Brussels, the capital of Belgium and the de facto capital and administrative center of the European Union, is a renowned culinary destination that attracts food enthusiasts from around the world. The city boasts a rich and diverse culinary scene that reflects its multicultural heritage and innovative gastronomic spirit.
Contrary to what some people believe, Brussels’ culinary offerings are not just limited to mussels, waffles, frites, and chocolates. Thanks to its culturally diverse population, you can find a wide range of dishes here – ranging from Belgian classics like stoemp, waterzooi, and shrimp croquettes to Moroccan tagines, Syrian tannours, Vietnamese pho, and many more.
Brussels also offers a diverse selection of dining options – from street food carts to Michelin Star Restaurants – to suit a wide variety of tastes, budgets, and preferences. Simply put, if you are a foodie, you will savor every minute of your stay in Brussels.
In this guide, we will take a look at the culinary scene in Brussels, the iconic dishes you must try, and the best places to eat in the city.
👉Also read: Brussels Food Guide – 17 Things To Eat In Brussels, Belgium
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Quick Facts on Food in Brussels
Brussels food is a rich fusion of hearty Flemish tradition and refined French technique, centered on world-class staples like double-cooked frites in beef tallow, carbonnade flamande (beer-braised beef stew), North Sea shrimp croquettes, and authentic crispy Brussels waffles. Beyond classic bistro fare, the Belgian capital features a diverse culinary landscape spanning historic brasseries around Grand Place to Michelin-starred dining across Ixelles and Saint-Gilles.
| Iconic Brussels Dish | Dish Type & Key Ingredients | Flavor Profile & How It’s Served | Where to Order in Brussels |
| Frites (Belgian Fries) | Fresh potatoes double-fried in beef tallow | Crispy exterior, fluffy interior; served in a paper cone (cornet) with sauce Andalouse or mayonnaise. | Maison Antoine (Place Jourdan) or Fritland |
| Carbonnade Flamande | Slow-braised beef stew with dark abbey beer, onions, & mustard bread | Deep, savory-sweet, umami-rich stew served alongside piping-hot Belgian frites. | Aux Armes de Bruxelles or Fin de Siècle |
| Moules-Frites | Fresh North Sea mussels steamed with white wine, celery, butter, & shallots | Briny, aromatic, and comforting; served in a classic black enameled mussel pot with frites. | Chez Léon or Le Chou de Bruxelles |
| Croquettes de Crevettes | Gray North Sea shrimp (crevettes grises) in rich béchamel | Crunchy fried breadcrumb crust with molten shrimp-bisque center, fried parsley, & lemon. | Fernand Obb Delicatessen |
| Stoemp | Rustic potato mash blended with root vegetables (carrots, leeks, cabbage) | Hearty, buttery comfort food paired with artisan sausages, pork belly, or fried egg. | Les Brassins (Ixelles) |
| Waterzooi | Velvety broth stew with chicken or fish, julienned vegetables, cream, & egg yolk | Delicate, warming, and herbal; traditionally made with cod, turbot, or farm chicken. | Le Cirio |
| Brussels Waffle (Gaufre) | Yeast-leavened egg-white batter waffle | Light, airy, rectangular with deep square pockets; eaten warm dusted simply with powdered sugar. | Maison Dandoy |
| Liège Waffle | Dense brioche-style dough with caramelized pearl sugar | Chewy, rich, sweet, and sticky with irregular edges; best eaten plain on the go. | Street kiosks & bakeries across the center |
Where to Stay in Brussels for Food and Beer Travelers
Choosing the right neighborhood in Brussels puts you within steps of the city’s historic brasseries, lambic bars, and award-winning bakeries:
| Hotel Name | Neighborhood / Area | Hotel Category | Culinary & Strategic Highlights |
| Hotel Amigo (Rocco Forte) | Grand Place / Historic Center | 5-Star Luxury | Located steps from Grand Place and Maison Dandoy; home to the acclaimed Bar Magritte. |
| The Dominican | Grand Place / Monnaie | Upscale Boutique | Set in a 17th-century monastery; walkable to iconic seafood counters along Place Sainte-Catherine. |
| Harmon House | Saint-Gilles / Bailli | Trendy Design Boutique | Situated in Brussels’ most vibrant dining and natural-wine district, near artisan cafes and bakeries. |
| Hotel Le Dixseptième | Sablon / Historic Center | Historic 4-Star Manor | Surrounded by Brussels’ premier artisanal chocolatiers and antique markets. |
Where to Eat in Brussels: Seeking the Best Dining Experience
Seeking out the best dining experience in Brussels – or any other city – is not just about indulging your taste buds. It is one of the best ways to learn about the city’s culinary culture and heritage and enhance your overall travel experience. There are many reasons why your dining choices matter when exploring Brussels.
