As someone who plans every trip around what to eat, I can honestly say Brussels blew me away. Before visiting, I had always associated Belgium with chocolate, waffles, and maybe a few fancy beers. But I soon realized that these were just the tip of the culinary iceberg. This city isn’t just a stopover between Paris and Amsterdam—it’s a full-on gourmet destination in its own right, with rich culinary traditions, regional specialties, and an ever-growing scene of creative chefs putting modern twists on old classics.
From the moment I arrived, I was captivated by the smell of fresh waffles wafting through cobbled streets, the sight of golden fries piled high in paper cones, and the warm, comforting aroma of stews slow-cooked in dark, malty beer. I found myself wandering into cozy brasseries, buzzing food stalls, historic beer halls, and elegant patisseries—each offering a unique glimpse into the soul of Belgian cuisine. And what stood out most was the authenticity. Whether it was a hearty bowl of stoofvlees or a bite-sized praline from a local chocolatier, everything tasted like it was made with care, pride, and tradition.
What makes Brussels such a joy for food lovers isn’t just the variety—it’s how accessible the quality is. You don’t have to dine at a Michelin-starred restaurant to enjoy an exceptional meal. In fact, some of the best dishes I had came from small neighborhood spots or humble street vendors. And yet, at every price point, there’s thoughtfulness in the flavors, often rooted in generations of culinary know-how.
Over the course of my trip, I made it my mission to sample as much as possible—from iconic dishes like moules-frites and Belgian waffles, to regional specialties like rabbit cooked in cherry beer and shrimp croquettes. Every meal felt like a small celebration, a moment to pause and savor.
So let me take you on a journey through the most unforgettable dishes I tasted and the restaurants where I found them—each one a delicious memory I still daydream about. If you’re a foodie like me, Brussels will steal your heart—and your appetite.
📍 Location: Rue des Bouchers 18, 1000 Brussels
💶 Average Price: €25–35 per person
🍽️ Signature Dish: Moules-Frites (Mussels with Fries)
📞 Reservation: By phone (+32 2 511 14 15) or via OpenTable
If there’s one dish that defines Belgian cuisine, it’s moules-frites. And for this classic, Chez Léon is a local institution. This bustling, old-school brasserie sits right in the heart of the historic center, just a short walk from the Grand Place. I ordered the traditional moules marinières—mussels cooked in white wine, garlic, and parsley—paired with their iconic crispy fries.
The mussels were plump and briny, swimming in a broth so aromatic I asked for bread just to mop it all up. And those fries? Golden, hot, and double-fried to perfection. I understood immediately why locals come back here generation after generation.
2. Stoofvlees at ‘T Kelderke
📍 Location: Grand Place 15, 1000 Brussels
💶 Average Price: €20–30 per person
🍽️ Signature Dish: Stoofvlees (Flemish beef stew)
📞 Reservation: Call +32 2 513 73 44
One cold afternoon, I ducked into ‘T Kelderke, a cozy restaurant right on the Grand Place. The low-arched brick ceilings and wooden beams made it feel like a secret cave of Belgian comfort food. I went straight for the stoofvlees, a rich beef stew slow-cooked in dark beer.
The meat melted in my mouth, soaked in a slightly sweet, slightly tangy sauce that clung to every forkful. Served with a side of fries—because of course—and a local Chimay Blue beer, this was the ultimate comfort dish. It was hearty, rustic, and deeply satisfying, just what I craved after a morning of sightseeing.
3. Belgian Waffles at Maison Dandoy
📍 Location: Rue Charles Buls 14, 1000 Brussels
💶 Average Price: €7–12 per waffle
🍽️ Signature Dish: Brussels-style Waffle with Speculoos Spread
📞 Reservation: Walk-in only, expect queues on weekends
No trip to Brussels is complete without indulging in a waffle—or five. I tried many during my visit, but the one that stole my heart was from Maison Dandoy, a revered name among locals. Their Brussels-style waffle was airy, crisp, and just sweet enough. I topped it with speculoos spread, whipped cream, and a dusting of cinnamon.
The texture was sublime—light yet crunchy, not doughy or heavy. I enjoyed it while sitting by a window, watching the passersby on the cobbled streets. It wasn’t just a snack; it was an experience.
