by Urbanaut Back in the day Brussels’ port went as far into the centre of the city as Place Sainte-Catherine, now one of the city’s loveliest squares. The longest dock ended at the location where St Catherine church now stands, and the area remains closely tied to its maritime history. Numerous fish restaurants, buzzing bars and a long pond ensure for great people-watching, and a fun time any day of the week, just a few minutes walk away from Grand Place’s and The Bourse’s hordes of tourists. The laid-back atmosphere is ever present on Sundays, where Noordzee (Mer du Nord) fish bar gathers crowds socialising over tasting prosecco, oysters, mussels and all that jazz. Unmissable.
by Urbanaut Hand-pulled noodles? Yes, please! Small hole-in-the-wall in downtown Brussels. Don’t expect amazing decor, nor incredible service. Their thing is the food, and that’s about it. But, oh boy, are the hand-pulled noodles amazing - you usually get to see them made right in front of your eyes if you are lucky enough. Highly recommended!
by Urbanaut Flaming torches at the entrance of The Dominican set the tone for what you’ll find inside: a modern-meets-historic affair that was once home to Napoleon’s painter Jacques-Louis David. The hotel is built on the site of a Dominican Abbey in a pedestrian-friendly zone and retains architectural relics including stone-flagged rooms and high arches. The Dominican doesn’t scrimp on service and hospitality, either.
by Urbanaut Highly advertised, very touristy, but still a “must”. All roads lead here at one point or another, so go for it and experience the nonsense. For the most hangover-less consequences - visit the original Delirium bar itself, with its ridiculous collection of over 2000 types of beers from around the world. If having zero recollection of the evening is your jam - a taste of different absinthes in the bar across the lane will do the trick.
by Urbanaut A large food market that serves global street food, craft beer and wine in a renovated bank building! What is also interesting are the up-cycled materials and pieces used to build Wolf - glasses serving as lamps and marble panels turned into shelves.
by Urbanaut A bar with oh-so much history, L’Archiduc is synonymous with feeling jazz-ed up in a welcoming Art Deco interior, with a good good cocktail in hand. Conveniently resting on Brussels’ most fashionable street filled with boutique stores, it’s a perfect spot to take a break and enjoy some live music. Equally as fun post-dinner, L’Archiduc attracts a mix of a creative and intellectual crowd that grooves away in evenings turned mornings.
by Urbanaut The secret, but not-so-secret gem of a late-night hang, two steps down from The Bourse. It’s cute, it’s crowded, it’s where you’ll never regret finding yourself, no matter how many people will push into you per second.
by Urbanaut The place to go for the best Brussels waffles! Located in the luxurious Galerie Royale, Maison Dandoy Galleries allows you to try the Belgian speciality in beautiful surroundings.
by Urbanaut The Halles Saint-Géry are late-19th-century covered market halls that now house a heritage exhibition center and bar. Head here for an amazing atmosphere and great beers while checking out the exhibitions of the week! There are various events organized here on a regular basis - concerts, markets, dance classes, etc.
by Urbanaut Beer lovers, head here to discover the not so widely known Belgian beers! The venue used to be a warehouse in the port of Brussels back in the day, and the original structure is kept as much as possible - resulting in today’s really nice set-up!
by Urbanaut Belgium is known for beer, so it only makes sense that they have a whole museum dedicated to it. This 18th-century version keeps traditions alive, and shows off the brewing and fermentation hubs that make Belgian beer so coveted. Don't leave without toasting to Belgian beer culture in the cosy beer cafe.
by Urbanaut This child-friendly Italian cafe whips up some amazing brunches! They serve English, American and Mexican breakfasts, as well as pasta and pizza for lunch and dinner. Their pizza is made the traditional way, with an authentic Valoriani pizza oven!
by Urbanaut Goupil Le Fol is a crazy place. Nothing is given away by the dark façade of this establishment, you probably would not even notice it while walking by. But if you do walk by, do yourself a favor and walk in. Imagine an old apartment, with a non-traditional structure, twisting up and down and right and left. Someone really decided to go all out with the vintage/old decor you’ll only find in a hidden flea market no one knows about. The light is very dim, but the infused wines they have here are to die for. That’s their specialty. Period. Well, and also the capability of this place making you feel you are lost inside a house full of random stuff. It is quite the experience! Enjoy!