- Food is an important and fundamental aspect of any culture. By trying traditional Belgian dishes, you can immerse yourself in Belgian culture, understand its culinary history and traditions, and enjoy the flavors that are unique to its cuisine.
- Being the culinary capital of Belgium, Brussels has its own culinary specialties that are intertwined with its cultural and social fabric. By seeking out the best dining experiences, you can make sure that you do not miss out on iconic dishes that are synonymous with Belgian culinary culture.
- If you are looking to celebrate a special occasion, seeking out the best dining experiences can ensure that you have an elegant setting to mark the event, which can create special memories that you can cherish for a lifetime.
- Many of the top restaurants in Brussels are located in historic buildings or have unique architecture, which can enhance your dining experience. The ambiance of these establishments can be as memorable as the food itself.
Fine Dining in Brussels
Brussels is known for its thriving fine dining scene. It is home to several Michelin star restaurants that are recognized for their exceptional cuisine, creativity, and culinary artistry. These restaurants offer elaborate tasting menus and feature a wide range of courses designed to showcase the chef’s skills and creativity. The menus often include carefully curated wine pairings to enhance your dining experience.
The best fine dining restaurants in Brussels with a great tasting menu are:
Bozar Restaurant
Located near the famous Center for Fine Arts, Bozar offers a unique culinary experience that complements the artistic and cultural atmosphere of the venue. It has been awarded two Michelin stars for its inventive and meticulously curated menu and is considered one of the best restaurants in Brussels. Karen Torosyan, who is the chef of Bozar, is celebrated for his mastery of en croute dishes (pastry crusts filled with meat or vegetables) and is known for his innovation and culinary expertise.
Comme Chez Soi
Comme Chez Soi is the oldest Michelin-starred restaurant in Brussels and is a culinary institution of international acclaim. Frequented by celebrities and prominent politicians who are hopefully doing good in this world, the restaurant is known for its welcoming atmosphere, elegant setting, and impeccable service. Led by Chef Lionel Rigolet, the restaurant offers classic French-Belgian cuisine with a modern twist.
La Villa Lorraine
La Villa Lorraine is a historic fine dining restaurant that offers a luxurious dining experience. The restaurant is known for its artistic décor and cozy ambiance. One of the best aspects of the restaurant is its outdoor seating area, which provides a spectacular view of the lush green gardens surrounding the establishment. It is led by Yves Mattagne, who creates stunning culinary innovations with fresh, locally sourced produce.
La Paix
Located in the working-class neighborhood of Cureghem, La Paix has been the culinary pride of Brussels since 1892. Led by award-winning chef David Martin, the restaurant is known for its multicultural menu which combines Belgian cuisine with French and Japanese culinary influences.
La Villa in the Sky
La Villa in the Sky is a Michelin star restaurant located in the heart of Brussels. In case you are wondering why it is called ‘La Villa in the Sky’, it is because of its location. The restaurant is located on the 26th floor of the IT Tower on Avenue Louise and offers a breathtaking view of Brussels. It is led by Alexandre Dionisio, who is known for blending Asian influences with traditional Belgian recipes, resulting in a unique and bold combination of flavors. It is hands down one of the best places to eat in Brussels.
