Exploring Belgium’s Heartfelt Culinary Culture
Embark on a culinary journey through ten charming Belgian restaurants that blend heartfelt hospitality with delicious dishes, showcasing the nation’s unique flavors and vibrant dining culture.
Join us on a delightful culinary adventure through Belgium, where each cosy restaurant offers a unique experience that warms the heart and satisfies the palate. In our feature, we spotlight ten exceptional dining establishments that embody the spirit of Belgian hospitality and culinary creativity.
From the charming bistronomic delights of The 1040 in Brussels, where traditional Alsatian dishes meet modern flair, to the rustic yet elegant atmosphere of Restaurant Du Progres in Ghent, each venue invites you to savour delicious food while enjoying great company. Whether you’re indulging in the authentic carbonara at Osteria Romana or relishing the fresh ingredients at Au Milieu De Nulle Part, you’ll discover the richness of Belgium’s diverse culinary offerings.
Our selection caters to every taste, highlighting bustling burger spots like Manhattn’s and innovative culinary experiences at the vibrant Poule et Poulette. Each restaurant showcases a commitment to quality and a passion for creating memorable dining experiences. The inviting settings of Brasserie De Waterloo and Brasserie La Terrasse are perfect for unwinding and enjoying tradition with a twist.
In Belgium, dining is about more than just food; it’s about forming connections, sharing laughter, and creating lasting memories. We hope this feature inspires you to explore these cosy gems for yourself, embracing the warmth, flavours, and hospitality that define Belgium’s unique culinary scene. Bon appétit!
1
The 1040
Rating: 4 stars
Here’s a good trivia question: What do famous Belgians Amélie Nothomb, Franquin, Stromae and Marouane Fellaini all have in common?
Well, novelist Nothomb, comic artist Franquin, Stomae, the singer, and footballer Fellaini were all born in the Brussels district of Etterbeek.
That famous Belgian quartet has been joined by a 5th member: The 1040,a restaurant located in the same commune.
The 1040 – it takes its name from the post code for the locality –is not gastronomic or “just another” brasserie but “bistronomie.” It is situated on ground floor of a 5-star hotel, the Sofitel Brussels Europe, but its clientele is drawn more from non-hotel guests.
There’s a special menu until the New Year which includes several dishes from Alsace in France and you can observe Italian-born executive chef Gabriele Petrucci and his team from an open kitchen.
Starters include “the treasure of the Vosges”, a delightful buckwheat crepe parcels filled with Munster cheese from Alsace, ricotta and sautéed chanterelles from the Ardennes, delicately scented with sage.
Recommended dishes include a wonderful Sauerkraut (a real regional speciality) which consists of confit pork shank, Strasbourg sausage, white pudding, braised white cabbage ‘a la Binchoise’ soaked in Belgian beer and potatoes. Round things off with a lovely chestnut and pear charlotte, the Alsatian desert.
The 1040
Hotel Sofitel, Place Jourdan 1,Brussels
02.235.51.23
2
Manhattn’s
Rating: 3 stars
The “J’aime mon Horeca” is a campaign to boost support for the resto/catering industry in Brussels.
Manhattn’s, though, needs no such help as it has continued its rapidly expansion by opening its 10th burger restaurant.
Launched by Belgian brothers Jerome and Philippe Vandermeulen, it prides itself on what they call a “fast-casual dining experience.”
Jerome once worked for a spell in a food truck in New York’s Central Park selling something that Belgium is well known for (waffles).
To mark the 10th anniversary of the business they have brought out a special burger which, like the others, is sourced from grass-fed Irish Angus beef.
Belgium’s also known for its frites and they do not come much better than here (nice names too: “Godfather Fries”; “Yankee Fries”).
There is also great range of Belgian beers, served either as small or a pint. If you have room, check out the lovely “Liberty” milkshakes.
Recommended: the black truffle mayo, a perfect accompaniment to both burger and frites.
Manhattn’s
Avenue Tervueren, Brussels
02 424 0339
3
Au Milieu De Nulle Part
Stars: 4
It’s the new kid on the block: an upmarket new resto whose name translates as “in the middle of nowhere.”
Belgian owner Thierry Vanholsbeek has revived this once down-at-heel place and his head chef Louis Collin, backed by his No.2 Sonya Panagiotopoulos, serve up some real treats.
No industrial-scale production here but a quite small and limited number of dishes from which to choose, normally a choice of three starters and three mains, plus dessert.
