Top 18 BEST PLACES To Eat In Bruges, Belgium

That’s Toast

Nomad

2BE Beer Wall

2BE Beer Wall may not be one of the best places to eat in Bruges, but it certainly is one of the best places to drink, so If you are a beer lover, visiting this spot is an absolute must!

With an incredible and never-ending collection of Belgian (and other) beers, there will surely be something to suit your taste, whether you are after dark brews or fun and fruity lagers. And yes, the famous beer wall is exactly what it sounds like. Here you can find a whole wall decorated with hundreds of different bottles of beer accompanied by their matching glasses on the side.

But, it’s not just the beer that makes this spot, the garden terrace that is situated directly on one of Bruges’ gorgeous canals offers some of the best views in town. The bar is also housed in a 15th-century mayor’s house which adds a touch of history to your experience.

Here I tried some very interesting beers, but the most unique one had to be the coconut beer served in a coconut shell bowl. I recommend giving it a go!

Also, it’s good to note that 2be Beer Wall is closed on Wednesdays so plan your visit accordingly to avoid disappointment.

De Republiek

If you are wondering through Bruges looking for a spot that combines a vibrant atmosphere with good food then De Republiek will be your go-to whether you’re after a spot of lunch or some dinner.

Their menu changes often to keep things exciting and to ensure they are using the freshest ingredients that are also in season. Whether you’re a fan of fish, or meat or prefer vegan and veggie options, there are a whole host of options to suit your needs. Plus you can enjoy your food in the grand cafe or cosy sheltered patio that is filled with lots of lush green plants.

It’s not just good food that you’ll find here but you can also enjoy the extensive beer and cocktail menu. At the weekend De Republiek also doesn’t shut until 1 pm so it’s a great spot if you are looking for a lively evening out.

What I love most about De Republiek is how they are dedicated to supporting community projects such as “Handmade in Bruges” and “Youth Film In Bruges” plus many more. By eating here know you’re actively supporting something that positively impacts the local community.

Le Trappiste

Ever fancied having a beer in a 13th-century crypt? Well, you’re in luck, because that is exactly where you’ll find Le Trappiste, located in the historical depths of the Bruges underground. 

Located just 300 meters from the main Market square this bar has 27 beers on tap plus 150 bottled beer varieties from all over the world. So, again whilst this might not be one of the best places to eat in Bruges, (in fact it doesn’t serve food ?) it certainly is one of the best places to find a good Belgian beer.

From dark ales to light fruity lagers you will be sure to find something to suit your taste. I absolutely loved this unique spot and think it’s the perfect place to wind down with evening drinks after dinner. Definitely give some of their fruity beers ago!

De Mangerie is a must-visit if you’re a foodie visiting Bruges. Here you can find an interesting fusion of Asian and Belgian cuisine. The menu features 3 (€69), and 4-course (€79) options, with a special 5th course at an additional €20 supplement catering to fish, meat, and vegetarian preferences.

The menu changes often but you can expect to find dishes such as (or similar to)
crabcake with aubergine caviar and massaman mayonnaise or mackerel with Kimchi roll and red cabbage espuma.

If you’re looking for a unique dining experience in Bruges this is definitely the one to go for!

House of Waffles

Indulging in a Belgian waffle when in Bruges is an absolute must! While there are plenty of different waffle houses in town, House of Waffles is one of the best places to eat waffles in Bruges. Here you can find both sweet and savoury waffles so you’ll be sure to find something for you whether you’ve got a sweet tooth or are more of a cheese fiend.

On the menu, you can find options like Cherry Delight (cherries & cream), Banana Bonanza (bananas and chocolate), and the savoury Club BLT (egg, bacon, lettuce & cream cheese). Plus, you can also enjoy their famous waffle sandwiches where you’ll find waffles in replacement of your more traditional slices of bread (which I personally think sounds so good).

If you can’t quite find what you are after you also have the option to build your own waffle creation too!

Kottee Kaffee

If you’re on the hunt for a cosy and inviting brunch spot in Bruges then Kottee Kaffee is a great spot to visit. This family-owned cafe makes you feel right at home with its welcoming atmosphere.

Their menu features a fabulous range of options from healthy Belgian Breakfasts to sweet and savoury waffles and everything in between. All food is homemade and freshly baked ensuring that you’re getting high-quality food filled with love.

