, Bruges
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00-17:00
12. Ribs 'n Beer
For a satisfying, no-frills dining experience, Ribs ‘n Beer offers exactly what its name suggests – delicious ribs and quality beer in a lively, casual setting. This popular restaurant specializes in all-you-can-eat ribs with various sauce options, making it a perfect spot for a hearty, indulgent meal.
What distinguishes Ribs ‘n Beer from similar establishments is the option to have your ribs either grilled or slow-cooked. The slow-cooked option is particularly recommended, as the meat effortlessly falls off the bone. Accompanied by potato wedges, coleslaw, and a good selection of Belgian beers, it’s a simple concept executed to perfection.
Cuisine: American/Belgian
Price Range: €€ (€26 for all-you-can-eat ribs)
Signature Dish: Slow-cooked ribs with smoky barbecue sauce
Address: Ezelstraat 50, Bruges
Opening Hours: Daily, 18:00-22:00
Restaurants in Bruges: Location Map
To help you plan your culinary adventures in Bruges, we’ve created this map showing the locations of all the restaurants featured in our guide. The compact nature of Bruges’ historic center means that many of these establishments are within walking distance of each other and major attractions.
Practical Tips for Dining in Bruges
Reservations
For high-end restaurants like Bruut, Goesepitte 43, and Assiette Blanche, reservations are essential and should be made several weeks in advance, especially during peak tourist season. Even for more casual establishments, it’s advisable to book ahead when possible, particularly for dinner on weekends.
Opening Hours
Many restaurants in Bruges close on Sundays and Mondays, so plan accordingly if your visit includes these days. Lunch service typically runs from 12:00 to 14:00, while dinner usually starts at 18:30 or 19:00. Some establishments, like TouGou, only serve lunch, while others, like Más, are dinner-only venues.
Tipping
Service is typically included in the bill in Belgian restaurants, so tipping is not obligatory. However, rounding up the bill or leaving an additional 5-10% for exceptional service is appreciated. For larger groups, a service charge may be automatically added to your bill.
Dietary Requirements
While traditional Belgian cuisine is heavily meat and seafood-based, most restaurants can accommodate vegetarian diets with advance notice. For vegan, gluten-free, or other specific dietary requirements, it’s best to contact the restaurant directly before your visit to ensure they can cater to your needs.
Is food expensive in Bruges?
Dining in Bruges can be relatively expensive, especially in the city center where many restaurants cater to tourists. A main course in a mid-range restaurant typically costs between €18-€25, while a three-course meal at a high-end establishment can range from €50-€100 per person without drinks. For more budget-friendly options, consider lunch set menus, which often offer better value, or venture slightly outside the historic center where prices tend to be more reasonable.
What are the must-try Belgian dishes in Bruges?
When dining in Bruges, be sure to try these classic Belgian specialties:
- Moules-frites (mussels with fries) – best enjoyed at Brasserie Raymond or Cambrinus
- Waterzooi (creamy fish or chicken stew) – traditionally made with freshwater fish
- Stoofvlees/Carbonade Flamande (beef stew cooked in beer) – excellent at Café Vlissinghe
- Belgian waffles – available throughout the city, both as street food and in cafés
- Chocolate – visit The Old Chocolate House or The Chocolate Line for exceptional quality
- Belgian beer – pair your meal with one of the hundreds of Belgian beer varieties available
When is the best time to dine out in Bruges?
To avoid crowds, consider dining early (around 18:00-18:30) or later in the evening (after 20:30). Weekdays are generally less busy than weekends. During peak tourist season (summer months and December), making reservations is highly recommended. For a more authentic experience with fewer tourists, visit during shoulder seasons (April-May or September-October) when the weather is still pleasant but the city is less crowded.
Savoring the Best of Bruges
Bruges’ culinary landscape offers a delightful blend of traditional Belgian cuisine and innovative international flavors that reflect the city’s rich history and cosmopolitan character. From the medieval charm of Café Vlissinghe to the contemporary flair of Onslow, there’s something to satisfy every palate and budget in this picturesque city.
While the restaurants featured in this guide represent some of the best dining experiences Bruges has to offer, part of the joy of exploring this compact city is discovering your own hidden gems. Don’t hesitate to wander down a quiet side street or follow the recommendations of locals – you might stumble upon your own favorite spot that becomes a cherished memory of your time in Bruges.
Whether you’re savoring a traditional Flemish stew, indulging in freshly caught seafood, or exploring innovative fusion cuisine, dining in Bruges is an essential part of experiencing the city’s culture and heritage. Combine your culinary adventures with visits to historic sites, canal cruises, and chocolate shops for a truly unforgettable Belgian experience.
Ready to Experience Bruges' Culinary Delights?
Start planning your gastronomic journey through this medieval gem. Remember to make reservations in advance for the most popular restaurants to avoid disappointment!
