Foodie Guide to Eating in Brussels

Brussels is a city full of culture, history, and of course – food! As the capital of Belgium, Brussels is home to a huge variety of diverse cuisine which ranges from traditional Belgian dishes to international flavors. Whether you’re a foodie looking for something new or a visitor just passing through, here’s a guide to the best places to eat in Brussels.

Friteries

If you’re looking for a fast, tasty, and inexpensive snack while you’re in Brussels, then look no further than the friteries. These are small stands that serve deep-fried, battered snacks like french fries, chicken nuggets, and croquettes. They are usually served with mayonnaise or other sauces, and are a great snack while you’re exploring the city.

A must-try friterie dish is the mitraillette, which is a french baguette filled with french fries and smothered in a sauce of your choice. It’s a hearty snack that will fill you up and keep you going for the rest of the day.

When it comes to friteries, there are plenty to choose from in Brussels. Some of the most popular ones can be found in the Grand Place, Place Sainte-Catherine, and Place Flagey.

Belgian Waffles

Belgian waffles are a must-try when you’re in Brussels. You can find them in almost every bakery or café, and they come in a variety of flavors and toppings. From the classic waffle with chocolate sauce to more unusual flavors like banana and nutella, you’re sure to find something to satisfy your sweet tooth.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try the gaufre Liégeoise, which is a traditional Belgian waffle made with pearl sugar. It has a crunchy, caramelized texture and is served with a variety of toppings, from fruit to cream and jam.

Some of the best places to try Belgian waffles in Brussels are Maison Dandoy, Waffle Factory, and Waffle World.

Belgian Chocolate

Belgian chocolate is world-famous for its high quality and delicious taste. There are many different types of Belgian chocolate, ranging from creamy milk chocolate to rich dark chocolate. You can find it in almost any store in Brussels, but if you’re looking for something special then head to one of the city’s many chocolate shops.

Neuhaus, Mary Chocolatier, and Jean-Philippe Watteau are some of the most famous chocolate shops in Brussels. Here you can find a huge variety of chocolates, from bars and truffles to chocolate-covered fruit and nuts.

No trip to Brussels is complete without sampling some of the delicious Belgian chocolate.

Moules-Frites

Moules-frites (mussels and fries) is one of the most iconic dishes in Belgium. It’s a simple yet delicious dish made with mussels cooked in a flavorful sauce, served with french fries. There are many different variations of the dish, such as the moules marinières, which is mussels cooked in white wine and butter.

If you’re looking for a restaurant that serves moules-frites, then head to Chez Leon or La Maison du Moules. They are two of the most popular restaurants in Brussels and serve some of the best moules-frites in the city.

Belgian Beer

Belgium is known for its delicious beer, and Brussels is no exception. Here you can find a huge variety of different beers, ranging from light lagers to dark ales. Beer is usually served in a glass called a tulip, which is designed to enhance the taste of the beer.

If you’re looking for a beer experience like no other, then head to Delirium Café. This bar has over 3,000 different beers, making it the world’s biggest beer selection. You can also find some of the best Belgian beers here, such as La Chouffe and Duvel.

Seafood

Brussels is located on the North Sea, so it’s no surprise that seafood is a popular dish in the city. You can find plenty of seafood restaurants serving up dishes like oysters, lobster, and mussels. Some of the best seafood restaurants in Brussels include Les Brassins, Le Petit Vendôme, and L’Ecailler du Palais.

For a unique experience, head to Le Pain Quotidien. This restaurant serves up a variety of seafood dishes, from mussels to oysters, and is located in a beautiful 19th-century building.

Traditional Belgian Dishes

Belgium has a rich culinary history, and Brussels is home to many traditional Belgian dishes. Some of the most popular dishes include stoemp, which is mashed potatoes mixed with vegetables, and waterzooi, which is a creamy stew made with fish or chicken. If you’re looking for something more unusual, then try lapin à la gueuze, which is rabbit cooked in a beer sauce.

If you’re looking for a restaurant that serves traditional Belgian dishes, then head to La Bourse. This restaurant has been serving up traditional Belgian cuisine since 1856 and is a great place to get a taste of the country’s traditional food.

International Cuisine

Brussels is a multicultural city, so it’s no surprise that you can find plenty of international cuisine. From Italian to Indian, there are plenty of restaurants serving up dishes from all over the world.

If you’re looking for Italian food, then head to the Ixelles neighborhood. Here you can find some of the best Italian restaurants in the city, such as Trattoria da Aldo and Trattoria San Marco. For Indian food, head to the Châtelain neighborhood, where you can find some great restaurants like Indian Garden and Amrit.

Gastropubs

Gastropubs are a great place to get a bite to eat and a drink. These pubs often serve up more sophisticated dishes than your typical pub fare, such as gourmet burgers, steak tartare, and charcuterie boards. Some of the best gastropubs in Brussels include The Drunken Rabbit, The Sixpack, and The Owl.

Street Food

If you’re looking for a quick and inexpensive snack, then head to one of the many street food stands in Brussels. Here you can find everything from Belgian fries to hot dogs, and even some more exotic dishes like African-style kebabs.

The Grand Place is the best place to find street food in Brussels. Here you can find a variety of stands selling everything from falafel to crepes.

Desserts

Brussels is home to some of the best desserts in Europe. From waffles to chocolate and everything in between, there is something to satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth.

If you’re looking for something special, then head to the Maison Dandoy. This bakery is famous for its speculoos, which are spiced cookies made with cinnamon, nutmeg, and other spices. They also serve up delicious tarts, cakes, and mousses.

Fine Dining

Brussels is home to some of the best fine-dining restaurants in Europe. From traditional Belgian cuisine to modern French and Italian, there’s something to suit every taste and budget.

If you’re looking for something truly special, then head to Comme Chez Soi. This restaurant is one of the best in Brussels and serves up exquisite French cuisine. Another great option is Sea Grill, which is a seafood restaurant located in the heart of Brussels.

Conclusion

Brussels is a city full of delicious food. From traditional Belgian dishes to international flavors, there’s something to suit every taste and budget. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or an exquisite fine-dining experience, Brussels has it all. So next time you’re in Brussels, make sure to try some of the city’s delicious cuisine.