Examples (mains) include joues des cochon confites, with red onions, fish “of the moment” and aubergines in different textures, with lentils and vegetables. All are delicious. Desserts feature panna cotta, snickers ice cream and an assortment of local cheese.
Credit to manager Michael and a hard-working and pleasant young team including Ismael and Victor.
Recommended is the starter: Tatakide boeuf, cooked with a rich mayo and pickle and very appetising, and an equally succulent mi-cuit de saumon.
Au Milieu De Nulle Part
rue Emile Marcq 3, Genappe
067 77 37 98
https://www.aumilieudenullepart.be/
4
L’Ultime Atome
Rating: 3 stars
This place, something of a culinary “institution”, is one of those iconic Brussels brasseries that folk say they always like to return to.
Nestled in Ixelles since 1986, it seduces with its Art Nouveau setting, large terrace and lively atmosphere.
What’s more, you can choose from 90 beers on the menu.
And all this while enjoying Franco-Belgian cuisine that never disappoints. Its popular Sunday brunch has just made its big comeback.
Not just any brunch but an all-you-can-eat brunch. What better way to end the weekend?
Between the sweet options – pastries, cakes, fresh fruit – and the savoury dishes like paella or quiches, everyone should find what they are looking for. Very reasonable at €30pp and €20 for children, excluding drinks
Recommended: the essential minute pancakes with brown sugar that add an irresistible touch of indulgence.
L’Ultime Atome
Rue Saint-Boniface 14, 1050 Bruxelles
02 513 4848
5
Osteria Romana
Rating: 4 stars
This place is well known for its signature dish, carbonara. which is full of flavour and really respectful of the authentic carbonara recipe (no cream, no onions).
Considered one of the best in the Belgian capital, the dish is prepared with al dente spaghetti, organic eggs, Pecorino romano, Amatrice pork cheek and a blend of black pepper. Devine.
It is served in a (sometimes wobbly) pan so one top tip: for stability, hold the handle in one hand while you scoop out the (mouth-watering) pasta with the other.
Chef/owner Filippo likes to “transport” his customers to his childhood memories spent in Rome and “his grandmother’s kitchen.” If simplicity is key, it is the fresh ingredients imported directly from Italy and worked with passion that make the difference. And all of this is enjoyed in what is an ultra-intimate and romantic setting.
Its elegant interior, evoking an Art Deco that is at once modern, romantic and slightly kitsch, the restaurant offers fusion cuisine, which is both eclectic and refined.
Recommended: what else? The carbonara.
Osteria Romana, Av Legrand 11,Brussels
02 648 1395
6
Restaurant Du Progres
Rating: 4 stars
The owner of this splendid establishment in Gent for over two decades, Johan De Baets, has just handed over the reins to Stijn Verpaele, a fellow Fleming and friend.
Johan followed his dad Dirk and grandfather Adhemar, who first opened it as a humble bar/café way back in 1952.
Unashamedly a classic Belgian brasserie, the wholesome food, which can be ordered via iPad or scanning a code on the table, includes a great and very tasty mixture of meat and fish as well as salads, pasta and veggie options.
It is located right at the heart of this delightful Flemish city (ranked No.9 in the world for quality of life by Oxford Economics’ new Global Cities Index).
The name Du Progres roughly translates as “continuity” which, given the changing of the guard, from Johan to Stijn, seems entirely appropriate.
Recommended: Its most popular dish is the Flemish stew which is made daily on the premises (“important”, says Johan), best served with Belgian beers and a local mustard. Plus, as it is autumn, check out the game offerings.
Restaurant Du Progres
Korenmarkt 10, Gent
t: 09 225 1716
7
Poule et Poulette
Rating: 3 stars
Specialises in one thing: chicken (that’s “kip” in Flemish).
This new “kip” on the city’s eating out scene is very conveniently located right by the a well connected Metro station (Merode) and has just celebrated its tenth anniversary so, yes, it really does “kip” on growing.
Located next to Brussels’ lovely Parc du Cinquantenaire, the interior consists of “chicken cages” (cosy cabins, actually) stacked on top of each other, seating up to four guests per “cage.” Continuing the poultry theme, check out an “egg-shaped” table at the back for larger groups (up to ten).
