Authentic Belgian restaurants in Brussels

In this old art nouveau post office in the Marolles, you will be royally indulged by chef Dirk Myny, a true Brussels native himself. As a lover of terroir cuisine, he chooses his ingredients with care and works them into special Brussels creations - be sure to taste the phenomenal vol-au-vent or the Zenne Pot based on cabbage cooked with Cantillon gueuze and Bloempanch (traditional Brussels black sausage). Complete your experience with a tasty lambic or an unique natural wine.

As the name suggests, most of the delicacies in Le Vismet come from the sea, with fresh produce and no frills. You can feast on fried sole or poached skate, and for meat lovers there is always an excellent filet americain à la minute. Finish with a typical dame blanche in this cosy restaurant with open kitchen, near the Place Sainte-Catherine. 

Fan of football club Union Saint-Gilloise? For an extensive post-match discussion, head to Les Petits Bouchons in Uccle, where Brussels chefs themselves feast after work or on a day off. Fans of terroir cuisine and Geuze are well catered for in this bistro canaille, a tribute to popular cuisine with terrines, stews and sausages. No fancy linen tablecloths here, but a casual atmosphere and friendly prices.

In a residential neighbourhood in Ganshoren, you can discover this 17^th-century farmhouse with open kitchen, large terrace and all-Belgian menu. Conviviality and tranquillity are key words in Les Potes en Toque, in addition to generous brasserie classics such as filet americain and choucroute, as well as seasonal delicacies such as asparagus, chum and game.

After the demise of Vini Divini, hotel Le Berger now houses Fripon, a Belgian-Brussels bistro. At this legendary art deco hotel in Ixelles, you can treat yourself to local dishes with a new twist, such as the vegan version of beetroot-based steak américain. From 6pm onwards, you can discover the snack menu with an aperitif in your hand.

A neighbourhood restaurant in Schaerbeek run by a bilingual family with a menu in the Brussels dialect, it doesn't get more authentic than ‘t Potverdoemmeke. So you can expect local products, classics such as stoemp with sausage or ballekes in tomato sauce, all served in a friendly Brussels atmosphere at democratic prices. The mayonnaise is homemade and the fries are freshly cut, what more could a Belgian want?

Declared bankrupt just last year, the famous brasserie in the Royal Saint-Hubert Galleries has since been resurrected. The handsome Art Deco interior was given a facelift (be sure to check out the golden origami cloud) and a new young chef was appointed. In addition to Belgian classics like shrimp croquettes, sole or filet americain, you can sample vegetarian and vegan surprises, such as roasted cauliflower with sesame.

Flemish specialities such as stew and horse steak can be found in ‘t Kelderke an underground restaurant on the Grand Place in the historic centre. This fascinating cellar dates back to the 17^th century and is well worth a visit. Enjoy traditional dishes at fair prices.

René Magritte, Pierre Alechinsky, Hugo Claus: they have all stopped by at La Fleur en Papier Doré. Today it is still a cultural meeting place, but you can also just go there for Brussels specialities such as 'pottekeis' or 'kipkap' without spending an arm and a leg. Also check out the comic book wall by Stam & Pilou in the courtyard!

Brasserie and chess cafe Greenwich also went bankrupt after corona, but was given a second life under the name Greenwich Modern. This has made it more than just a restaurant: you can regularly enjoy jazz concerts and DJ sets in a fairy-tale art nouveau decor. Gourmets needn't worry: the menu may be more limited, but the vol-au-vent is still homemade and the stews are topped with home-brewed lambic.