4. Belgian Fries at Frit Flagey
📍 Location: Place Eugène Flagey, 1050 Ixelles
💶 Average Price: €3–6 per cone
🍽️ Signature Dish: Fries with Andalouse Sauce
📞 Reservation: Not needed – it’s a takeaway stand
Forget everything you know about French fries—Belgian fries are in another league. I made the trip to Frit Flagey, a no-frills frituur loved by locals. The queue snaked around the block, always a good sign.
These fries were thick-cut and double-fried, crispy on the outside and fluffy inside. But what truly elevated them was the Andalouse sauce—a tangy, creamy blend of mayo, tomato, and peppers. I devoured the whole cone on a park bench nearby, utterly content. It’s street food, yes, but with soul.
5. Carbonnade Flamande at Restobieres
📍 Location: Rue des Renards 9, 1000 Brussels
💶 Average Price: €25–40 per person
🍽️ Signature Dish: Carbonnade Flamande (Beer-Braised Beef Stew)
📞 Reservation: Call +32 2 502 59 82 or reserve via TheFork
For something truly homey and regional, I visited Restobieres, a quirky little restaurant tucked in the Marolles district. Every inch of the place was covered in beer bottles and vintage décor. Their carbonnade flamande, another beef stew but sweeter than stoofvlees, was simmered in a caramelized beer reduction.
It was served with boiled potatoes and house-made apple compote—an odd but incredible pairing. The contrast between the hearty stew and the tart-sweet apples was something I didn’t expect to love. This place felt like dining in someone’s warm, slightly eccentric home.
6. Belgian Chocolate Tasting at Pierre Marcolini
📍 Location: Place du Grand Sablon 39, 1000 Brussels
💶 Average Price: €10–20 per box
🍽️ Signature Dish: Assorted ganaches and pralines
📞 Reservation: Walk-in for shop; workshops available via phone
Chocolate in Brussels isn’t just dessert—it’s culture. Among the many chocolatiers I tried, Pierre Marcolini stood out for its artisanal, bean-to-bar philosophy. I sampled a small box of ganaches, truffles, and pralines that were more like miniature sculptures than candy.
Flavors like Earl Grey ganache and raspberry balsamic caramel exploded on my tongue with finesse and complexity. It’s more of a tasting experience than a sugar fix—refined, balanced, and deeply satisfying.
7. Croquettes aux Crevettes at Noordzee Mer du Nord
📍 Location: Rue Sainte-Catherine 45, 1000 Brussels
💶 Average Price: €6–10 per serving
🍽️ Signature Dish: Grey Shrimp Croquettes
📞 Reservation: Walk-up ordering, stand-up dining
I stumbled upon Noordzee Mer du Nord while exploring the Sainte-Catherine neighborhood. This standing seafood bar was buzzing with locals having a glass of wine and sampling freshly grilled fish and croquettes.
I ordered the croquettes aux crevettes grises—crispy golden parcels filled with a creamy mixture of grey North Sea shrimp and béchamel. The croquettes were crispy outside, velvety inside, and intensely flavorful. I paired them with a glass of white wine and ate standing at the sidewalk bar, just like the locals. Simple, authentic, and totally memorable.
8. Belgian Beer Pairing Dinner at Nüetnigenough
📍 Location: Rue du Lombard 25, 1000 Brussels
💶 Average Price: €30–50 per person
🍽️ Signature Dish: Rabbit in Kriek Beer
📞 Reservation: Recommended by phone +32 2 513 78 78
If you’re a beer enthusiast, Nüetnigenough is a must. This cozy tavern offers a curated menu of traditional Belgian dishes, each paired with a matching beer. I ordered their rabbit in Kriek beer, which came with tender meat in a slightly sour cherry-based sauce.
The tartness of the Kriek perfectly balanced the richness of the rabbit. I paired it with a bottle of Oude Gueuze, a funky, complex lambic beer that added even more depth to the meal. Dining here felt like a journey through the best of Belgian brewing and cuisine, all on one plate.
Brussels may be small compared to other European capitals, but for food lovers, it’s a gastronomic giant. What struck me most was the honesty and warmth of the cuisine—it doesn’t try too hard, yet it delivers comfort, flavor, and tradition in every bite. Each dish I tried told a story, rooted in the country’s cultural history and seasonal rhythms.
From a waffle dusted with powdered sugar to a stew simmered in centuries of tradition, Brussels taught me that the best way to know a city is to eat through it. And eat, I did—with immense joy and zero regrets.
If you’re a foodie like me, Brussels is more than worth the trip. It’s a table full of surprises—and I can’t wait to go back for seconds.
