Brussels, an Overlooked Gourmet Capital

Brussels is known for waffles and chocolate. But the city's gastronomic reality goes far beyond the clichés. In 2026, Brussels is a vibrant food scene that blends Belgian tradition and innovative concepts.

Must-Try Classics

Waffles

Two types: Brussels waffle (light, rectangular, crispy) and Liège waffle (denser, sweet, with pearl sugar chunks). Watch out for tourist stands selling industrial waffles covered in Nutella — look for artisans.

Fries

True Belgian fries are cooked twice in beef fat. At Fritland (rue Henri Maus) or Maison Antoine (place Jourdan), you'll taste the difference from industrial fries.

Mussels

From September to April is the season. At Léon or Au Vieux Bruxelles, mussels-fries are served in the traditional pot. Count €20-30 for a complete meal.

Chocolate

Brussels has over 80 chocolatiers. Pierre Marcolini, Laurent Gerbaud and Frederic Blondeel are among the best. Also try traditional pralines.

New Food Trends

The Gourmet Croissant — Croix100

The concept that's making waves in 2026: artisanal croissants filled like gastronomic dishes. Salmon-avocado-scrambled eggs (the Norwegian), truffle-comté (the Croque Truffe) or Biscoff-vanilla as sweet version. It's the new culinary signature of Brussels.

Where: Rue d'Arenberg 44 (Gare Centrale) or Rue de Dejoncker 19 (Louise)

Budget: €9-17 per croissant, a complete meal

Specialty Coffee Shop

Brussels has joined the specialty coffee wave. OR Coffee, Belga & Co, MOK — local roasters rival the best in Europe. At Croix100, signature drinks like White Matcha Cloud or Belgian Matcha are a must.

World Cuisine

Brussels' cultural diversity is reflected on the plate: Congolese cuisine in Matonge, authentic Japanese in Ixelles, Lebanese in Saint-Gilles, Vietnamese downtown.

Where to Eat by Neighborhood

Near Grand Place / Gare Centrale

Croix100 (gourmet croissants), Fin de Siècle (Belgian), Peck 47 (pancakes)

Louise / Saint-Gilles Quarter

Croix100 Louise (gourmet croissants), Les Filles (veggie), Tich (Vietnamese)

Place Sainte-Catherine

Norma (pasta), Bij den Boansen (seafood), Pistolet Original

Flagey / Ixelles

Café Belga (brunch), Kamilou (mezze), Bintje (gourmet fries)

Our Advice for Tourists

Don't limit yourself to the Grand-Place tourist triangle — Manneken Pis — Galleries. The best restaurants are often in residential neighborhoods like Saint-Gilles, Ixelles or Châtelain. And if you only remember one original address: Croix100. The gourmet croissant is THE Brussels specialty of 2026.

Booking: +32 487 10 59 81

What to Eat in Brussels? Gourmet Guide for Tourists (2026)