À la Becasse is a classic Brussels cafe and beer pub located down an alley across the street from St. Nicholas’s church and just two blocks from the Grand Place. The wood-panelled cafe is steeped in history and is one of the few remaining places in the world where lambics are served in stoneware jugs. The lambic doux (white lambic) and zoete lambic (sweet lambic) are the house signatures. Flights are also available. This is great spot for a classic Belgian experience.

Down a hidden alley, this traditional, cozy cafe dates back to 1695. A must visit for beer connoisseurs, the focus at the Aux Bon Vieux Temps is on Trappist beers, which is a type of beer that is produced by monks at monasteries across Belgium.

Shrimp salad, salmon carpaccio, fish and chips, blood sausages, steaks and more fill the menu at Au Vieux Saint Martin. The restaurant has been run by the Niels family since the early 1900s, and grandfather Joseph Niels even invented filet Americain (steak tartare and frites) in 1924. Don’t miss the view of the Church of Our Lady of Victories at the Sablon.

Aux Armes de Bruxelles is a traditional French-Belgian brasserie-style restaurant, located in the heart of Brussels (steps from the Grand Place, the Royal Gallery of St. Hubert and Delirium Café). It's touristy—but it's also an institution, having been open since 1921. Tables and booths sit cozily close together (you can feel the heat if your neighbor orders the table-side flambéed crêpes), and the wood-paneled walls, white tablecloths, brass chandeliers and stained-glass windows set an old-school mood that matches the menu. Come here for classic dishes like foie gras, mussels, chicken vol-au-vent, duck a l'orange, gratin dauphinois, cheese croquettes and frog's legs—paired with local beers and wines (and an indulgent list of desserts). There is also a children's menu.

L’Ermitage serves beers brewed on site from original recipes. The independent brewery and taproom also has a courtyard with seating. Beer flights are available, as are sausages and cheeses for snacking.

With a weekly schedule of live music and stand-up comedy, Brasserie de la Mule serves German-style beers plus wine, hard cider, cocktails and snacks like olives, sausages, chips, veggie plates and cheeses.

One of the trendiest spots in Brussels, Brasserie Surréaliste is a brewery, restaurant and bar all rolled into one. This establishment breaks all the stereotypes of the classic beer scene, leaning into its lavish setting of chandeliers and tapestries and serving both cocktails and wine alongside high-end craft beer. Chandeliers and tapestries line the space. Cocktails and wine are on the menu too. The brewery sells all their tap beers in cans for travelers hoping to bring some home.

Sitting between the Marolles and Sablon district in Brussels, travelers who stroll past Cafe des Minimes while exploring may just be drawn to it naturally because of its scene and energy. The cafe is an ideal place to enjoy a casual brunch or lunch, relax with friends or waste away an afternoon. The menu focuses on seasonal products, and the team has carefully chosen all beverages on the menu. The wines are all natural, and the beers are sourced from microbreweries.

Named for Lutgarde, patron saint of Flanders and a resident of Aywiers Abbey in the 13th century—which operated a brewery for 600 years—Chez Lutgarde is the passion project of two brothers, founded in 2017. With an irreverent twist on the brand's religious history, Lutgarde produces Belgian Blond Ales, IPAs and Pilsners, which can be enjoyed in the simple but popular tap room in the Dansaert district (where wine, international tapas and classic cocktails are also served). As of March 2023, they also operate an outpost in Ixelles, Café Lutgarde.

Holding the world record for the biggest beer list (over 2,000 from around the world) Delirium is likely the most famous cafe in Belgium. Every traveler who sets foot in Brussels will likely end up here, at least to see it. It gets quite rowdy in the evening and at night, so those looking for a classier experience at Delirium should head there during or after lunch. Many beers are available on tap, and flights are also available.

Goupil Le Fol is a hybrid multi-room bar and saloon dedicated to French artistic culture. It is dimly-lit, intimate and cozy and has many nooks and crannies to enjoy a drink.

