15 Best Restaurants in Brussels, Belgium

Looking for the best restaurants in Brussels, Belgium?

Brussels is one of those cities where you can eat something completely different every time you go out. Of course, you should try some traditional Belgian food while you’re here, but the city also has an amazing selection of international restaurants, casual food spots, cafés and places that are perfect for a longer dinner with friends.

If you want to discover more Belgian food beyond Brussels, check out my Belgian Food Guide: 15 Foods You Need to Try.

From Belgian classics and burgers to Mexican food, Vietnamese small plates, ramen, pasta and Chinese comfort food, there’s something for pretty much every kind of craving.

I’ve put together some of my favourite restaurants in Brussels, ranging from casual places for a quick meal to restaurants that are better suited to a longer evening.

→ Planning your whole trip? Check out my Brussels Travel Guide: Things to Do & Local Tips for more things to do, neighbourhoods, food spots and local tips.

→ If you only have one day in the city, my 1-Day Brussels Itinerary: The Perfect Day in Brussels covers how I’d spend 24 hours in Brussels.

Best Restaurants in Brussels at a Glance

If you don’t want to read the entire list, these are some of my top picks:

Restaurant	Best for
Brasserie Boemvol	Belgian food
Pépin	A special dinner
RAMBO	Burgers
TOPE	Rooftop dining
DaLongYi Hotpot	Groups
Mappa Mundo	International food
De Wolf	Modern cuisine
Knees to Chin	Vietnamese food
Koku Ramen	Ramen
NONA Pasta	Fresh pasta
Chez Monsieur Yang	Chinese food
Amadeus	Spare ribs
Dinghi	Sharing plates

Belgian & Local Food

If you’re visiting Brussels for the first time, I’d definitely recommend having at least one meal focused on Belgian cuisine.

While Brussels is famous for waffles, chocolate and fries, there’s much more to Belgian food than that. Think Belgian beer, hearty classics, meat dishes and comforting dishes that are perfect after a day of exploring the city.

1. Brasserie Boemvol

Brasserie Boemvol is a cosy option if you want to try traditional Belgian dishes in a relaxed setting.

The menu focuses on Belgian classics, making it a good choice if you’re looking for something local rather than another international restaurant.

It’s the kind of place I’d consider for a casual Belgian dinner after exploring central Brussels.

I’d choose Brasserie Boemvol if: you want to try Belgian classics in a cosy setting.

2. Pépin

For something a little more special, take a look at Pépin.

This restaurant focuses on contemporary cuisine and has a more intimate atmosphere than a casual brasserie.

It’s a good option for a date night, celebration or simply when you want to make dinner a bigger part of your evening.

I’d choose Pépin if: you’re looking for a more special dinner with contemporary cuisine.

Burgers & Comfort Food

Sometimes you just want something easy and satisfying.

If you’re looking for a good burger or casual comfort food rather than a long sit-down dinner, RAMBO is worth checking out.

3. RAMBO

RAMBO is a casual spot known for burgers and comfort food.

The atmosphere is relaxed and informal, making it a good choice when you want a straightforward meal without making dinner a whole event.

I’d especially consider it after a busy day of sightseeing when you’re looking for something filling and easy.

I’d choose RAMBO if: you want a casual burger and comfort-food meal.

International Restaurants in Brussels

One of my favourite things about eating in Brussels is how international the city feels.

You don’t have to stick to Belgian cuisine during your trip. Brussels has restaurants serving food from all over the world, from Mexican rooftop dining and Vietnamese street food to Japanese ramen, Chinese dishes and fresh Italian pasta.

4. TOPE

If you’re looking for somewhere with food, drinks and views, TOPE is a fun option.

This Mexican rooftop restaurant has city views and a lively atmosphere, making it particularly nice for an evening out.

I’d consider coming here for dinner and drinks rather than simply grabbing a quick meal.

I’d choose TOPE if: you want Mexican food, rooftop views and a lively atmosphere.

Want to know where to stay?

Not sure which neighbourhood is best for your trip? Read my full guide on Where to Stay in Brussels: Best Areas & Hotels before booking your accommodation.

Short on time?

Here are my 4 favourite hotels in Brussels:

Grand Place & Historic Centre: Hilton Brussels Grand Place
Sainte-Catherine & Saint-Géry: Citadines Sainte-Catherine Brussels
Sablon & Royal Quarter: 9HOTEL SABLON
Ixelles / Flagey: Maison Flagey

5. DaLongYi Hotpot

Want something a little different?

DaLongYi Hotpot is a hotpot restaurant that’s particularly fun when you’re eating with a group.

Hotpot is a great social dining experience because everyone can cook and share ingredients at the table.

It’s a nice change from a standard restaurant dinner and works especially well when you’re travelling with friends.

