Where To Eat And Drink In Brussels

Often overlooked by its French and German neighbours, Brussels is bursting with life. Whether you’re traveling for food, architecture, or museums, there’s something for everyone here—from crispy frites and mitraillettes straight from a food truck fryer to colorful, architecture straight from the art deco era, this unpretentious city is full of surprises.

Take a closer look at the capital of Belgium and you’ll quickly see why it’s becoming a veritable foodie destination. The innovative restaurant and bar scene alone is worth the trip to Europe’s best-kept secret.

Maison Antoine

If you come to Brussels, you eat frites. That’s just how it goes. Maison Antoine is voted by locals and tourists alike as the best fries in the city. Fried at a low heat, and then thrown into a second frier at a much higher heat, Belgian fries are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside—making them the perfect vehicle for lots and lots of mayo. If you’re brave (or hungover) try a mitraillette—a baguette stuffed with cabbage, fries, and your choice of sausage, pork or falafel. There’s no seating, but most bars surrounding Maison Antoine allow diners to take a seat at their terrasse—just make sure to order a beer.

Cafe des Spores

Fan of fungus? Head to Cafe des Spores immediately. This unpretentious French restaurant uses market fresh mushrooms in every single dish—even the dessert. The atmosphere is intimate and cozy, while each course is just as innovative as the last.

Maison Renardy

Like fries, Brussels a city packed full of proud chocolatiers. Skip the commercial exports in the Grand Place and head to Maison Renardy in the trendy Ixelles neighbourhood. Family owned and operated, Maison Renardy offers a fun selection of handmade chocolate—from Cognac and darjeeling tea, to candied ginger and fresh pistachio. It’s also known to locals as the cafe with the best hot chocolate in the city. Even if you’re more of an espresso drinker, a cup of steaming hot chocolate is a must.

Menma

Ramen? In Brussels? Yes! Here us out. Menma is the little sister to Michelin-starred Kamo. Their use of fresh ingredients, hand-pulled noodles and thick, satisfying Tonkotsu broth is inarguably one of the best in Western Europe.

Noordzee

Who doesn’t want to eat mussels in Brussels? Aside from the catchy Instagram caption (you’re welcome), this well-known Belgian delicacy is best sourced from the Noordzee market. Here, you’ll also find anything from razor clam to Irish oysters. White wine and champagne is also available. We recommend grabbing some seafood snacks and a glass of wine, and posting up at one of their outdoor tables.

Nona

Naturally leavened pizza has become increasingly popular in North America lately—but it’s equally appreciated across the pond. If you’re in the mood for a great pie, head to Nona. The modern Italian restaurant prides itself on its sustainable practices, even noting down the names of each and every farmer they source their seasonal ingredients from.

Delirium

Delirium is a no-frills pub nestled into a back alley just beyond the main tourist square. The venue itself feels decidedly college bar, but the bartenders are extremely knowledgeable about the latest Belgian brews—and you can even pick up bottles to bring back with you.

L’amere a Boire

There’s no escaping beer in Belgium. Even if you’re more of a wine drinker, you’ll appreciate the beers served up at the cozy L’amere a Boire. If you want to get funky, try one of the Cantillon offerings. One of the last lambic breweries in Belgium, Cantillon beer is fermented through exposure to wild yeasts and bacteria, rather than cultivated strains of brewer’s yeast. Think of it as the brew version of a natural wine.

Le Cirio

Le Cirio is one of the oldest brasseries in Brussels, dating back to 1909. Although it’s positioned in the middle of the tourist square, the clientele is mainly locals—older couples stopping for a quick half-and-half—— which is just a white wine spritzer but it’s arguably the house special—and friends catching up over coffee. The 19th-century decor alone is worth the visit.

Brasserie Verschuren

Located in the up-and-coming Sainte Gilles neighbourhood, Brasserie Verschuren draws a younger crowd due to its cheap beer, easy-going vibe, and sprawling terrasse. Grab a brew or a glass of jenever—a Belgian spirit that falls somewhere between gin and vodka.