- Destinations
- Brussels
- Where to eat
Where to eat in Brussels
From canalside eateries offering moules-frites to budget-friendly cafés serving authentic Belgian waffles, discover the best restaurants in Brussels.
Your culinary guide to Brussels
Brussels is a gastronomic playground where every cobbled street leads to another irresistible aroma. Whether you're craving crispy frites dunked in mayo, smooth pralines from a chocolatier's window or moules-frites and a Belgian beer with canal views, Belgium's capital serves flavours that linger long after you've left.
From budget bites at bustling markets to hidden romantic restaurants in Brussels, the city knows how to feed a crowd – and with Eurostar dropping you right in the heart of the action at Brussels-Midi, you're never far from your next delicious discovery.
Whether you're visiting Brussels for the weekend or longer, check out our package deals that bundle your train and hotel together – a straightforward booking and that's it. All you need to do is turn up, settle in and watch the journey unfold.
Where to eat in Brussels city centre
Brussels city centre is a treasure trove for culinary delights. The Grand-Place's gilded architecture offers a stunning backdrop for any meal, while Sainte-Catherine is one of the city's trendiest dining districts. Wander these streets with an appetite and fall in love with Belgian food in Brussels.
Traditional Belgian cuisine near the Grand-Place
For authentic Belgian fare served with a side of history, the streets radiating from the Grand-Place deliver in spades. Chez Léon (opens in a new tab) has been serving moules-frites since 1893 – their steaming pots of mussels are a Brussels institution; visit on Sunday evenings for all-you-can-eat.
For carbonnade flamande (rich beef stew braised in Belgian beer) or waterzooi (creamy stew), Aux Armes de Bruxelles (opens in a new tab) hits the spot with generous portions and an old-school brasserie atmosphere. You'll find plenty of locals at both, which definitely tells you everything you need to know about the quality.
Trendy bistros in Sainte-Catherine
Sainte-Catherine offers a hip, trendy vibe that has transformed this former fishing harbour into one of Brussels' most exciting dining districts. Noordzee (opens in a new tab) is a Brussels legend – a tiny seafood bar where you stand elbow-to-elbow with locals, cracking into fresh prawns and oysters at outdoor counters. The queue moves fast, and the fish couldn't be fresher.
For a sit-down meal, Henri (opens in a new tab) is a trendy bistro, serving modern Belgian cuisine with French influences in a chic, minimalist space. Think seasonal vegetables, perfectly cooked fish and natural wines that flow as freely as the conversation.
Central hotspots for waffles and chocolate in Brussels
You can't leave Brussels without sampling its sweetest treats. Maison Dandoy (opens in a new tab) is the place for authentic Brussels waffles – think light and crispy, served plain or with just a whisper of icing sugar that lets the buttery flavour shine through. There are multiple across the city, so you're never far from their sweet aroma.
For chocolate that'll ruin you for life, Pierre Marcolini (opens in a new tab) crafts pralines that are basically edible art, with flavour combinations that change with the seasons. Pop in for a quick fix while exploring the city centre or pick up a beautifully wrapped box to take home.
Cheap eats in Brussels
Brussels knows that great food doesn't need a hefty price tag. From overflowing market stalls to student hotspots serving hearty dishes, there are plenty of budget restaurants in Brussels. Look out for the magic words plat du jour (dish of the day) and you'll find deals under €15 all over Brussels.
Markets and street food in Brussels
Brussels' markets are where locals shop and eat. Marché Flagey and Parvis de Saint-Gilles market serve up everything from Belgian frites to Turkish gözleme, Lebanese wraps to Vietnamese báhn mi, with vendors who've perfected their recipes over the years. The variety reflects Brussels' multicultural makeup, and the quality rivals any sit-down restaurant.
Grab something hot, find a sunny spot and people-watch while you eat. It's Brussels at its most authentic, with people mingling over good food. You'll probably spend under €10 and eat better than you would at three times the price elsewhere.
Student-friendly cafés
Where there are students, there's often good, cheap food – it's a universal law, and Brussels is no exception. Café Belga on Place Flagey is perpetually buzzing with students, locals and visitors who've discovered its huge portions, decent prices and terrace that becomes prime real estate on a sunny day.
Chicago Café (opens in a new tab) serves American-style comfort food (burgers, loaded fries and hearty salads) and generously poured drinks in a laidback atmosphere, welcoming everyone from students to groups settling in for the evening. Visit to enjoy a meal with a relaxed, chilled vibe.
