Restaurants in Bruges
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Den Dyver
Not only are the seasonal dishes at this elegant restaurant individually paired with beers, they're also cooked in Belgium's favourite nectar (such as hare, turnip and cranberry ravioli in Oude Gueuze, served with a Petrus Winterbier). Three-, four- and five-course menus can be ordered with a beer accompanying each course. There's also the option of pairing with wines, but that would be missing the point.
reviewed
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Kaffee Pergola
Follow the fairy lights to this most romantic of outdoor addresses, hidden among greenery beside a quiet and very picturesque stretch of canal right in the centre of Bruges. Book one of the four tables perched along the canal, and settle back to the sound of birdsong and the glow of fading light as evening mellows. A limited range of delicious Belgian specialities is offered, and the service is attentive.
This place is owned and operated by the discreet top-end Hotel Die Swaene, located across the canal, and though relatively new is highly popular.
reviewed
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Bar Choc
Hidden away in the Zilverpand shopping courtyard, this streamlined, contemporary café is chocoholic heaven, serving chocolate fondue, chocolate pancakes, rabbit in beer-and-chocolate sauce, as well as 44 different kinds of hot and cold chocolate drinks (made from real chocolate, of course). The ginger hot choc - with bobbing pieces of handmade gingerbread - is wonderfully warming in winter.
reviewed
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De Karmeliet
Chef Geert Van Hecke's intricate compositions such as Zeeland oysters, poached quail eggs, caviar and potato mousseline have earned him a trio of Michelin stars. The setting is slightly austere, but gourmands will be too busy swooning to notice. Lunch menus are a good deal, and Van Hecke is also in the process of opening a cheaper bistro. Book well ahead, especially for weekends.
reviewed
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Vismarkt
At the colonnaded Vismarkt, fishmongers have been selling their North Sea produce for centuries. These days only a few vendors set up on the cold stone slabs, but it's still worth a wander. Join locals buying snacks such as maatjes (herring fillets). On weekends, the Vismarkt and nearby Dijver are taken over by antique and bric-a-brac stalls.
reviewed
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Da Vinci
Not being able to choose between the 40 luscious flavours of freshly made ice cream at this gelateria is a good thing, as it means you'll be offered small spoonfuls of free samples to help you decide (of course, that might just make the decision harder). Scoops cost just around €2.20; in high summer it stays open until 23:00.
reviewed
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Nieuw Museum
So called because of the museum-like collection of brewery plaques, money boxes and other mementos of café life adorning the walls, this family-owned local favourite serves five kinds of dagschotel (dish of the day) for lunch (around €7-12.50), and succulent meat cooked on a 17th-century open fire in the evenings.
reviewed
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Tanuki
Minimalist, cute and classic, this is the only Japanese restaurant of note in town - and it's a good one. For lunch try the bento box or the sushi and sashimi sets (great value) and for dinner during winter they do plenty of warming dishes such as shabu-shabu in addition to the all-year-round noodles.
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De Koetse
Restaurants on the Markt dish up the ubiquitous mussels and frites, but the quality and ambience can be trite and lacking. If you want both good mussels and attentive service, follow the locals here. Paling in 't groen (eel in spinach sauce), another Belgian speciality, also features.
reviewed
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Chagall
Checked olive banquettes, candles, shelves cluttered with knick-knacks and an upright piano make you feel like you're dining in a family home. Seafood, such as several variations on eel, is Chagall's specialty, but it also does daily meat specials and good deals on two- and three-course menus.
reviewed
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De Bron
Queues have usually formed by the time this glass-roofed restaurant's doors open, to get vegetarian fare direct from de bron ('the source'). Dishes are available in small, medium and large, and there are some delicious soups such as pumpkin. Vegans are catered for on request.
reviewed
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Opus Latino
Hidden down a narrow cobbled alley on the busy link between the Markt and Burg, most tourists miss this funky brasserie - don't make the same mistake. Local demand is high for the few canal-side tables. The cuisine is modern, and the prices are refreshingly low for this part of town.
reviewed
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Sint Barbe
Hidden away opposite St Anna church, this confident little restaurant offers a small selection of Belgian dishes, including meat, fish and vegetarian options. With modern décor, ultrafriendly staff and excellent prices, it's little wonder the locals have taken it to heart.
reviewed
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Hertog Jan
Hail a taxi to experience Hertog Jan. About 3.5km west of the centre, this suburban restaurant is the current talk of gourmet circles. Expect French cuisine such as Limousin lamb and Bresse dove, or sample the works with the degustation menu.
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Bistrot De Schaar
An out-of-the-way, good-value restaurant located just below street level. In fine weather there's also a large terrace across the road next to the canal lock. The cuisine is a Mediterranean-Belgian mix and the char-grilled specialities are excellent.
reviewed
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De Stove
Just 20 seats keep this gem intimate. Fish caught daily is the house speciality, but meat-based dishes on the monthly changing menu include the likes of wild boar fillet on oyster mushrooms. Everything, from the bread to the ice cream, is homemade.
reviewed
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Frietkotjes
Takeaway frites (fries) and hot dogs can be bought from the two green vans on the Markt. These little vans, by the way, are a gold mine for the local city council, paying around €250,000 per year to be able to use this prime spot.
reviewed
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Lotus
Quaint lunchtime restaurant catering to those who love colourful healthy meals. The cuisine is completely vegetarian and the menu consists of two choices: a kleine maaltijd (small meal) or a good-value grote (large) version.
reviewed
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Bistro de Eetkamer
This petite restaurant is one of Bruges' more impressive eateries. The seasonal menu is mainly Belgian-based but the chefs here give it a satisfying modern twist. With only a few tables and plenty of local business, be sure to book ahead.
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Tom's Diner
To the north of town, a little way out of the tourist centre and all the better for it. This whitewashed gabled corner house has a rustic interior and serves stylish modern-Belgian food at very affordable prices.
reviewed
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Ryad
Bruges' dining scene has been boosted by the influx of many new cuisines in recent times. This intimate Moroccan haunt is one of note. Couscous and tagines are its forte, and the décor's deliciously dark.
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Lokkedize
Good spot for a late-night bite. An open fire and moody music ensure return patronage. Meals are typically Mediterranean, such as meze or moussaka, and the kitchen stays open 'til midnight, sometimes later.
reviewed
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Tous Paris
If you and your arteries need a break from waffles and fries, this gourmet grocer offers a welcome alternative by way of fresh salads, quiches and made-to-order sandwiches on white or wholegrain baguettes.
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Bhavani
A simple Indian restaurant on a bustling tree-lined square off Bruges' main shopping street. As you'd expect, vegetarians and nonvegetarians are well catered for, and the food is authentic and moreish.
reviewed
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Mezzogiorno
Contemporary Italian café that proves Bruges is not all old hat. Head up the cement steps near design shop B and enter a world where modern décor and fresh food are paramount.
reviewed