Street Food in Brussels
Brussels has a vibrant street food scene that reflects the city’s diverse culinary landscape and its reputation as the culinary capital of Belgium. You can find the best street food that the city has to offer in places like Rue du Bailli, Place de la Chapelle, Place Flagey, and Place du Luxembourg.
The best street foods that you must try in Brussels include moules a la crème, mitraillette, caricoles, shrimp bisque, smoutebollen, and frikandel.
The Best Casual Dining Spots in Brussels
Brussels is home to a number of casual dining spots – ranging from cozy cafes to trendy bistros – where you can enjoy delicious, sumptuous meals without the formalities associated with fine dining.
Not many people – especially first-time visitors – know about the dining spots where you can enjoy authentic Belgian dishes and beers. They tend to rely on Google to show them the best dining spots, which is why search terms like ‘Brussels where to eat’ and ‘places to eat Brussels’ return hundreds of thousands of results.
I have saved you the trouble of searching on Google and going through review after review to find out the best casual dining restaurants in Brussels. Given below is a list of restaurants where you can enjoy the best of casual dining experience without breaking the bank.
Peck 47
A popular brunch spot, Peck 47 offers a menu filled with creative and hearty breakfast and brunch options – from homemade sandwiches, salads, soups, and eggs to freshly baked cake, smoothies, yoghurts, and many more.
Midtown Grill
If you are a meat lover, Midtown Grill is the best restaurant in Brussels where you can eat to your heart’s content without spending too much. Designed like a traditional American steakhouse, Midtown Grill serves high-quality steaks and burgers.
Ballekes
Ballekes specializes in Belgian meatballs, which are cooked to perfection and served with a number of homemade sauces – including sauces based on Belgian beers.
Aux Armes de Bruxelles
Aux Armes de Bruxelles is known for its old-school brasserie décor and serves a wide range of traditional Belgian favorites including tomatoes and shrimps, mussels, stoemp, and frites as well as an unbelievably tasty Flemish stew. It is considered one of the finest restaurants in Grand Place, Brussels.
Restaurante Bruxelles
Restaurante Bruxelles – also known as Nerja de Nerja – is a great place to enjoy a sumptuous lunch or dinner with pleasant music. It serves a number of exquisite dishes including Belgian mussels, spaghetti carbonara, peppered steak, provincial chicken breast, and a wide range of paellas and pastas.
👉Also read: 11 Brussels Facts: Things To Know When Visiting Brussels Belgium
What to Eat in Brussels: The Most Iconic Belgian Dishes
Traditional food in Brussels is defined by rich slow-cooked stews, North Sea seafood, artisan charcuterie, and century-old brewing and frying traditions.
Authentic Belgian Frites (Friterie Culture)
Authentic Belgian frites are fresh, thick-cut Bintje potatoes double-fried in beef tallow (blanc de bœuf) to achieve a shatteringly crisp golden crust and a soft, fluffy interior.
Frites – commonly referred to as Belgian fries – are an integral part of the country’s culinary culture. In fact, many Belgians claim that the tradition of making fries originated in Belgium – not in France, as it is widely believed to be.
Belgian fries are thick cut and are crispier on the outside and softer on the outside compared to French fries. They are double-cooked in beef tallow, which gives them a unique savory taste. You can enjoy Belgian fries with Andalouse sauce, aioli, mayonnaise, ketchup, tartare, and various other dips.
Moules Frites
A staple of Belgian cuisine, moules frites consist of fresh mussels cooked with white wine, garlic, shallots, and herbs and served with a generous portion of crispy Belgian fries.
Stoemp
Stoemp is made with mashed or pureed potatoes, vegetables like carrots, leaks, and cabbage, and spices. Often served with sausages, bacon, or stew, stoemp is a comforting and filling meal.
Carbonnade Flamande
Carbonnade flamande (stoverij) is a traditional Belgian sweet-and-sour beef stew braised for hours in dark Belgian abbey beer with caramelized onions, thyme, and bread spread with sharp mustard.
