West Flanders
This spacious family-oriented brasserie features lots of old bare brickwork, red steel beams, convivial lighting and an undulating ceiling. There's a good…
Must-see restaurants in Northwest Belgium
Ostend
Ostend isn't known for its trendiness, but this little cafe with pared-down decor, a mosaic floor and old-school furniture hits the mark. The menu…
Ostend
Atmosphere-wise, this is a class apart from anything else on the seafront. This small arty cafe has art deco touches, a communal farmhouse table, jazz…
Ghent
Mostly candlelit at night, this atmospheric double-level cafe is built into sections of what was long ago a nunnery, hence the sprinkling of religious…
Bruges
A chintzy but appealing tearoom serving a variety of teas, gloopy hot chocolate, milkshakes and indulgent homemade sweets including crème brûlée,…
Belgian Coast
Benefitting from a great corner position near the main tunnel to the beach, Alaska does excellent takeaways, from fresh fish and chips to juicy burgers…
Bruges
Located on one of the Markt's arterial pedestrian shopping streets, this friendly pink-and-white cafe is known for its bagel breakfasts, waffles, strong…
Belgian Coast
The fanciest food on Kapelstraat can be found at Lautrec Lounge, which is also one of the best spots if you just fancy sitting on the terrace sipping…
Bruges
A snug and romantic restaurant in a 16th-century whitewashed gabled building. The couple that owns it brings a personal touch, and serves up superb…
Bruges
Bare brick walls, a modern fireplace and striking contemporary ceramics form a stage for this open-kitchened ‘cooking theatre’ that prides itself on its…
Belgian Coast
It's good to know in fine-dining De Haan there's a fancy frituur for fabulous fast food and frites. Look for the little green van opposite the tram stop…
Bruges
Decorated with hats and old clocks, this adorable little restaurant sits above a wine shop overlooking a delightful canal-side garden. Diners are…
Ostend
Lovers of the humble fry are spoiled for choice at this frituur (chip shop). There's a little bit of extra-everything about Franky's that singles it out…
Bruges
You can't beat this always-cramped little noodle bar for its wide range of Asian flavours, from pho to ramen and dumplings too. Great value. It's just…
Ostend
Despite the splashes of hot pink on the street terrace, this is a fashion-conscious lounge-restaurant. Its kitchen covers a gamut of culinary styles from…
Bruges
As the name suggests, Soup does soup well – it's a great little find for a healthy, hearty meal that's quick and easy and won't break the bank.
Belgian Coast
Overlooking the masts bobbing in the harbour below, this is the go-to for seafood in town. Picture perfect, and the food's not bad either.
Bruges
This splendid little patisserie is piled with creamy fruity cakes, croissants and fresh fragrant bread.
Bruges
Intimate late-night restaurant with old-fashioned decor and good-value Belgian cuisine.
Ypres
Low-key theatre-themed bistro serving fair-priced pastas, veggie dishes and tapas.
West Flanders
This quaint teahouse-cafe with wooden beams and exposed brickwork was once a tiny alleyway. Over the generations it was gradually enclosed until it was…
Ghent
Good veggie food set to classical music and served on linen at tables with fresh orchids. Three windows have canal views. The daily changing lunch plate…
Ghent
Want to (over) fill your stomach for €5? It’s possible at Gülhan, a large, mildly garish modern diner that – despite the name – is not a pizzeria, unless…
Bruges
Providing a truly intimate eating experience in a lovely old gabled building, the owner serves classic Belgian dishes such as meatballs and kalfsblanket …
Ghent
Since 1987 this joint has been hardening the arteries of Gentiens with its knockout all-you-can-eat spare ribs (€17.95) at this and two other local…
Ghent
This rustic bakery and tearoom looks a treat from the street, beckoning you inside for breakfasts, light lunches, soups, savouries and, of course, great…
Ostend
There's nothing fancy about Benny but there's something about this fabulously frozen-in-time cafe a few blocks back from the beach that beckons you slide…
Bruges
If you're travelling on a budget and don't mind eating al fresco, this tidy takeaway joint has decent-sized portions of westernised Chinese dishes at…
Northwest Belgium
This no-frills joint, located midway up the hill between the station and the Markt, offers great-value tasty and filling pastas. Takeaway is available, or…
Ypres
Tucked away in a quirkily decorated historical guildhall beside the stadhuis, this split-level café serves gigantic good-value meals, including some beer…
Northwest Belgium
For a quick bite, this joint doles out eight tasty sauces with the pasta of your choice in a jiffy. Food is mostly takeaway, but there's a handful of…
Bruges
This homely little café belonging to the Volkskundemuseum is a quaint spot for a light lunch, local beer or coffee and cake.
Ghent
At this bright, central retro-'70s soup kitchen, each bowlful comes with add-your-own cheese and croutons, two rolls and a piece of fruit. Canal views are…
Ypres
Fresh bread, pastries, croques and fancy patisserie goods to take away. Try the amazing and filling broodpudding (bread pudding) for just €0.40.
West Flanders
Classic wood-panelled café with tulip lamps, Rodenbach beer on draught and inexpensive pub meals (cheese croquettes, baguette sandwiches).
West Flanders
Amid the cracked paintwork of this recycled old café, Ludwig busts sniff enviously at the range of ribs, steaks and fondues.
Ghent
Cheap, tasty and with whopping portion sizes, Yaki Noodle is a student fave, best for big appetites or friends who like to share.
West Flanders
Old timbers, jugs, buckets, statues of saints and so much more are crammed into this atmospheric carnivore's lair.
Bruges
This branch of Belgium's most popular bakery chain has plenty of seating and is good for when you just need a snack in a hurry.