The best places to eat in Brussels for every occasion
Where to eat with family in Brussels
Family-friendly doesn't have to mean boring in Brussels. The city's got plenty of spots serving delicious food where kids can be kids. Pizza Saco (opens in a new tab) keeps things relaxed with wood-fired pizzas, quick service and a menu that pleases picky eaters and adventurous adults.
Brasseries like Le Chou de Bruxelles (opens in a new tab) offer proper kids' menus alongside grown-up Belgian classics, with enough space that you won’t be worried about bothering other diners. The casual atmosphere means no one bats an eye at a bit of noise; it’s family dining as it should be.
Eco-friendly restaurants in Brussels
Brussels takes sustainability seriously, and many restaurants prioritise ethical sourcing and environmental responsibility. Places like Superfourchette (opens in a new tab), which champions organic, seasonal ingredients from local producers, create menus that shift with what's actually growing rather than what's flown in from elsewhere.
Brut (opens in a new tab) serves inventive vegetable-forward dishes that make meat optional rather than essential, proving that sustainable dining doesn't mean sacrificing flavour or creativity. Look out for restaurants displaying Slow Food or Ecocert certifications – these are your best bets.
Romantic restaurants in Brussels
Sometimes, the occasion calls for somewhere special. Manneken Pis Café (opens in a new tab) is a tiny spot with a moody, candle-lit ambience, serving sophisticated Belgian cuisine. Its cosy, intimate setting is perfect for date nights or special anniversaries, setting just the right romantic tone.
Osteria Romana (opens in a new tab) brings a slice of Italy to Brussels, with softly lit tables, homemade pasta rolled fresh daily and an atmosphere designed for lingering over a bottle of wine. Book a table or walk in and discover Brussels' romantic side with a meal that will become the highlight of your trip.
Waterside dining in Brussels
Brussels' waterways offer more than postcard views – they're lined with spots that make dining a scenic affair. Visit Bsaha Café, a vibrant Moroccan-inspired café perched by the canal, for colourful plates of couscous, fragrant tagines and mint tea, served against a backdrop of rippling water.
For something more secluded, escape to Chalet Robinson (opens in a new tab), a leafy island retreat in the Bois de la Cambre. Hop on the little ferry and you'll find a rustic-chic restaurant serving seasonal Belgian dishes with a twist. From crisp salads to hearty mains, everything here is fresh and thoughtfully sourced.
Plan your journey to Brussels with Eurostar
The Eurostar from London to Brussels is a quick and easy 2-hour journey. Arrive at Brussels-Midi, right in the city centre, ready to eat your way through Belgium's capital. No airport faffing, no checking in hours early or sitting in traffic to the airport, just stress-free travelling.
Use our lowest fare finder below to grab our cheapest train tickets from London to Paris. Choose Eurostar Standard for our very best fares, or treat yourself to Eurostar Plus for extra space and comfort.
FAQs
Brussels-Midi is brilliantly connected. The metro whisks you to most neighbourhoods in minutes. The Grand-Place is about 20 minutes on foot if you fancy a walk, or just a short tram ride away. Most of Brussels' best spots are within a 15-minute journey from where the Eurostar drops you.
Absolutely! The Brussels–Charleroi Canal and Brussels–Scheldt Maritime Canal wind through the city, creating peaceful stretches where cafés and terraces overlook the water. It's more about quiet, urban oases than sweeping sea views – perfect for a relaxed meal with reflections dancing across the surface.
Start around the Grand-Place and Sainte-Catherine for the classic Brussels experience, where traditional brasseries rub shoulders with trendy seafood bars. You'll find cafés, restaurants and brasseries serving the best of Belgian cuisine. If you'd prefer a more local, residential feel, try Ixelles – it also offers an excellent variety.Â
Eurostar offers Brussels packages that bundle train tickets with hotel stays, though restaurant bookings are generally made directly. Most restaurants in Brussels accept walk-ins, but for popular spots (especially weekend evenings), book ahead through their websites or call directly. The city is casual enough that you can be spontaneous, but planning ahead for that special dinner means you won't be disappointed.
Many restaurants in Brussels take sustainability seriously. Restaurants like Superfourchette, Brut and many others focus on organic, locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. Look for Slow Food certification, Ecocert labels or simply ask – many places are proud to tell you where their ingredients come from.
You may also like
Â
Brussels city breaks
Beer, waffles, chocolate and culture, find out everything this iconic city has to offer.
Direct
London to Brussels trains
From comic books to Dutch masters, art nouveau style to ultra-modern, delicious chocolate truffles, hearty ales, Brussels is a city of curious contrasts.
Â
Trains across Europe
Come with us to the heart of Europe's most exciting cities across France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany and the UK.