It’s a traditional Belgian beef stew made with beer, onions, mustard, vinegar, and sugar. The sweetness of the onions is complemented by the bitterness of the beer, which gives the stew a unique savory richness and taste.
Waterzooi
It’s a creamy seafood stew traditionally made with fish (especially cod, pike, carp, halibut, or turbot), vegetables, eggs, and cream. In many modern variations of the dish, the fish is substituted with mussels, shrimp, or claims. Chicken is the most commonly used alternative to seafood in the recipe.
Shrimp Croquettes
Belgian shrimp croquettes (croquettes aux crevettes grises) feature sweet, tiny North Sea gray shrimp folded into a rich, nutmeg-scented béchamel sauce, breaded, and deep-fried until golden.
Shrimp croquettes are a beloved dish in Belgium. They are typically served as appetizers in restaurants and bistros. They are made with shrimp, roux (flour and butter mixture), breadcrumbs, eggs, and béchamel sauce.
Belgian Waffles: Brussels vs. Liège Waffles
There is no single “Belgian waffle” in Belgium; locals distinguish between light, airy rectangular Brussels waffles dusted with icing sugar and dense, buttery Liège waffles packed with caramelized pearl sugar.
No list of must-try dishes in Brussels would be complete without mentioning waffles. This mouthwateringly delicious dish has been a mainstay of Belgian cuisine for centuries and can be found everywhere – from roadside food carts to Michelin Star Restaurants.
You can find two types of waffles here – Brussels waffles and Liege waffles. Brussels waffles are light, crispy, and rectangular in shape with well-defined edges. Liege waffles, on the other hand, are thicker, denser, and chewier in texture and are oval in shape with irregular edges. They are typically served with whipped cream, fruits, or chocolate sauce.
Chocolates and Pralines
Belgium is known for its high-quality, exceptionally tasty chocolates, pralines, and truffles, which have gained international acclaim. You can find a huge variety of chocolates – from well-known commercial brands to artisanal varieties made by expert chocolatiers.
Speculoos
These are spiced shortbread biscuits which are extremely popular in Belgium. These are typically flavored with cinnamon and can be enjoyed on their own or used in desserts and ice creams.
Dame Blanche
It’s a classic Belgian dessert which consists of a scoop of vanilla ice cream with warm Belgian chocolate and whipped cream on top.
Frequently Asked Questions About Brussels Food
What food is Brussels most famous for?
Brussels is world-famous for its double-cooked Belgian frites, moules-frites (steamed mussels with fries), carbonnade flamande (dark beer beef stew), North Sea gray shrimp croquettes, artisanal chocolates and pralines, and two distinct styles of waffles (Brussels and Liège).
What is the difference between a Brussels waffle and a Liège waffle?
A Brussels waffle is made from a light, yeast-leavened egg batter that produces an airy, rectangular waffle with deep pockets, served warm with powdered sugar. A Liège waffle is made from a heavy, brioche-like dough embedded with pearl sugar chunks that caramelize on the iron, creating a rich, dense, and chewy pastry with uneven edges.
Why are Belgian fries fried twice?
Belgian fries are fried twice—traditionally in beef tallow (blanc de bœuf)—at two different temperatures. The first fry at roughly 150°C (300°F) cooks the potato interior until soft and tender. After cooling, a second flash-fry at 180°C (350°F) crisps the exterior to a golden, crunchy finish without burning.
What is stoemp in Belgian cuisine?
Stoemp is a traditional Brussels comfort dish made by mashing boiled potatoes together with root vegetables such as leeks, carrots, onions, or cabbage, enriched with butter and cream. It is traditionally served alongside artisan pork sausages, bacon, or braised meats.
What beer should you drink with classic Brussels dishes?
Belgian food pairs naturally with local ales: rich carbonnade flamande and stoemp pair best with Belgian Dubbels, Trappist ales, or Flanders Red ales; fresh seafood like moules-frites and shrimp croquettes pair with crisp Belgian Saisons, Witbiers, or spontaneous-fermentation Lambics and Geuzes (such as Cantillon or 3 Fonteinen).