The Ardennes
This family-run, farmhouse-style place in a 300-year-old building serves inexpensive Belgian home cooking (meatballs, meat stew) along with trout,…
Must-see restaurants in Belgium
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…
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…
Antwerp
Join the brocante dealers and local families for typical Belgian fare (croquettes, stews, chicken supreme) and bistro specials (steak, tuna with wasabi…
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…
Antwerp
In a delightful 1920s dining room with art nouveau touches, Marcel offers a classic French menu made with top-quality ingredients and a lot of love.
Liège
Outremeuse's most appealing dining option, this classical-style bistro proudly displays its menu of Liégeois and Belgian classics across its windows in…
Antwerp
If you're looking for something a little special in Borgerhout, try this excellent little family-run bistro, which gives local cuisine a fresh elegance…
Brussels
Endearing and friendly little daytime cafe with stencilled teapots and art collages on the walls. The food – croque-monsieurs, salads, cheese and meat…
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…
Northeast Belgium
In an 1895 town house that oozes a restrained elegance, Cucina Marangon has been serving fine Italian cuisine for over 25 years.
Namur
Much-loved locally, this cheery choice near the bridge offers a huge selection of crêpes and croques (toasted sandwiches), making it the perfect lunch or…
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…
Brussels
A modest and friendly family-run restaurant and cocktail bar, decked out with an arch of plastic cherry blossom. The homemade dim sum hits the spot;…
Bruges
Decorated with hats and old clocks, this adorable little restaurant sits above a wine shop overlooking a delightful canal-side garden. Diners are…
Brussels
Hefty Belgian classics are served in a long, narrow bistro entirely walled in gleaming white tiles like the butchers’ shop it once was. Stuffed sheep's…
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…
Northeast Belgium
Named for the Sicilian chef whose open kitchen takes centre stage, this tiny upmarket Italian restaurant is so intimate that you'd easily mistake it for a…
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…
The Ardennes
A friendly pub-restaurant just across the stream-bridge from Achouffe's brewery shop, with pleasant outdoor seating by a stocked trout pond.
Belgium
Michelin-starred and priced to match, this is high-class French cooking, served in an Alpine-style rustic lodge surrounded by greenery. Presentation is…
Brussels
Imaginatively flavoured ice cream to take away or, in summer, eat in the garden. Sorbets, including some made from Cantillon beers, are the house…
The Ardennes
Dating from 1714, this historic pub has had a recent facelift but remains one of the most archetypal places for a hearty local meal or an Eupener beer.
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.
Antwerp
An unpretentious little place that's well known for its basic vegan/vegetarian Jainist buffet with four mains, two sweets, simple salad and rice.
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.
Brussels
A macrobiotic, veggie lunch place located above a mustard-yellow ‘bio’ shop. Bright decor with murals adorning the walls.
Brussels
The Musée Art & Histoire features this upmarket bistro serving mostly Italian-inspired snacks and mains.
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.
Brussels
Honouring the meatball recipes of their grandmas, Florence and Thibaut roll out four different kinds of boulette at Ballekes (beef, pork, chicken or…
Brussels
When bao met burger, it was happily ever after. Metres from the Grand Place, Baogo lets you choose your burger of choice (slow-cooked pulled pork, panko…
Brussels
Serving fast and healthy Japanese food, like onigiris (rice balls), gyozas (dumplings) and donburis (rice bowls with meat or fish), Kumiko is a dimly lit…
Brussels
Almost everything is for sale at this sleek-looking, Scandinavian-styled design shop and cafe, from the crumbling carrot cake and daintily presented…
Brussels
Bao Bang Bang is all about Bao, little steamed stuffed buns that are typical Vietnamese street snacks. Classic recipes like crispy pork or spicy fish are…
