In a place as food crazy as Brussels, it can be hard to decide where and what to eat! This city has everything, from traditional food in bistros to delicious world food, cute cafés, cheap street food and a popular brunch culture… and that’s not even everything. Luckily, with tried and tested spots in this guide to the best places to eat in Brussels, deciding where to dine just got a lot easier.
Before you start, you should check out my Essential Brussels Travel Guide. It’s the perfect place to start planning a trip to Brussels and takes you through everything you need to know before you go.
Last updated: 16/10/2023 | This post may contain affiliate links meaning I may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.Read more in mydisclaimer.
Jump To... show
The Best Restaurants in Brussels
Baogo
Brussels loves innovation, and Baogo’s Asian fusion menu does exactly that. You’ll find burgers in soft bao buns, with classic cheeseburgers and other exciting fillings like katsu prawn burgers or pulled pork.
The burgers are served up with fries (the sweet potato fries are the best!) and you’ll find some other sides on the menu as well.
Location | Website (with menu) | Veggie/Vegan Friendly? Yes | Price $$
La Piola Pizza
La Piola is widely famed as the best pizza in Brussels. Offering up traditional wood-fired pizzas in a lively square in the Saint-Josse Neighbourhood, La Piola Pizza has a wonderfully laid-back vibe and a homely feel.
The menu is fresh, varied, and well-priced for such good quality dishes. I’m boring when it comes to pizza so I’ve only tried the Margherita, but I can’t deny that it was delicious!
Location | Website | Menu | Veggie/Vegan Friendly? Yes | Price $$
Ballekes
When a restaurant only has one thing on the menu, you know it’s going to be good! Ballekes is dedicated to the Belgian meatball, one of the best traditional foods from Belgium, and boy do they do it well.
Choose from beef and pork, chicken, or vegan meatballs and top with an amazing homemade sauce of your choice. Then take your pick from the best Belgian sides to accompany it, and you have a traditional Belgian meal at a great price!
Location (Grand Place) | Location (Janson) | Website | Menu | Veggie/Vegan Friendly? Yes | Price $-$$
Umamido Ramen
Umamido Ramen has four restaurants in Brussels alone – a true Brussels institution! Top Tip – there are more locations across Belgium, so keep Umamido in mind if you’re visiting Antwerp, Ghent, or Leuven.
Here, they pride themselves in ‘Honest Ramen’ and work hard to serve up nothing but simply delicious Japanese food. With ramen, donburi, and a few sides, Uamamido is a treat for the tastebuds and perfect for a light and easy lunch in Brussels.
Locations | Website | Menu | Veggie/Vegan Friendly? Yes | Price $$-$$$
Fin de Siècle
Exploring different cuisines is great, but it’s always important to try out the traditional food – especially in a country as foodie mad as Belgium. The best way to do that is in a restaurant locals love, and Fin de Siècle fits the bill.
You’ll find a whole host of hearty, Belgian meals here, like Carbonnade and Stoemp, and some lovely Belgian beers.
Fun Fact: Rue des Chartreux seems to be the sweet spot for Belgian restaurants in Brussels, as you’ll find the equally popular and delicious 9 et Voisins on this street, as well as Greenwich Modern right next door to Fin de Siècle!
Location | Website (with menu) | Veggie/Vegan Friendly? Yes (no traditional Belgian dishes) | Price $$$
Nona Pizza + Pasta
There’s fierce competition for the best Italian food at Brussels’ restaurants, but both Nona Pizza and Nona Pasta deserve a place with the greats. The team at Nona have a simple mission – to make traditional Italian food with local Belgian ingredients. It’s the perfect fusion of two foodie giants and whether you try the wood-fired pizza or the rich homemade pasta, you’ll enjoy some spectacular flavours.
There are now four Nona outlets in Brussels – three pizzerias in Sainte Catherine, Merode, and Flagey, and a pasta restaurant next to the Sainte Catherine location.
Website (with locations) | Menus | Veggie/Vegan Friendly? Yes | Price $-$$
Read Next: The 12 Best Cafés in Brussels
Takumi Ramen
Joining the thriving Japanese cuisine scene in Brussels, Takumi Ramen offer up authentic ramen, donburi, gyoza and more. If you find yourself wondering where to eat in Brussels, Takumi is always an easy find with four locations across the city.
One of my favourite things about Takumi Ramen is that the menu varies across the different locations. Mainly, in some restaurants you’ll find chicken broth ramen, and in others Tonkotsu broth ramen, but you’ll also find different ramen ingredients and dishes as well. This means you can visit Takumi many times and have a different experience.
Website (with locations and menus) | Veggie/Vegan Friendly? Yes | Price $$
Rambo
Hailing themselves as the first dedicated smash burger restaurant in Brussels, Rambo now has two locations across the city – one for takeaway orders and one with a seated restaurant area. And with a simple menu of three burgers (of course with fries on the side!), they’ve really committed themselves to perfecting the art of the smash burger.
