When visiting Brussels, it’s best to avoid the city’s ‘restaurant row’ – the area packed with eateries serving overpriced, mediocre meals. Instead, seek out restaurants that offer better quality food, often favored by locals. Here’s a short list of our top picks in Brussels.
Taverne du Passage
Located in the historic Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, one of the city’s grand covered shopping streets, Taverne du Passage is an elegant Art Déco brasserie known for its regional cuisine. This spot is popular among locals, especially long-time residents.
Menu Highlights
- Croquettes aux crevettes (shrimp croquettes, a house specialty)
- Scallops with garlic butter
- Chateaubriand (for two) with steamed vegetables and Belgian fries
While prices are higher than some other places in Brussels, the food quality and attentive service make it worth the extra cost.
Location and Hours
Taverne du Passage is located at Galerie de la Reine 30. Open for lunch and dinner; reservations recommended.
Restaurant Vincent
Situated just outside the historical Saint-Hubert passage, Restaurant Vincent specializes in Belgian and French dishes. They’re known for their mussels and grilled meats.
Must-Try Dishes
- Entrecote with béarnaise sauce, served with frites (Belgian fries)
- Côte d’agneau and haricots vert (lamb chops and green beans)
Unique Dining Experience
Restaurant Vincent offers a unique dining experience – you’ll enter through the kitchen, where you can watch the chefs prepare the meals. The food is high quality, and the tableside service adds a nice touch.
Location and Hours
Restaurant Vincent is located at Rue des Dominicains 8-10, a 3-minute walk from Grand Place. Open for lunch and dinner; reservations recommended.
Jack O’Shea Chophouse
As one of several establishments owned by celebrity butcher Jack O’Shea, this chophouse specializes in quality, old-school cuts of beef.
Standout Dishes
- Grilled Angus entrecôte
- Angus fillet with sides of baked potatoes (jacket) and mashed potatoes with herbed butter, sautéed spinach, and mushrooms
While prices are on the steep side, the quality and generous portions make it a worthwhile splurge.
Location
Jack O’Shea Chophouse is located at Rue Sainte Catherine/Sint-Katelijnestraat 32, just over a 5-minute walk from Grand Place.
Le Vieux Mila
This little hole-in-the-wall, located off the beaten path, is well worth a visit for its simple and tasty home-style African cuisine, mainly from Cameroon.
Signature Dish
- Ailes de Poulet Barbecue (barbecued chicken wings) served with rice, salad, and a very hot pepper sauce
Be warned: the hot sauce is extremely spicy! A side order of Banane Plantin Frite (fried plantain bananas) can help cool things down.
Unique Dining Experience
Le Vieux Mila offers a unique dining experience with its focus on Cameroonian cuisine. Despite being packed during our visit, the service was good.
Location
Le Vieux Mila is located at Rue de Moscou 28, about 12 minutes by tram (Lines 3 and 4) from Grand Place. Tram stop: Parvis St-Gilles.
Fromagerie-Sandwicherie Tonton Garby
This tiny cheese shop, run by owner ‘Tonton’ Garby, is a real gem. Garby is a cheese expert and serves fantastic sandwiches made with a baguette and your choice of fresh cheese.
Must-Try Sandwiches
- Goat’s cheese with apple, honey, and walnuts
- Herbed goat’s cheese, olive tapenade, and sliced fresh tomatoes
Limited Seating
Tonton Garby’s shop has limited seating (maybe 4 tables, max.), so consider taking your sandwiches to-go.
Location
Fromagerie-Sandwicherie Tonton Garby is located at Rue Duquesnoy 6, a 3-minute walk from Grand Place and about 6 minutes from the Royal Museums of Fine Arts.
Tips for Dining in Brussels
- Don’t be afraid to venture beyond the tourist hotspots – some of the best meals can be found in lesser-known areas.
- Make reservations, especially for popular restaurants or during peak dining hours.
- Be prepared for higher prices at top-quality establishments, but know that the food and experience are often worth the extra cost.
- Consider sharing dishes or ordering smaller plates to sample a variety of flavors without breaking the bank.
- Don’t forget to try classic Belgian dishes like mussels, frites, and waffles during your stay.
Exploring Brussels’ Culinary Scene
Brussels offers a diverse and exciting culinary scene, with options ranging from traditional Belgian fare to international cuisines. By seeking out restaurants favored by locals and venturing beyond the tourist traps, you’ll be rewarded with memorable meals and unique dining experiences.
Food Tours and Cooking Classes
To go deeper into Brussels’ food culture, consider joining a guided food tour or taking a cooking class. These experiences can introduce you to new flavors, teach you about local ingredients and techniques, and provide insight into the city’s culinary heritage.
Markets and Food Halls
Brussels is home to numerous markets and food halls where you can sample a wide variety of dishes and products. Some notable options include:
- Marché du Midi (Midi Market): This large outdoor market, held on Sundays, features a mix of local and international products, including fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and prepared foods.
- Wolf Food Market: Located in a former newspaper printing press building, this modern food hall offers a range of food stalls serving everything from Belgian classics to global cuisine.
Pairing Food and Beer
Belgium is famous for its beer, and Brussels is no exception. Many restaurants and bars offer extensive beer lists, allowing you to pair your meals with the perfect brew. Don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations – locals are often happy to share their favorite food and beer pairings.
Final Words
When it comes to dining in Brussels, the key is to explore beyond the tourist hotspots and seek out restaurants that prioritize quality and authenticity. By following the lead of locals and being open to new experiences, you’ll discover a world of delicious flavors and memorable meals in this charming European capital.
