Brussels - Food & Drink

Large colourful squares on the walls put the guests at Bonsoir Clara directly into a painting by Piet... Mondrian. There's even more to marvel at when you sample the imaginative and perfectly prepared dishes, such as the tuna tartar or the lamb with lemon and nuts. An inexpensive lunch menu is available at midday. more

One of the oldest pubs in Brussels, and one which still feels like a cross between a stage-coach station... and a village inn, is located in the south of the city. Charles Baudelaire wrote his libellous pamphlet "Pauvre Belgique" whilst sitting at one of its wooden tables. more

This cosy brasserie in the Brussels restaurant quarter serves typical Belgian cuisine and a number of... mussel dishes. more

This 18th-Century Flemish village pub has developed into one of Brussels' institutions. And it still... serves typical national dishes and numerous Belgian beers. It is essential to book tables in advance. more

This is the place to meet, wine, dine and behold, whether on the terrace (heated in winter) overlooking... the stock exchange or in the beautiful Art Nouveau interior. Cake and coffee are just as much a part of the menu as snails in a Burgundy sauce. more

Exquisite country fare as well as tasty fish and game dishes are served in this patrician house built... in 1710, with heavy oak beams and Córdoba leather wall coverings. Affords a beautiful view of the Grand' Place. more

Culinary extravagances and Belgian specialities can be sampled in typical belle époque surroundings... somewhat hidden in a corner of Place Rouppe. But because this gourmet temple only seats 50, it's best to reserve in advance. more

This has been "the place to be" in Brussels for some time now. The food served in the main hall of this... former merchant bank is superb. Alongside imaginative fish dishes you will find sophisticated modernised Belgian and French traditional dishes and you can meet in the oyster bar for a quick stylish lunch. more

Dozens of small lamps submerge this small Moroccan restaurant in a magical light. Very good couscous... and tagine dishes, the meze (starters) are particularly tasty. more

Belgium is the home of the potato chip and this "fritkot" is said to be the best in the country. Whether... this is correct or not, it's definitely worth queuing up here. more

Fine fish dishes are the speciality of this nostalgic and elegant restaurant in a side street off Rue... des Bouchers. You should, however, be prepared for a rather large bill. more

This industrial-themed chic brasserie offers changing lunch menus: light French cuisine with oriental... and Asian touches, a discerning wine list. more

Locals wanting high quality, authentic down-to-earth food have been going to this large stylish restaurant... for decades. more

This lively Chinese restaurant without the normal kitsch decorations is highly rated by foreign visitors.... There are a number of dim sum dishes on the menu. more

The Belle Époque lives on here. This fine dining restaurant will seduce you with its traditional haute... cuisine, grand wine list and, of course, impeccable service. more

Here you will find everything you could want - whether it's breakfast, lunch, dinner, a quick coffee... or a cold beer after a stroll around the flea market, a snack or a hearty stew. more

People come here to eat lobster - a "Demoiselle de Bruxelles" - as the locals refer to this crustacean.... If you don't fancy it, there is a wide selection of fish and mussel dishes. more

Laid-back café where you can read, chat, eat and drink before, after or instead of attending a concert... in the Flagey cultural centre. more

Basement bar with simple wooden tables and chairs where you can still get Lambic, the traditional Brussels... beer, and quark rolls to go with it. more

Avowing meat eaters learn about the wonderful world of plants: local vegetables, combined with herbs... and spices from all over the world. You also get to know tofu from its best side (for those that want to know it exactly: the restaurant cooks according to the ovo-lacto-style). more

A cool, elegant atmosphere and a small but thoroughly composed menu – what a pleasure! The kitchen... combines, fearlessly but skilled, lobster with coconut, mackerel with cucumber and creates especially delicious desserts. more

What looks like an old-fashioned bakery, is by now a globally successful operating franchise company... – but it is still snug to sit at the big wooden tables with other guests and have breakfast or a soup for lunch, a sandwich, tart or a salad. more

Here nothing seems to have changed for decades: the large dining room with chandeliers, the waiters with... the white epaulette jackets and the menu with typical Belgian-French dishes. more

Nimble waitresses now serve fish and seafood where nuts and bolts used to be sold. If you don't have... too much time, the oyster bar is a good choice. more

The trendiest place at the old fish market if you want to eat marine animals of all kinds. If you and... your companions are bored, let yourself be entertained by the professional hustle of the chefs in the open kitchens, where one can observe the journey of the fish from pan to plate. more