Brussels’ 6 truly Belgian restaurants

Restaurants in Brussels serving up real slice of Belgian pie

For saying it's the Belgian capital as much as it is the European one, finding authentic Belgian food in Brussels is not as easy at it should be. That’s because knowing which Brussels restaurants offer a real Belgian dining experience depends more on local word of mouth, and less on tourist guides.

To guarantee that you get a real taste of Brussels’ best Belgian cuisine, The Bulletin has compiled a list – based strictly on local bouche à l’oreille – of restaurants serving up the most authentic Belgian food and dining experiences in Brussels. 

Bon appétit!

1. Au Vieux Spijtingen Duivel - 621 Chaussée d'Alsemberg, Uccle

Humbly situated in Uccle’s long Chaussée d’Alsemberg, walking into Au Vieux Spijtingen Duivel is like walking into an old family restaurant in the Belgian countryside; tables full of families coming for a warm meal and a laugh after a long day of work. It what the Brussels locals call an estaminet: an old Walloon French term meaning “place where one goes to eat, drink and laugh with family”.

The restaurant warms you up with its long list of Belgian speciality beers (including a delicious Maredsous Dubbel on tap), along with a menu that is truly Bruxellois, serving everything from ballekes sauce tomate (meatballs in tomato sauce) to carbonnades Flamandes (beef and onion stew made with beer). Don’t forget to consult the daily catch of mussels from the North Sea. All main dishes – although already quite filling – would not be complete without their accompanying unlimited supply of pomme-frites. If possible though, try to save some room for the restaurant’s glace au spéculoos (speculoos-flavoured ice-cream).

2. La Fin de Siècle - 9 Rue des Chartreux, Brussels

When a Brussels local is asked what is the best restaurant for authentic Belgian cuisine, the answer is most often “La Fin de Siècle”. This restaurant, just a five-minute walk from the Bourse, tops the lists of Brussels locals and expats alike for serving the most delicious and original Belgian-inspired food in the European capital.

While not serving the Belgian classics (besides a lovely stoemp), the restaurant's dishes incorporate typical Belgian ingredients (meat, root vegetables, chicory) and cooking techniques (beery sauces, stewed meats, mashed potatoes).

Due to its reputation with the locals (and the fact it doesn't take reservations), the line for a table in this restaurant often goes out the door from 19.30 on, weekdays included. Still, if you can’t manage to get there early to nab a table, rest assured that the line moves along quickly (surprisingly).

Once inside, you’ll be first taken by the restaurant’s luxurious interior – reminiscent of the Grande Epoque – and then a bit overwhelmed by the restaurant’s loud, canteen-like eating arrangement. But don’t worry – what this restaurant lacks in fine dining, it makes up for in kindhearted service and excellent food.

3. 9 et Voisins - 1 Rue Van Artevelde, Brussels

If the huge crowds outside La Fin de Siècle are too overwhelming for you, then consider trying its lesser-known – but just as delicious – sister restaurant, 9 et Voisins.

Although just across the street from La Fin de Siècle, you really have to be on the lookout for this restaurant in order to find it. For years, the restaurant’s exterior consisted of two unmarked doors (pictured) on a street corner. Nowadays, a small sign has been etched on the door; not improving the restaurant’s visibility but rather confirming that you are indeed walking into a restaurant and not someone’s home.

Those who succeed in finding 9 et Voisins uncover a unique Belgian dining experience. The restaurant has a funky Art Nouveau interior, with stained-glass doors and an oddly placed spiral-staircase leading to a one-table balcony (where you can drink a Belgian beer while waiting for a table). On the ground floor, tables are lined up canteen-style, giving that homey feel of a Belgian family enjoying a meal together.

The menu, displayed on a chalkboard on the back wall, proposes a wonderful array of Belgian-inspired food incredibly similar to its mother-restaurant La Fin de Siècle: generous portions of meat stewed with beer sauces accompanied by never-ending potatoes and salad, all for a generally small price (€15-€30) that screams Belgium.

Speaking of prices, you will notice the ones displayed in this restaurant often end in unrounded numbers: this is because the restaurant does an exact conversion from the Belgian franc to the euro. What a deal!

4. La Porteuse d’Eau –48 Avenue Jean Volders, Saint-Gilles

If Art Nouveau is really your thing, don't miss La Porteuse d’Eau in Saint-Gilles. Tucked away in a whole block of Art Nouveau houses designed by the Belgian architect Ernest Blerot (born and bred in Ixelles), stopping in for a meal at this Brussels brasserie-restaurant is the perfect way to end a Brussels architecture tour. As well preserved inside as outside, the interior showcases an elegant spiral staircase (pictured) that leads to an upstairs dining room with stained-glass windows and roof. The downstairs salon and bar are also styled Art Nouveau with winding wrought iron, a stained-glass bar and flower lamp chandeliers.

Once you’re done admiring the intricate architecture, you can find a table, sit back and enjoy the friendly Brusseleir atmosphere; you’ll feel right at home among local regulars and fun-loving waiters who help you sort through the long list of Belgian beers and classic Brussels dishes. The food comes at reasonable prices (€15-€20) and portions.

5. Restobières - 9 Rue des Renards, Brussels

Located in a small alleyway in the heart of Brussels’ hip Marolles neighbourhood, Restobières is the place locals flock to for unique Belgian cuisine. In this restaurant, almost every dish on the menu is cooked with Belgian beer: from grilled foie gras cooked in Kriek to Ostend scallops cooked in Moinette. Don't forget to finish with a dessert like the chocolate mousse with Hercule beer.

The restaurant models a typical Brussels brasserie from the 1900s, giving your dining experience that turn-of-the-century feel. The walls are covered in vintage tin signs and beer bottle displays (pictured), while other Belgian vintage knick-knacks are strewn throughout (vintage coffee grinders and supplies).

If after dining, you like what you eat, then consider buying the book published by the restaurant’s chef, Alain Fayt: it teaches you how to cook with beer at home.

6. Bier Circus - 57 Rue de l'Enseignement, Brussels

As you can guess it by the name of the place, Bier Circus features local cuisine inspired by or accompanied with beer. Just two steps from Botanique, Bier Circus is known as the place to be for tasting unusual beers in Brussels (one of the only places you can find Chimay White on tap).

Yet if you can look past the large beer selection, this beer restaurant’s food is just as unique and surprising. The menu features everything from beer ‘n beef stew with Westmalle Trappist beer to fish waterzooi with lambic, mixed vegetables and boiled potatoes. Those looking to explore new tastes should try the spaghetti bolognese cooked with Chimay or the mouthwatering apple, raison and Orval cheese meatloaf. Keep on the lookout for the restaurant’s boss, Patrick D’Hane, who is often on patrol and ready to offer advice on his restaurant’s beers (or on life, if you have the time).