Choose from the classic, the special, or the meat-free burger, and find yourself transported to the US, the true birthplace of the smash burger. Then, the traditional Belgian fries will bring you right back to the streets of Brussels.
Location (Washington) | Location (St-Boniface – takeaway only) | Website (with menu) | Veggie/Vegan Friendly? Veggie yes, Vegan no (note that Belgian fries are not always vegetarian) | Price $$
Wolf
Food markets are becoming increasingly popular in European cities (the Time Out Market in Lisbon always springs to mind!) and Wolf is Brussels’ answer to this concept.
The super fun space features street food versions of some of the best restaurants in Brussels like My Tannour and La Piola Pizza, as well as exclusive outlets including 10 Grams and Dim’s. You’ll also find a bar and a microbrewery, a chocolatier, and a zero-waste market.
Wolf is the perfect place to come for delicious food paired with an exciting experience. The best thing is that there is so much food to choose from, so if you can’t decide what to eat for dinner, just take a lap of the market and your senses will make up your mind for you.
Location | Website (with outlets and menu) | Veggie/Vegan Friendly? Yes | Price $-$$
Walkin’ Thai
For easy, fresh Thai food near the popular spot Flagey, try Walkin’ Thai. They have a simple menu of Pad Thai, other noodle and rice dishes and Thai curries, plus a great selection of starters and soups.
Of course, I recommend their speciality – Pad Thai. It is fresh and delicious, and the portions are generous for the price.
Location | Website (with menu) | Veggie/Vegan Friendly? Veggie yes, vegan not advertised | Price $-$$
If you’re a big foodie, you might like one of these Belgian food and chocolate tours below!
The Best Brunch in Brussels
Tigermilk
For Sunday brunch in Brussels with a Mexican vibe, head to Tigermilk in Bailli. Their brunch deal gets you a Mexican main, with dishes like the breakfast quesadilla and huevos rancheros (of course, avocado toast is also available) as well as a sweet dish, hot drink, and cold drink.
The aesthetic of Tigermilk is so beautiful, and the food is just as nice. And if you’re more in the market for Brussels restaurants, they have a regular menu with Mexican meals and fun co*cktails!
Location | Website | Veggie/Vegan Friendly? Veggie yes; Vegan no | Price $$
La Luck
Although also a bar and evening restaurant with creative co*cktails and a laidback food menu, for me the brunch at La Luck is the main draw! Served at weekends until mid-afternoon, this is definitely some of the best food in Brussels. I tried the truffle croque monsieur as well as the peach and goat’s cheese toast and both were exceptional.
If you get the chance, make sure you also visit in the evening. You can find a small Canadian-inspired menu of poutine, burgers and hotdogs, as well as some charcuterie. And if you’re looking for a unique way to spend your evening in Brussels, you can enjoy a few drinks while playing a variety of board games at La Luck!
Location | Website (with menu) | Veggie/Vegan Friendly? Yes | Price $$
Frank.
The chicest brunch spot in the city and one of the best places to eat in Brussels’ city centre, Frank. serves up deliciously fresh food and coffee. The sweet pancakes are a personal favourite of mine, but the poached egg dishes come highly recommended as well.
As well as a great coffee menu, you’ll find teas and a variety of cold drinks – I recommend the fresh apple juice or seasonal lemonade. And on your way out, why not pick up one of their delicious cakes to enjoy later?!
Location | Website | Veggie/Vegan Friendly? Yes | Price $$$
Woodpecker
Woodpecker is a Brussels favourite, and you’ll often see the locals flock here for brunch on the weekends. With a mix of indoor spaces, and kiosks around some of Brussels’ best parks (link), Woodpecker has really made its mark as one of the best places to eat in Brussels.
Although the menus vary a little across the locations, you’ll generally find a traditional brunch menu at the indoor cafés, with a selection for lunch as well, and easy street food like hot dogs, burgers and toasties at the kiosks. They specialise in waffles, pancakes, and eggs benedict dishes, and usually have some enticing seasonal specials.
Website (with locations and menus) | Veggie/Vegan friendly? Yes (at least at all cafés) | Price $$
You might like: The Most Beautiful Instagram Spots in Brussels
Other Places To Eat in Brussels
Coco Donuts
Most of the sweet treats in Brussels are centred around waffles but don’t miss out on the most adorable doughnut spot in the city. I’m not sure if a doughnut shop can be called instagrammable but if anywhere could, it’s Coco Donuts.
Of course, it’s the food that matters most, and luckily the doughnuts taste as good as they look. They offer a great range of exciting flavours, like smores, peanut butter and jelly, and wild berries. On the weekends you can expect a little queue, but trust me, it’s worth it!
Location (Sablon) | Location (Janson) | Website | Veggie/Vegan Friendly? Yes | Price $
Fine Bakery
Nestled in the streets of Sablon, this unassuming bakery is definitely more than just fine. Here, you’ll find some of the best pastries in Brussels, as well as homemade bread and other specialities (such as the very popular cruffin, the love child of a croissant and a muffin).
