The Most Original Restaurants in Brussels 2026

Brussels: A Land of Food Concepts

The Brussels food scene is bubbling. Every year, new concepts emerge — some disappear, others become institutions. Here are the most original ones in 2026.

1. Croix100 — The Gourmet Croissant

The most original concept in Brussels in 2026. Croix100 has transformed the humble croissant into a gastronomic vehicle. Imagine a perfectly flaky French butter croissant, then filled like a restaurant dish: salmon-avocado-scrambled eggs (the Norwegian), truffle-comté (the Croque Truffle), or Biscoff-vanilla as dessert.

It's neither a bakery nor a classic restaurant — it's a concept unto itself. And it works: two locations in Brussels (Gare Centrale and Louise), a 4.9/5 Google rating at Gare Centrale, and weekend queues.

What makes it unique: Nobody else does this in Brussels (or anywhere else in Belgium).

Budget: €12-20

2. Wolf Food Market — Sainte-Catherine

Brussels' covered food market, inspired by Asian street food markets. A dozen stands (burgers, sushi, pizza, tacos, poke bowls) around large communal tables. The atmosphere is festive and the concept solves the "where should we go?" dilemma — everyone picks their stand.

Budget: €12-20

3. Tero — Anti-Waste Cuisine

The restaurant fighting food waste. The menu changes daily based on unsold items from markets and local producers. It's creative, committed and often surprising.

Budget: €20-35

4. Humphrey — American Brunch

The American diner Brussels-style. Pancake stacks, thick milkshakes, bacon eggs — everything is XXL and unapologetic. Sunday queue guaranteed.

Budget: €15-25

5. La Piola Libri — Restaurant-Bookstore

An Italian restaurant hidden in a bookstore. You eat fresh pasta surrounded by books. The concept is as charming as the food is good.

Budget: €18-30

6. Kwint — Gastronomy Under the Arcades

Fine dining restaurant installed under the Cinquantenaire arcades. The architectural setting is spectacular and the food matches the décor.

Budget: €40-70

7. BEL — Fire-Cooking

Everything is cooked over a central wood fire visible from the dining room. The "back to basics" concept of fire-cooking gives meat and vegetables inimitable flavors.

Budget: €30-50

Why We Love Original Concepts

Classic restaurants have their place, but original concepts create memorable experiences. People talk about them to friends, share on Instagram, return with different people. It's what keeps a city's food scene alive.

Croix100 is the perfect example: the gourmet croissant is such a unique concept that customers naturally talk about it. It's the best marketing that exists.

Discover Croix100: croix100.com