by Urbanaut A must-visit for coffee lovers, with the slow-roasted Blue Espresso blend always in high demand. If you're more of a tea person, no worries - Yuka has ten different types to choose from. Other popular beverages like hot chocolate and fresh fruit juices are also worth trying.
by Urbanaut Beer, beer and more beer. Probably the best beer menu in town and that means a lot when you are in Belgium! Industrial look interiors with an amazing outside area where you can sit for hours when the sun shines in Brussels. Definitely stop by and grab a beer and some charcuterie to go with! The mother bar is called “Moeder Lambic Original” (the first one that was opened) and you can find it in Rue de Savoie 68.
by Urbanaut The BOZAR Centre for Fine Arts was imagined as an artistic challenge; it was brought to life as a place that hosts all forms of art while stripping it of elitism. The museum building in itself is a stunning work of art and a fitting home for the marvels that reside in it. When you're walking through the building, keep in mind that majority of it was built underground so it doesn't obstruct the king's view of the lower town!
by Urbanaut My Little Cup is yet another coffee-lover's hip pit stop for specialty brews and espresso that hits hard. They also sell pre-ground and coffee beans from coffee destinations around the world, in case you love your cuppa so much you want to take it home.
by Urbanaut Bottega della Pizza is the place you go to when pizza is the only thing on your mind. A chill place with probably one of the best pizzas in Brussels. They have 2 restaurants: one in Avenue Ducpetiaux 39 which is literally a hole in the wall, and another one off Petit Sablon (Rue de Rollebeek 31). We prefer the latter simply because the Sablon neighbourhood is amazing! Enjoy!
by Urbanaut The Gourmet Market on Place du Grand Sablon is where you need to go for after-work hangouts. Play it safe with some fresh fruits and veggies, or alternatively, taste some charcuterie, grilled chicken dishes and knock back a sparkling wine with friends and co-workers!
by Urbanaut A little hidden gem in a tiny historical square of Brussels - we had never heard of it before and in all fairness the neighbourhood around it is very quiet during weekends. Cocktails are really nice and the vibe is excellent: a mix of traditional Belgian decor, very good music which is not too loud! The perfect spot for a night out with friends, and through we haven’t tried the food yet, according to friends it’s worthy! The name of the bar has a super quirky origin: [from their website] “A Caberdouche was known as a bar with a rough reputation in the popular districts of old Brussels. Its name derives from the Spanish expression « Cabe una dulce », literally « here comes a sweety ». These bars were large enough to host ladies of pleasure and over the centuries, its meaning progressively evolved to refer to a cabaret or a small Brussels café.” Don’t miss it!
by Urbanaut Egmont Park is an oasis of calm where you can lay down, enjoy a picnic and admire the beautiful sculptures, including the famous Peter Pan one. The park is connected to the Palais d’Egmont, a neoclassical palace that today receive foreign ambassadors and statespersons from all over the world.
by Urbanaut From parliamentarians to functionaires to interns, Place du Luxembourg (or Place Lux, as it is lovingly referred to) is The place to be on Thursdays, rain or shine. More so in the summers, when crowds from the European Parliament and Commission flock to the lawn in the middle of the square for a drink or twenty, to network, socialise, but really - to just let loose. With an average of 5 languages overheard in any given conversation, this is Europe at its best.
by Urbanaut If you are a true meat lover and whiskey connoisseur, you’ll find Holy Smoke to be heaven on earth! As huge fans of American southern style meat cooking (Ben is from New England but has family in the south!), this place has definitely become THE place to be! Get ready to spend some money though: slow cooked brisket and incredibly flavorful cocktails come at a price. But you only live once right?! Get lost in their juicy brisket, whose intense smokiness will blow your mind away, and enjoy their whiskey and bourbon selection straight or mixed in some excellently concocted cocktails!
by Urbanaut Gazzetta is a small, cosy restaurant, serving fresh pasta and great wine, competing for the title of best Italian in town. It’s impossible to reserve in advance, but don’t let that hold you off - this place has so far remained a hidden gem and waiting times are limited. In summer this even adds to the charm: you will often pass by and see people queuing outside with an Aperol Spritz in hand!
