The Best Restaurants In Brussels
Brussels is such an undervalued city. No one talks about it. It also felt like there were no tourists when we were there. Go here during Christmas time. It is pure magic. The Christmas market goes on for over a month, and there is an endless supply of incredible draft beer, freshly melted raclette, chocolate, and frites. Oh my, the frites. They are everywhere. Apparently, most of the good spots fry their frites in animal fat. After a few happy hour beers, follow the omnipresent scent of fries and get a heaping pile with aioli. Brussels surprised me with the extent of its Michelin-star restaurants and extensive tasting menus. I normally seek out wine at every moment, but honestly, the beer here is just too good. Even if you don’t like beer, try some Belgium beer. Don’t sleep on this city. It’s beautiful, and the food is wonderful. I rate restaurants like I rate my wine - on a scale of 100. 90 and above means it is definitely worth going to. I haven’t included anything that isn’t at least 90 points because those spots aren’t worth it. 100 points means the greatest in the world in my book. I am someone who loves all cuisine but is discerning with my meals. I want high-quality service, an all-star wine list, and beautifully prepared food with quality ingredients. If you are into the same things, my scores may be relevant to you!
Kline, Michelin Guide, Google 4.5/5, 95 points
Kline blew me away. This is a cozy restaurant. Sit at the bar and watch the magic unfold. This spot is not fussy whatsoever. This is the closest I’ve ever been to someone preparing my food. Each dish was a banger. The bread, the leeks, the fish, the pork, the sauces. All getting pumped out from two people on the line in a cramped spot… wow! The wine is cheap (but great!) and natty. Try a bunch of stuff by the glass!
Barge, Google 4.8/5, Michelin *, 95 points
Barge is a one Michelin Star restaurant that offers a wonderful tasting menu. They serve up creative dishes and are well organized. The amuse selection was wonderful. There was also a wild oyster dish that had sorbet on top. It offered so many textures. The sauces were crazy good, and I am a sucker for a good sauce. We got a res the night of by calling (it said they were fully booked online).
Vertige, Google 4.5, 92 points
Vertige offers a great tasting menu. We sat at the bar and watched the chefs at work, which was great. Our server was really kind and helped us decide on wine! There was an option to add on a cheese course which, of course, we opted to do. It was a marinated mushroom and comte dish that literally was life changing. The main consisted of sweetbreads and squash. They have a vegetable-only menu option as well!
Le Marmiton, Google 4.5/5, 90
We enjoyed lunch here, and that is what I would recommend. The service was great, and the food was rustic. Braised meat seems to be on every menu in Brussels, and the braised beef here did not disappoint. They have a decent wine selection and a few tap beers.
Fin de Siècle, Google 4.6/5, 90 points
This spot is basically just a mecca of braised meats. Basically, take your pick of braised lamb, beef, pork, rabbit, and so on. They pile a heaping scoop of mashed potatoes and a singular piece of broccoli on most of the plates. I think everyone needs to enjoy at least one meal like this. Go for lunch!
Damn Good Cafe, 4.9/5, 93 points
This is your coffee spot! We went several times, and they pumped out consistent coffee with well done latte art. The almond milk is actually delicious and tastes a bit like almond extract. You can also grab a delicious sandwich on homemade bread while you are there.