This relaxed brasserie serves traditional French-Belgian fare (like goat cheese salads, steak frites, tartares and stews), with vegetarian and vegan options.The Art Nouveau space was designed by legendary Belgian architect in 1906, and it's currently attached to the Belgian Comic Strip Center.

This charming, stylish café is a great spot for coffee or afternoon tea. It also serves organic, seasonal lunches (like salads and sandwiches) and snacks (as well as bagels) for a quick, healthy break while in Brussels.

Open in the evenings from Tuesday through Saturday, La Buvette serves modern French cuisine with a five-course tasting menu, which changes each month according to the seasons. Vegetarian, gluten-free and lactose-free options are available, and the bread is made in the restaurant’s bakery next door.

Located in a former pharmacy, La Pharmacie Anglaise is a quirky cocktail bar serving creative drinks, as well as wine. It's decorated to feel like a well-worn English men’s club.

Located in the grand royal shopping arcades, this classical bistro serves delicious Belgian cuisine from steak and frites and salmon to mussels.

At the end of the royal shopping arcades and near the Grand Place, this cozy, two-story restaurant attracts a stylish young crowd, serving seafood and typical Belgian cuisine.

Centrally located in the heart of Brussels (steps from the Grand Place, the Royal Gallery of St. Hubert and Delirium Café), Le Roi de la Gaufre is a great spot for traditional, homemade artisan Belgian waffles. Take yours plain or with nutella and speculoos, whipped cream, strawberries and banana, or ice cream. Coffee is also served.

Les Brigittines is a captivating Art Nouveau-style brasserie in Brussels. The menu is traditional Belgian, and while the Cantillon-style veal cheeks is one of the chef’s staples, the whole menu is delicious. The restaurant also has an excellent wine list and beer menu. On Fridays and Saturdays, Les Brigittines has a particularly festive atmosphere and is an especially great restaurant for celebrating a birthday immersed in Belgian culture.

Just across the street from the weekend flea market, this fine-dining French restaurant makes for a good Saturday lunch spot. Travelers can work up an appetite sifting through the treasures at the stalls set up in front of the church and then head over for a chic and delicious meal. The restaurant itself is sleek and modern, with a slightly less formal outdoor patio, and the service is warm and friendly.

In the words of an Indagare member, who recommended Lola in October 2023: "It was delightful and you must add it to your 'go-to' list."

Rumored to be the waffle place to try, most travelers will have to wait in a line to secure one of Belgium’s finest sweet treats from this spot. And while the waffles here are quite good, they are notably more expensive than other places and not far and away better.

Designed by Atelier Lionel Jadot, Mix Brussels is an exciting new multi-purpose complex fronting a park and pond on the edge of the Sonian Forest (a 20-30-minute drive from central Brussels). It contains a four-star, wellness-focused, 180-room hotel (opened in June 2023), a massive waterfront terrace, coworking spaces and three restaurants—the farm-to-table Timber, Italian-inspired Romeo and all-day café Joule—all within a restored landmark from the 1960s, the Royale Belge. Adjacent to Mix is Fox, a "new generation food market" with international vendors.

Beer fans frequent Moeder Lambic, where a vast selection of lambic and Belgian beers are available in bottles and on draft. Take note that the food selection is limited here, so plan to eat before or after your visit.

This neighborhood spot in central Brussels is known for reliable comfort food. It's conveniently located near the Hotel Amigo and Grand Place. Stop for a drink before or after dinner at nearby Le Cirio on the Rue de la Bourse, which was opened in 1886, for their sparkling white wine special.

Located right off the Grand Place is Chez TonTon Garby, a hole-in-the-wall sandwich and cheese shop serving some of the best bites in Brussels. If the long line wasn’t indication enough of how special this place is, the pride the owner takes in his work certainly is. He will help any traveler craft their perfect sandwich based on their likes and dislikes.