Fine Bakery is the perfect place for your morning pastry fix and is well situated for a relaxing stroll around the centre with your goodies.
Location | Instagram | Veggie/Vegan Friendly? Veggie yes; vegan unclear | Price $
Café du Sablon
If there was a competition for the restaurant or café in Brussels with the best view, Café du Sablon would take the cake. Looking out directly to the gorgeous and gothic Church of Our Lady of Victories at the Sablon, Café du Sablon is bright and airy, and a truly lovely place to come for lunch or coffee. With fast a free wifi, it’s also a great place to come and get some work done.
The menu at Café du Sablon is very brunch-centred, with smoothie bowls, topped toasts, pancakes, cakes, and more. I recommend the Croque Monsieur!
Location | Facebook | Veggie/Vegan Friendly? Yes | Price $$
Cafe de la Presse
Café de la Presse is a spacious café in the Louise neighbourhood of Brussels, with a menu to make any foodie drool! With soups, sandwiches, and toasts, as well as brunch plates and smoothie bowls, there is lots to be enjoyed here. Of course, you can also enjoy a coffee!
On a sunny day, it’s a great idea to grab some food to go and picnic at the nearby Bois de la Cambre. You can enjoy a delicious lunch in beautiful surroundings.
Location | Website (with menu) | Veggie/Vegan Friendly? Veggie yes; vegan no | Price $$
Have a Roll
I wouldn’t have thought Brussels was missing a speciality cinnamon roll bar, but Have a Roll really is something remarkable. Head to Bailli and try the wide range of rolls – you could go with the classic cinnamon or try one of the more creative offerings. There are even seasonal specials to be enjoyed.
Top Tip: Have a roll began in Antwerp – why not take a day trip or spend a weekend in Antwerp to visit the original store!
Location | Website | Menu | Veggie/Vegan Friendly? Yes (all rolls are vegan!) | Price $
Discover the best things to do in Brussels below!
The Best Street Food in Brussels
I could list countless places to eat in Brussels (as I’ve already done in this guide!), from fancy restaurants and global cuisine to cute brunch cafés and authentic pizzerias, but the truth is, my favourite places to eat in Brussels are simple, cheap street food outlets.
One of the best things about this city is that you don’t have to spend a lot of money to experience authentic Belgian cuisine, as some of the most iconic traditional dishes are fries and waffles, found in carts and stalls around Brussels.
Maison Antoine
Maison Antoine is the best place to go if you want to enjoy fries with a beer and a lively atmosphere on the side. This popular fries stall is found in the centre of the bustling Place Jourdan, and you can enjoy your fries at most of the surrounding bars as long as you buy a beer or two!
Location | Website | Menu | Veggie/Vegan Friendly? A few veggie options; fries are not veggie-friendly | Price $
Café Georgette
For the best fries in the centre of Brussels, try Café Georgette. This spot is actually a restaurant, but the friterie attached to the side is by far the most popular attraction. Jutting out of the corner of a red brick building, on the cobbles of a bustling street in the heart of the city, it doesn’t get more quintessentially Brussels than this.
My top recommendation at Café Georgette is to order the truffle (tartufata) sauce with your fries!
Location | Website | Veggie/Vegan Friendly? No – fries are not veggie friendly | Price $
Full Guide: Where to Get the Best Fries in Brussels
Australian
Australian is the best place for simple and delicious Belgian waffles in Brussels. What’s more, there are multiple outlets in the city, so whenever you get hungry, you’ll most likely find an Australian just around the corner.
You can get all sorts of toppings on your Australian waffles, including their famous ice cream, but my favourite thing to get is a plain, hot waffle. For more waffle recommendations, check out my guide to the best Belgian waffles in Brussels.
Website (with locations) | Veggie/Vegan Friendly? Yes (note: waffles aren’t vegan, try Veganwaf’) | Price $
Frites Atelier
Although the fries stalls around Brussels are not lacking by any means, it’s nice to try something a little more gourmet. Frites Atelier specialises in loaded fries. The flemish beef stew fries are a must-try, and their limited edition specials are usually a stand-out as well!
These fries do come with a slightly higher price tag (around €6 for regular fries with sauce and €7-11 for loaded fries). Personally, I wouldn’t get plain fries with sauce here, you’ll find much better value at other spots. However, the loaded fries are pretty unique and filling, and I think they make a great treat for lunch.
Location | Website | Menu | Veggie/Vegan Friendly? Yes (but double-check when visiting as Belgian fries aren’t always veggie) | Price $$
Are you hungry yet? I know I am! I’m sure with this bumper list of the best restaurants in Brussels (as well as many other Brussels foodie spots) under your belt, you just can’t wait to get out in Brussels and start tasting all the delicious food this city has to offer.
Looking for more Belgium guides? Read these next:
- 9 Amazing Belgian Foods to try in Brussels
- 10 Fun and Unique Things to do in Doussels
- How to Take a Magical Day Trip to Bruges, Belgium
If you’re a foodie, you’ll love this list of cheap eats in Barcelona!
