Best Restaurants in Belgium 2026

Moules-Frites

The quintessential Belgian dish: fresh North Sea mussels steamed in white wine, celery, and onion, served alongside a generous portion of double-fried Belgian frites. Moules marinière is the classic preparation, but variations with cream, beer, and spicy sauces are equally popular.

Carbonnade Flamande

A Flemish beef stew slow-braised in dark Belgian ale with caramelised onions and a touch of thyme and bay. The beer imparts a rich, slightly bitter depth. Traditionally served with frites or crusty bread, it is one of Belgium's most iconic comfort dishes.

Vol-au-Vent

A puff pastry shell filled with a creamy sauce of chicken, mushrooms, and sometimes meatballs or veal. This classic Belgian bistro dish is hearty and satisfying, found on menus across the country and a staple of family cooking.

Waterzooi

A traditional Flemish stew originating in Ghent, made with either chicken or fresh fish in a rich, cream-thickened broth with vegetables including leeks, carrots, and celery. Ghent waterzooi (with chicken) is the most celebrated version.

Stoofvlees

The Flemish name for a slow-cooked beef stew using Belgian beer, mustard, and thyme. Similar to carbonnade flamande but with regional variations. A staple at taverns and traditional restaurants, often served over frites.

Belgian Waffle (Brussels style)

The Brussels waffle is rectangular, light, and crispy with a grid pattern, made from a yeast-leavened batter. Unlike the Liège waffle, it is not sweet on its own and is typically served with toppings: powdered sugar, whipped cream, strawberries, or chocolate.

Liège Waffle

Denser, rounder, and sweeter than the Brussels waffle, the Liège version is made with a brioche-like dough studded with pearl sugar that caramelises on the outside when cooked. Best eaten warm, plain, from a street stand — toppings are considered unnecessary by purists.

Speculoos

Crisp, caramelised biscuits spiced with cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves, traditionally baked for the feast of Saint Nicholas. The iconic Belgian snack is now enjoyed year-round and has spawned a popular spreadable paste. Lotus Biscoff, now globally famous, is the most recognised brand.

Comme Chez Soi

Founded in 1926, this two Michelin-starred Brussels institution occupies an Art Nouveau gem. Chef Lionel Rigolet crafts exquisite modern interpretations of Belgian classics using seasonal ingredients. The intimate dining room with ornate decor creates an unforgettable gastronomic experience steeped in history.

Place Rouppe 23, 1000 Brussels

Chez Léon

This Brussels institution has served classic mussels and frites since 1893 in a bustling Art Deco dining room. The extensive menu features Belgian specialties like waterzooi, carbonnade flamande, and of course, enormous pots of fresh mussels prepared numerous ways. Touristy but reliable and fun.

Rue des Bouchers 18, 1000 Brussels

Maison Antoine

This iconic Brussels friterie on Place Jourdan has served legendary frites since 1948. The tiny green kiosk draws crowds for perfectly cooked Belgian fries with dozens of sauce options. Eat standing at outdoor tables with locals – a quintessential Brussels experience.

Place Jourdan 1, 1040 Brussels

Waffles Street Food

Traditional Belgian waffle stands throughout cities serve both Brussels waffles (rectangular, lighter) and Liège waffles (round, sweeter with pearl sugar). Topped with powdered sugar, chocolate, whipped cream, or fruit. Perfect quick snack while sightseeing.

Various locations in Brussels, Bruges, Ghent

A La Mort Subite

This legendary Brussels café dating to 1928 retains authentic Art Deco interiors and serves traditional Belgian beers and simple food. The long wooden tables, vintage mirrors, and belle époque atmosphere make it a Brussels institution. Famous for its spontaneous fermentation lambic beers.

Rue Montagne aux Herbes Potagères 7, 1000 Brussels

La Paix

Chef David Martin's two Michelin-starred restaurant in Anderlecht showcases bold, innovative cooking with impeccable technique. The intimate setting features just a handful of tables where guests enjoy creative seasonal menus. The wine pairing is exceptional, and service is warm and knowledgeable.

Rue Ropsy Chaudron 49, 1070 Brussels

De Stove

This cozy Bruges restaurant in a historic brick townhouse serves elevated Belgian cuisine with French influences. Chef-owner prepares market-fresh dishes emphasizing local ingredients and seasonal flavors. The intimate atmosphere with just ten tables ensures personalized attention and memorable dining.

Kleine Sint-Amandsstraat 4, 8000 Bruges

Le Pain Quotidien

This Belgian chain started in Brussels and serves organic breads, tartines, soups, and salads in a communal table setting. The signature organic sourdough bread is baked daily, and the breakfast spread features house-made jams and nut butters. Multiple locations across Belgium.

Rue Antoine Dansaert 16, 1000 Brussels

Belgian Frites from a Friterie/Frituur

Freestanding fry stands — called friterie in French or frituur in Dutch — are found on street corners throughout Belgium. The frites are double-fried in beef fat for a crispy exterior and fluffy interior, then served in a paper cone with your choice of sauce. Andalouse, samurai, and mayonnaise are the most popular. Maison Antoine on Place Jourdan and Fritland near the Bourse are legendary Brussels addresses.

Brussels Waffle Stands

Waffle stands operate throughout Brussels, Bruges, and Ghent, selling both the light Brussels-style waffle and the denser, sweeter Liège waffle. The best stands use fresh batter and serve waffles hot. Skip tourist traps along Rue des Bouchers and seek out local bakeries for the authentic experience.

Shrimp Croquettes (Croquettes aux Crevettes)

One of Belgium's most beloved snacks: crispy fried croquettes filled with a creamy béchamel loaded with tiny North Sea grey shrimps. Found at seafood counters, friteries, and brasseries across the country. The version at Noordzee Mer du Nord in Brussels is considered among the best.

Smoutebollen

Deep-fried dough balls dusted with powdered sugar, similar to Dutch oliebollen. Found at fairgrounds, Christmas markets, and coastal beach stands. Light, airy, and addictive when eaten hot. A beloved Belgian fair food tradition.

Marché du Midi, Brussels

Held every Sunday morning outside Brussels-Midi station, this is Belgium's largest market and a vibrant multicultural experience. Dozens of stalls sell fresh produce, cheeses, spices, olives, cured meats, fish, and North African street food. Arrive before 10am for the best selection and atmosphere.

Ghent Vrijdagmarkt

The historic Friday Market square in Ghent hosts a weekly general market with food stalls alongside clothing and household goods. The surrounding cafés spill onto the square. A relaxed, local-feeling alternative to the tourist-heavy city centre markets.

Bruges Saturday Market (Zaterdag Markt)

Held in the Bruges 't Zand square every Saturday morning, this market offers fresh local produce, flowers, cheeses, bread, and Belgian snacks. A good opportunity to buy picnic supplies before exploring the historic centre on foot.

Place du Châtelain Market, Brussels

This upscale Wednesday evening market in the affluent Châtelain neighbourhood (Ixelles) attracts food lovers with artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, organic produce, street food, and wine. A popular after-work gathering spot for Brussels professionals.

Antwerp Exotic Market (Bevrijdingsmarkt)

Held in the Antwerp Seefhoek neighbourhood, this multicultural market reflects the city's diverse population with stalls selling Turkish, Moroccan, and Middle Eastern produce, spices, and street food alongside traditional Belgian products.