Whether you’re craving a hearty meal or a light snack, Kottee Kaffee has something to satisfy your tastebuds. The goal at Kottee Kaffee is to make you feel as though you’re in a home away from home. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy your scrumptious goodies in this charming café.

Poules Moules

Waffles aren’t the only Belgian delicacy you need to try on your trip to Bruges, you should also try another popular dish, moules-frites (or Mussels and fries to you and me).

Historians discovered from 18th-century manuscripts that Belgians would serve up mussels when there was a shortage of fish during the wintertime, due to the abundance of mussels along the coast of the North Sea.

Traditionally, Mussels are marinated in white wine sauce, accompanied by fresh herbs and vegetables and served with a side of fries.

Poules Moules, located in Simon Stevinplein Square, is one of the best places to eat in Bruges if you want to try traditional Belgian Mussels. As well as the traditional style of mussels (as mentioned above) you can also find more unique options here including mussels with Bruges beer, fresh basil, or their special house recipe with Pernod.

If you’re here on a summer’s day I recommend sitting outside. I loved indulging in a plate of delicious mussels, washing it down with a cold pint of Belgian Beer and people-watching whilst basking in the sun.

If you’re a chocolate lover a visit to The Old Chocolate House is a need, not a want. This place is a charming family-run shop and tearoom that offers an incredible selection of handmade chocolates, biscuits, and other sweet treats.

As well as a shop you can also find a cosy tearoom on the second floor of the building. The best thing you can order here has to be their signature hot chocolate. You’ll be served a steaming cup of milk alongside a large portion of quality chocolate pieces, which you can stir in yourself to create the perfect cup of hot chocolate.

If that’s not enough chocolate for you, The Old Chocolate House also serves up authentic Belgian waffles that is drizzled with melted chocolate to pair perfectly with your drink.

Fred’s Waffles

If food on the go is what you are after then Fred’s Waffles is a fab option. Fred Waffles is a small chain restaurant with Belgian origins. Not only do they have stores in Belgium, but you can also find them in France, Spain and even Antigua!

The dough used to create the waffles is handmade in Brussels, and toppings such as whipped cream, strawberries and bananas are locally sourced to ensure that you are getting original and fresh ingredients.

The queues outside Freds are always understandably quite long, so make sure you get there early, grab a waffle and fuel up for a day of exploring.

‘t Brugs Beertje

‘t Brugs Beertje is a legendary beer pub in Bruges, best known for its impressive selection of over 300 Belgian beers and even more impressive quirky interiors. Whether you’re a casual drinker or a true connoisseur, the friendly staff are always happy and on hand to recommend the perfect brew to suit your taste.

This pub is always full of both locals and tourists alike. If you’re looking for a fun but cosy pub experience in Bruges this is the place to come!

Au Petit Grand

Au Petit is a not-so-hidden gem that’s been delighting both locals and tourists for over 20 years. Au Petit is an intimate restaurant that specialises in grilled dishes where the head chef prepares top-quality cuts of meat and fresh seafood.

Their signature dish is the Chateaubriand which is definitely worth trying. It’s served with a selection of rich sauces and your choice of classic Belgian sides like crispy fries, gratin dauphinois, or garlic potatoes.

If you’re in the mood to indulge, Au Petit Grand’s set menus which are aptly named “Menu PETIT” and “Menu GRAND” offer a great way to sample a bit of everything. The menus include an array of appetisers and mains such as Chateaubriand or grilled salmon, and desserts like chocolate mousse or crème brûlée.

Do you need to tip in Bruges, Belgium? 

In Belgium, tipping isn’t really a big thing. Most places pay their staff well, so it’s not something you have to worry about. Plus, many restaurants already add a 10–15% service charge to your bill. 

Of course, if you had a good experience and feel like showing some extra appreciation then you can definitely leave a tip.

Do you need to pre-book restaurants in Bruges, Belgium?

For the most part, you’ll find it easy to walk into the restaurants in Bruges and get a table. I would however pre-book certain places that you’re super keen on visiting. This is particularly important during peak summer and during Christmas when the Christmas Markets are on. 

Is food expensive in Bruges, Belgium?

Eating out at restaurants in Bruges can range from moderately priced to expensive, especially in the city centre and more touristy areas. I’d say at a standard restaurant you can expect a main meal for one to be circa €15-€25, however this of course can be considerably more at Michelin-starred restaurants.