by Urbanaut The city’s trademark timepass is having several afternoon drinks in a cozy bar that pave the road for the spontaneity of an evening adventure. Maison du Peuple is good for a starter (even brunch!) but can also serve as a backdrop for a long hang, with its DJ sets or concerts, and provides a good taste of hipsterism in a neighbourhood beloved by locals.
by Urbanaut Brunch, lunch or a drink with friends, Grand Central will welcome you with open arms! The place is really big, a mix of hipster and industrial, with sky-high ceilings. Their specialty are definitely the cocktails, especially their Mint Julep! Brunch is also very solid and the atmosphere is chill and cozy.
by Urbanaut Bedsides beer and chocolate, Belgium is known worldwide for its fries. And in all fairness, they are pretty good anywhere you go in Brussels, BUT the “Belgian fries” par excellence are the ones served by Maison Antoine in Place Jourdan. They have been making the best fries since the 1950s! They have just renovated their stall and can now serve even more customers. Don’t be afraid of the lines: they move very quickly! EU leaders attending meetings in Brussels are often seen queueing for their portion, with the EU commission right next door. Definitely do not miss these and go crazy with the sauces, another specialty of this establishment! Bon apetit!
by Urbanaut In this bohemian dining-cellar-meets-grocery-store, sumptuous charcuterie boards are artfully arranged with a side of vino. La Charcuterie packs authentic flavour into their dishes and caters to neither trend nor fashion, but rather to classic tastes.
by Urbanaut A great find for lovers of Middle Eastern cuisine! This Syrian-Lebanese tapas restaurant offers different menus, all very reasonably priced and absolutely delicious! We usually get a bit of everything - this is the best place to share food with family and friends after a day visiting Brussels. Highly recommended!
by Urbanaut Authentic Japanese grandmother-style cooking in a distinctly Belgian setting is something you didn't know you needed in life, but Tokidoki will prove you wrong. Enjoy set dinner menus and delicious Bento boxes prepared by a filmmaker-turned-cook, showing off his love for the Land of the Rising Sun.
by Urbanaut Lulu Home Interior is so much more than a cafe– it's a hybrid lifestyle store! You can browse through curated furniture and knick-knacks while enjoying a light meal or a cup of coffee. Shop for essentials or consider making an appointment with an interior architect for expert opinion.
by Urbanaut Love me some good, bottomless brunch, am I right?! Comptoir Rodin came on our radars on a Sunday when no brunch place had free tables in the whole city! And what a discovery it was - the industrial interiors make it look like you are having breakfast in a typical brunch spot in Brooklyn, NYC. The selection of food is amazing, from salty to savoury. Let this place cuddle you with its cozy interiors and amazing cuisine!
by Urbanaut Craving a ceviche? 1 address to go to: La Cevicheria in Châtelain. The restaurant offers great ceviches and tiraditos, and you can pair them up with a tasty pisco sour!
by Urbanaut Chyl is with no doubt one of Brussels’ best brunch places. Located in a very light and classy maison de maître and beautifully decorated with plants, Chyl will win your heart upon entering. A lovely terrace opens up in the summer. Focused on healthy products, Chyl’s menu accommodates vegetarians and vegans. The brunch options are recommended, and come with a warm drink and fresh juice.
by Urbanaut Lovers of American-style diners with bold, Hollywood-ian colors and decor will find what they are looking for at The Balmoral. Tucked away at beautiful Place Brugmann, the “Balmo” has a wide range of food and drink choice, from classic diner food to Tex Mex. The hash-browns are to die for and milkshakes are at the top of our list as well! Families with children are super welcome: there is a small back room for children to play in and the resto offers a dedicated menu too. Pink and turquoise booths for the win!
by Urbanaut Cute, super hipster spot in a very nice area of Brussels! Their cupcakes are to die for, the avocado open sandwiches are out of this world and don’t make me start with their homemade juices (on the spot!)! Coffee is really great too, be sure to taste their cappuccino (hey, I know better, I’m Italian!).