I’d choose DaLongYi Hotpot if: you’re with a group and want a fun, interactive dinner.

6. Mappa Mundo

Mappa Mundo is an international restaurant offering creative global dishes.

It’s a good option if you’re travelling with a group and everyone wants something slightly different.

The sharing-friendly approach also makes it a nice place for a relaxed evening with friends, especially if you want to combine food and drinks.

I’d choose Mappa Mundo if: you want international food and dishes to share.

7. De Wolf

For a more contemporary dining experience, check out De Wolf.

This trendy restaurant focuses on modern dishes and has a more stylish atmosphere than a traditional Belgian restaurant.

It’s a good option when you want somewhere that feels a little more modern and special without necessarily going for formal fine dining.

I’d choose De Wolf if: you want a trendy restaurant with modern cuisine.

8. Knees to Chin

If you’re craving Vietnamese food, Knees to Chin is a great casual option.

The restaurant specialises in Vietnamese street-style small plates, making it particularly good for a quick lunch or relaxed dinner.

It’s also a nice choice if you want to try several smaller dishes rather than committing to one large meal.

I’d choose Knees to Chin if: you want casual Vietnamese street food and small plates.

9. Koku Ramen

A bowl of ramen is particularly welcome after a cold or rainy day exploring Brussels.

Koku Ramen is a cosy spot serving Japanese ramen and comforting dishes.

The atmosphere is casual and the food is exactly the kind of thing I’d look for when I want something warm and filling.

I’d choose Koku Ramen if: you’re craving comforting Japanese ramen.

10. NONA Pasta

For Italian food, NONA Pasta is a great casual choice.

The focus is on fresh pasta served in a relaxed setting.

Sometimes the simplest dinner is the best, and this is the kind of place I’d choose when I want a hearty bowl of pasta without a particularly formal atmosphere.

I’d choose NONA Pasta if: you want fresh pasta in a casual setting.

11. Chez Monsieur Yang

If you’re looking for something completely different from Belgian food, Chez Monsieur Yang is worth considering.

This restaurant serves Chinese comfort food in a relaxed setting.

It’s a good option for a casual dinner and another example of how international Brussels’ food scene is.

I’d choose Chez Monsieur Yang if: you want Chinese comfort food in a relaxed setting.

12. Amadeus

If you’re very hungry, Amadeus is the place to consider.

The restaurant is known for its unlimited spare ribs, served alongside baked potatoes and other grilled meat dishes.

It’s definitely more about a fun and filling meal than a sophisticated dining experience.

I’d choose Amadeus if: you want a casual dinner and unlimited spare ribs.

13. Dinghi

For something that works particularly well with friends, check out Dinghi.

The restaurant serves Mediterranean-inspired sharing plates using seasonal ingredients.

Ordering several dishes to share makes this a nice option for a longer dinner where the food is part of the social experience.

I’d choose Dinghi if: you want Mediterranean-inspired sharing plates with friends.

Planning your Brussels trip?

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Where to Eat in Brussels

The best restaurant for you will partly depend on which neighbourhood you’re staying in.

Brussels has several very different areas, and choosing a restaurant close to where you’re already exploring can make your evening much easier.

Staying in Sainte-Catherine?

This is one of my favourite areas for restaurants, bars and evening drinks. It’s a particularly good neighbourhood to explore after dark.

If you want to explore more of Brussels beyond restaurants, my Brussels Travel Guide: My Local Guide to the City I Studied In covers my favourite neighbourhoods, sights and local tips.

Staying in Sablon?

Sablon is a beautiful choice if you want a more elegant atmosphere, with cafés, chocolate shops and restaurants surrounded by beautiful architecture.

Staying around Ixelles and Flagey?

You’ll find plenty of cafés, brunch spots and restaurants around Flagey, with a more local and student-friendly atmosphere.

Staying around Grand Place?

This is the most convenient area if you’re visiting Brussels for the first time. You’ll have plenty of restaurants within walking distance, although I’d recommend exploring beyond the immediate Grand Place area for some of the city’s more interesting food spots.

→ Not sure where to stay? Read my Where to Stay in Brussels: Best Areas & Hotels guide.

My Favourite Restaurants in Brussels

If I had to narrow this list down, these are some of the places I’d personally consider depending on what I’m looking for.

For Belgian food: Brasserie Boemvol

For a special dinner: Pépin

For burgers: RAMBO

For rooftop dining: TOPE

For groups: DaLongYi Hotpot

For Vietnamese food: Knees to Chin

For ramen: Koku Ramen

For pasta: NONA Pasta

For Chinese food: Chez Monsieur Yang

For spare ribs: Amadeus

For sharing with friends: Dinghi

Tips for Eating in Brussels

1. Don’t only eat in the historic centre

The area around Grand Place is convenient, but some of Brussels’ best food experiences are spread throughout different neighbourhoods.

