The authentic flavour of Brussels lurks in every corner, hidden in a small tavern or dressed up under a fancy name on the city's most comprehensive menu.
You have a great mission to accomplish, to find it and enjoy it no matter what form it takes or where it's located. That's why we have brought you a compilation of places that will offer you their bit of Belgian gastronomy.
A beer, mussels or fries are as typical of Brussels as the Manneken Pis. Today it's the palate's turn to enjoy the pleasures that Brussels has to offer thanks to its most traditional gastronomy.
Typical Belgian taverns, bars and restaurants in Brussels
L'inattendu
Rue de Wynants 13
Our first stop is a typical Brussels tavern. And when we say typical, we mean it in the broadest sense of the word. Its façade, its interior, including all the decoration, its beer and its dishes, tell the story of Brussels itself.
Great pub atmosphere, where you can enjoy the best local craft beers and the most Brussels food you'll find. Don't forget to order their fries and their Stoemp Saucisse.
Credits: TheFork
Le Renard Bleu
Rue des Renards 3
We don't move away from this concept of a tavern. Here you will find, above all, a very good vibe in the atmosphere, you will always hear laughter and everyone is ready to have a good time.
But it's not all about laughter, stop by for a great chat, a few local beers and the most traditional and casual dishes. You can leave your suit jacket at the hotel, just for the moment.
Credits: Tripadvisor
Grimbergen Cafe
Pl. Sainte-Catherine 22
This time we are already in a restaurant, although we can still see touches of a tavern, which keeps us in a relaxed mood and makes it clear what we are going to order as soon as we sit down.
They will continue to serve the most traditional Belgian gastronomy, highlighting the local Moules-Fries, craft beers and, why not? A good steak and chips, all accompanied by a great local atmosphere.
Credits: TheFork
Nüetnigenough
Rue du Lombard 25
A cosy little restaurant that invites you to visit as soon as you see its façade in the distance. It has a spectacular range of Belgian beers and local dishes, such as their stew, but the great jewel remains its atmosphere.
Not quite a pub, as it is a restaurant, but with a relaxed atmosphere that will make you stay for another round.
Credits: @nuetnigenough_restaurant
Fin De Siecle
Rue des Chartreux 9
About a five-minute walk from the Brussels Stock Exchange, and no matter where you have to come from, every step will be worth it. They serve traditional food, with generous portions and good value.
The quality of the food and beer is matched by the friendly, friendly service. The interior is simple and the atmosphere is fantastic. It is a place we are sure you will return to. That's why you shouldn't forget to book.
Credits: Meininger Hotels
Au Stekerlapatte
Rue des Prêtres 4
Behind the grand Palais de Justice is this restaurant with a tasty menu and a great atmosphere. Although it may seem a little far from the main attractions of the centre, you'll appreciate the walk back after the big meal you're about to have. Very close to Porte de Hal and about 20 minutes walk from the Grand Place.
You'll find everything an authentic brasserie has to offer, although if we had to highlight anything it would be the local starters, stew, and for dessert, speculoos.
Credits: Au Stekerlapatte
BALLEKES (GRAND PLACE)
Rue des Chapeliers 3
Very cosy atmosphere in this small restaurant, which is appreciated when it's cold outside. Nice décor, although without much fanfare. This makes it more welcoming and makes us put our five senses to the dishes, and that is a great success.
Typical local food of great quality that will exceed your expectations. The winning combination of the night could be beer, mussels, chips, their homemade sauces and meatballs. What's yours after the visit?
Its excellent location, next to the Grand Place, is another positive aspect of this charming corner of Brussels.
Credits: @ballekes
Le Bistro - Porte de Hal
Bd de Waterloo 138
Excellent two-storey industrial-style brasserie in the southern part of the centre of Brussels, next to the Porte de Hal. The beer selection is excellent and the menu features classic Belgian cuisine.
The atmosphere is relaxed and informal but the food is a serious statement of intent about quality and good workmanship.
Credits: TheFork
Au Pleysier
Borgwal 3
With a warmer and more elegant atmosphere, Au Pleysier presents itself to us with a great balance between quality and price, something difficult to achieve in a big European capital due to the high prices.
Their cuisine is delicious and locally sourced; start your menu with croquettes or prawns, followed by their Vol-au-vent or Carbonnade à la flamande. Needless to say, you can't forget the mussels?
Credits: Aupleysier
Les Brigittines
Pl. de la Chapelle 5
Credits: Les Brigittines
A restaurant with a stately and elegant décor where art nouveau style reigns supreme. Under the guidance of chef Dirk Myny, you can taste local tradition in the most elaborate and tasty style.
Start with local beer and natural wine, and continue with mussels, Zenne Pot, Bloempanch, with its traditional black sausage, and its incredible vol-au-vent. Both the décor and the cuisine will grab you from the first second.
’t Kelderke
Grand Place 15
Everything about this place is positive and special. For starters, its location; the Grand Place is one of the best in the city, and its interior is unique: it's an underground restaurant. This former 17th century wine cellar is definitely worth your time.
Although it has an excellent menu of Belgian dishes, you can't leave without ordering their local beer, stew and Vol-au-vent. You won't regret your visit.
Credits: TheFork
Le Marmiton
Galerie de la Reine 38, Rue des Bouchers 43
You will want to visit this restaurant each and every day you are in the Belgian capital. We're sure you will, because it is a unique place, both for its decoration and its menu.
Its interior is cosy, and its location is unbeatable, even if you've only been in Brussels for 24 hours; the Galerie de la Reine, one of the sections of the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert.
A full menu, where you can try the most typical Brussels and Belgian dishes as well as brilliant international dishes. Don't forget the local beer and natural wine.
Credits: TheFork