by Urbanaut Curiosity-shop style decor and amazing Italian cuisine are the main attraction at Osteria Romana. If you are looking for real Italian food while wandering the streets of Brussels, this is the spot to be! Indulge in their antipasti and primi piatti, their exquisitely paired wines and delicious desserts... and thank me later ;) I’m always very skeptical about Italian cuisine when abroad, but this place is hands down like my mamma’s cooking! Funnily enough, they serve pasta in aluminum pans straight from the stove which is something we had only experienced in a tavern on Trastevere in Rome. Interested in this weird coincidence, I told the owner about the tavern and he revealed that Osteria Romana is actually the sister restaurant in Brussels of that same tavern in Trastevere! My heart was full!
by Urbanaut With a wide assortment of wines from all over the world, experienced and friendly staff and great vibes especially on weekend evenings, Etiquette Wines is a MUST for every wine lover visiting Brussels! Tell the staff your wine preferences and budget, and walk along the walls filled with bottles to review the waiter’s proposed selection. Their tapas menu is great as well, and many customers tend to spend the whole evening here, including dinner. Reservations required on weekend days.
by Urbanaut Incredible restaurant for affordable fine dining! Great decor, amazing service and of course... Delicious and beautifully presented food. The menu is modern French cuisine, and l’Improbable offers a wide variety of gin cocktails. Reservations are required, and if you come in summer, you can ask for a table on the cosy terrace on the first floor!
by Urbanaut Get ready to enter a world of botanical beauty, steampunk decor and probably the best gin cocktails (and not only!!!) you’ll find in the city. With more than 180 gins to choose from, let the mixologists at Green Lab concoct the most tasty and whimsical drinks you’ll have in a long while. The owners, two incredible young ladies, wanted to create a space where time does not matter and bring you back to old England with its mysterious, dark alleys and infamous drinking establishments. Every single detail is thoroughly thought through at Green Lab: the botanicals, the wall decor, the leather chairs and wooden tables.
by Urbanaut Dining at St Kilda is like eating at your best friend's house, if they were a chef. With an open kitchen, a set menu that changes everyday, and a terrace to lounge around on sunny days - if you're feeling a little homesick, chances are that St Kilda can better your mood with great nosh in a cosy atmosphere.
by Urbanaut Cheese lovers - we got you covered!This little spot is in Uccle, a posh neighbourhood of Brussels for those who prefer the quiet life far from the bustle of the city. At Petit Suisse you can choose amongst different kinds of cheese fondue or raclette. They’ll give you veggies, potatoes, cold cuts and bread to soak in glorious mixes of cheeses, from more delicate to more intense kinds. You pick!
by Urbanaut Cook and Book may not exactly be a secret, since it’s already popular among the Bruxellois and the expat community, but I highly recommend stopping by. The name reveals everything you need to know about the place - a bookstore with a large collection of books for all tastes where you also can enjoy a quality meal, including Sunday brunch.
by Urbanaut Picture this: it’s Sunday and you are driving around the Belgian countryside. You have just visited Kasteel van Gaasbeek and you are craving a nice and cold Belgian beer! “In de Verzekering tegen de Grote Dorst” which literally means “In the insurance against great thirst”, is “the only remaining café at the village square in Eizeringen.” What’s quirky about it? It’s only open on Sundays and Church holidays from 10 am till 8 pm... and after funerals! The decor inside is as amazing as their hand-picked selection of beers. Definitely stop by if you are around it on opening hours!
by Urbanaut If you’ve ever fancied parting water and walking through it, like a certain theological vignette, you’ll definitely like cycling through water in Bokrijk. A cycle path runs 200 metres through a stunningly still pond which keeps at your eye level as you cycle through. We’d wager you won’t find such a perspective anywhere else; it’s also quite fun to watch heads bobbing ‘through’ the water from a distance. If you can’t cycle, worry not– you can still walk or jog through. Grab a bite to eat at the nearby St Gummarus Inn, The Slow Bakery, Monx, or Bistro Koetshuis.
Join our gram|Home|T&C|Privacy Policy|EULA|About Us
download the app
subscribe to newsletter
GDPR Certification: Art 27 representation by Prighter