If you have several days in Brussels, explore beyond the main tourist streets.

2. Make reservations for popular restaurants

For smaller or more popular restaurants, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings, I’d recommend checking availability or making a reservation ahead of time.

3. Explore different neighbourhoods

Brussels is a city of neighbourhoods, and the atmosphere can change dramatically from one area to another.

Sainte-Catherine, Sablon, Marolles and Ixelles all have their own food scenes.

Still deciding whether Brussels is worth adding to your Belgium itinerary? Read my Is Brussels Worth Visiting? My Honest Opinion.

4. Try Belgian food at least once

Even if you’re more interested in international cuisine, I’d still make time for at least one Belgian meal.

And don’t forget the classics outside restaurants too: Belgian fries, waffles, chocolate and beer are all part of experiencing Brussels.

If you want to discover more Belgian food beyond Brussels, check out my Belgian Food Guide: 15 Foods You Need to Try.

Final Thoughts: Best Restaurants in Brussels

Brussels has a surprisingly diverse food scene, and you definitely don’t have to stick to traditional Belgian cuisine during your trip.

If you want something local, Brasserie Boemvol is a good place to start.

For a more special dinner, I’d look at Pépin, while RAMBO is a good choice when you’re craving a burger.

If you’re eating with friends, DaLongYi Hotpot or Dinghi are fun options, while TOPE is a good choice for food and drinks with a view.

And for something casual, you can’t really go wrong with Knees to Chin, Koku Ramen or NONA Pasta.

Ultimately, one of the best ways to experience Brussels is to eat your way through its different neighbourhoods rather than staying around Grand Place for every meal.

→ Planning your Brussels trip? Start with my Brussels Travel Guide: Things to Do & Local Tips.

Planning Your Trip to Belgium?

Planning a trip to Belgium can be surprisingly difficult, especially when you’re choosing between historic cities, lively student towns, coastal destinations and smaller hidden gems.

That’s why I’ve created my Belgium Travel Guide, where I share destination guides, things to do, local tips and my personal experiences from travelling around Belgium.

→ START HERE: Belgium Travel Guides
→ GET MY GOOGLE MAP: Belgium Google Map

Brussels Travel Guide: My Local Guide to the City I Studied In
Is Brussels Worth Visiting? My Honest Opinion
Coffee & Brunch: Best Coffee & Brunch Spots in Brussels, Belgium
Things to Do: 20+ Best Things to Do in Brussels, Belgium
Where to Stay in Brussels: Best Areas & Hotels
1-Day Brussels Itinerary: The Perfect Day in Brussels
Bruges or Brussels: Which City Is Better? My Honest Opinion
Brussels vs Antwerp: Which Belgian City Is Better? My Honest Opinion

FAQ

What are the best restaurants in Brussels?

Some of the best restaurants in Brussels include Brasserie Boemvol, Pépin, RAMBO, TOPE, DaLongYi Hotpot, Knees to Chin, Koku Ramen and NONA Pasta. The best choice depends on whether you’re looking for Belgian food, international cuisine, burgers, ramen or a more special dinner.

Where should I eat in Brussels for Belgian food?

For Belgian and local food, Brasserie Boemvol is a good option for traditional Belgian dishes in a cosy setting.

Where should I eat in Brussels for a special occasion?

Pépin is a good option if you’re looking for contemporary cuisine and a more intimate atmosphere.

What are the best casual restaurants in Brussels?

For a casual meal, consider RAMBO, Knees to Chin, Koku Ramen or NONA Pasta.

Where should I eat in Brussels with friends?

DaLongYi Hotpot and Dinghi are both good choices for groups, particularly if you enjoy sharing food.

Where can I get good ramen in Brussels?

Koku Ramen is a cosy option if you’re looking for Japanese ramen and comforting food.

Where can I get fresh pasta in Brussels?

NONA Pasta specialises in fresh pasta in a casual setting.

What neighbourhood has the best restaurants in Brussels?

There isn’t one single neighbourhood with the best restaurants. Sainte-Catherine, Sablon, Ixelles and Flagey all have plenty of restaurants, cafés and bars, while the historic centre is the most convenient area for first-time visitors.

Is Brussels good for food?

Yes. Brussels has a very diverse food scene, ranging from traditional Belgian cuisine to Vietnamese, Japanese, Chinese, Mexican, Italian and Mediterranean food.

Do I need reservations for restaurants in Brussels?

For popular restaurants and busy evenings, particularly Friday and Saturday, I’d recommend checking availability or booking ahead. For casual restaurants, you can often be more spontaneous.