Customer faves include butterfly chicken “Greek style” (preparation time is 25 minutes so come prepared for a short wait for this one) and Taco’s pulled chicken. The chicken is tender (skin flavoured with herbs), the fries excellent (cut into an L shape making them both crispy and tender) and the apple sauce has a really nice flavour.
The kip concept extends to messages on the walls, “kip smiling” and a “kip it clean” one in the loos.
This is a thriving Belgian business, started by three go-ahead Flemish friends, Inne, Frederik and Filip, based in Antwerp.
Recommended: The Belgian classic vol-au-vent, a tasty chicken burger, plus chicken flambe with P&P sauce (flambéed at the table).
Poule et Poulette,
avenue de Tervueren 24, Bruxelles
02 895 5700
8
Brasserie De Waterloo
Rating:3 stars
This place will go down a treat with Brits in particular: it’s where you can enjoy good traditional brasserie fare while looking out at the scene of arguably the country’s greatest ever military battle.
Located adjacent to the famous battlefield in Waterloo it has just introduced a new concept: matching Belgian beers with the food.
So the menu lists not only some tasty dishes but, alongside them, a particular recommended beer to wash it down with.
For example, the salmon marinated in gin (produced on the same site) should be accompanied by a Bourgogne Des Flandres Grand Cru.
This is a belting beer brewed in Bruges by the same company that runs the brasserie.
Waterloo Triple Blond, a best-selling beer also produced on site, is recommended for another dish, the goats cheese, while Waterloo Double Dark beer is paired with the lamb shank.
Three kinds of whisky (kept in 300 oak barrels) and a total of six beers are produced here at what is an impressive multi-function operation. Even one of its several cocktails is made from draught Guinness!
Recommended: paella, carpaccio de Thon, tartare de boeuf and gambas (cooked in a special BBQ oven). Also the ice cream, some of which is infused with red cherry beer. The Duke of Wellington would love it.
Brasserie De Waterloo
Chau. de Charleroi 591, 1410 Waterloo
02 655 6262
https://brasseriedewaterloo.be/
9
Brasserie La Terrasse
Rating : 3 stars
With winter upon us, many will be missing the chance to eat out.
Fear not: this place has introduced a “dome” (basically, a roof cover) on its famous terrace so you can still eat outside, while also admiring a rather impressive tree which is 100 years old.
The owner attaches great import to so-called “short circuits” – using, wherever possible, locally sourced products and ingredients in the food.
Customer favourites include Belgian moules from the North Sea, alongside other great national classics like croquettes, File Americain,vol au vent, stoemp, chicon au gratin and boulets a la Liegeoise.
You will also find a nice meat choice plus another Belgian favourite from a bygone era, les rognons du veau a la Dijonnaise.
Recommended: Tapas, a house speciality and there’s a great choice of it for just a few euros each.
Brasserie La Terrasse
Avenue des Celtes 1, Brussels
02 732 2851
10
L’Orchidee Blanche
Rating: 5 stars
Women power: that is the name of the game at this quite splendid Vietnamese resto on the outskirts of Brussels.
It is something of a trendsetter, one of the few, if not the only one, in Belgium that practices what it preaches about gender equality.
The result is that virtually all the staff are ladies.
This partly reflects the key role traditionally played by women in restaurant businesses back in Vietnam.
Most of the here hail originally from Vietnam, sometimes through their parentage as several are Belgian born.
They are all kitted out in some delightful traditional costumes, most of which are brought back to Belgium by owner Katia Nguyen on one of her frequent trips back to her native Vietnam.
The food is as good as the outfits look. So good, in fact, that, a few years ago, it was awarded the prestige title of “Best Asian Restaurant in Belgium” by the renowned food guide, Gault and Millau.
A vast choice includes Muc chien (calamars frits), Goi Thom (salade d’ananas) and, for mains, a mouth watering boeuf au poivre (piquant) and porc sauce aigre douce. Whatever you choose,you cannot go wrong here.
It has been open, under Katia’s loving stewardship, since the 1980s and is thought to have been the first Vietnamese resto in the whole country.
A fab way to see in the Vietnamese New Year, early in 2025.
Recommended: the specialities which include La fondue du golfe du Siam (poulet, boeuf, coquilles St Jacques, saumon frais et scampis, served with legumes frais et de nouilles, dans un delicieux, bouillon a la citronnelle fraiche et piment).
L’Orchidee Blanche
436 Chaussee de Boondael, Brussels
02 647 5621
