Study on the consumption habits of Belgians in the restaurant and café sector (June 2021)

This survey, carried out by visit.brussels in partnership with I-Vox, examines the consumption habits of Belgians in the restaurant and bar/café sector, based on a sample of 1,200 respondents (600 Brussels residents, 600 other Belgians).

• Respondents report eating out most often as a couple (42%), with friends (24%) and with family (22%).
• 58% of respondents say they eat out more often in the evening. 33% eat out more often at lunch time.
• Among the reasons for eating out mentioned by the respondents, simply getting out of the house tops the list (58%). Celebrations (birthdays etc...) come second (44%). In 3^rd and 4^th place come the comfort of being served (43%) and not having to cook (40%).
• The welcome, the atmosphere, tranquillity and infrastructure quality are the most important criteria in choosing a neighbourhood in which to eat.
• The recommendation rating given to the Brussels restaurant offer is 6.6 out of 10. Once again, the Flemish negatively influence the score. Brussels residents seem to be rather proud of their offer: their recommendation rating is 7.3 out of 10.
• Overall, going out to bars and cafés is most often done with friends (41% of respondents), then as a couple (34%). Among Flemish respondents, going out as a couple is most popular (41%, compared to 36% for going out with friends).
• Just as with restaurants, simply getting out of the house is the primary reason our respondents cited for going to a bar (54%). 46% mention the social aspect of bars, while one in three respondents goes for a drink in conjunction with another outing (theatre, cinema, concert).
• The overall recommendation for the Brussels bar and café offer is rated of 6.4 out of 10. Brussels inhabitants of give a higher rating, while once again the Flemish lower the average. Here too, only the region of origin significantly influences the rating.