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Top Romantic Restaurants in Brussels

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Top Romantic Restaurants in Brussels

1. Dining with locals via BonAppetour

If you want a more exclusive and customized experience with your loved ones, why not eat with locals in Brussels at BonAppetour? Much more intimate than a restaurant, you can enjoy a Waffle making class in Brussels, or arrange a private dining experience with our friendly hosts with authentic Belgian foods.

 

2. Le Wine Bar du Sablon des Marolles

This fine dining restaurant not only serves good food but also has an affordable menu. Their dishes have a price range of 24 euros to 78 euros. They have a carefully selected list of good wines to choose from. Located in a 17th century house with decorations reminiscent of the era, it is the perfect place to stop for dinner after a morning of shopping at the famous Broncante market in the Jeu de Balles. Their starters, ranging from 8 euros to 10 euros, are ideal for sharing with your loved ones. Main courses include the chicken liver pate, smoked Morteau suasage with Puy lentils or braised beef in red wine. Their fish dish changes daily according to what's good in the market. End of your romantic meal with some cheese and a glass of wine.

2. Le Chou de Bruxelles

If you are in Brussels, mussels are the number one food that you should not miss out. Bring your other half to this restaurant to sample authentic Belgian Moules and other dishes. They have a massive menu of 30 different variations of mussels. If you are overwhelmed by the choices, you can order Mussels of the Chef which are cooked with vegetables, garlic, white wine and cream.

3. Le Passage

This Michelin starred restaurant is the one to  impress your other half. The minute you walk into Le Passage, you will know you are going to be satisfied with the restuarant. Their yellow lights give the restaurant a golden hue. Coupled with impeccable service and food worthy of the michelin star, your date will be impressed.

4. Pasta Divina

This is one of the best Italian restaurants in Brussels. Their pastas are shockingly fresh, cooked only with the freshest of ingredients and have a great taste. Their pasta are homemade and the meat and salmon used are first grade. From the outside, if may not look like a restaurant that can impress your other half, but as you enter, the decorations and cozy atmosphere is great for an evening of chit chat over good italian food.

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Our Favourite Things to Do in Brussels

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Our Favourite Things to Do in Brussels

Brussels is home to the headquarters of numerous regional and international institutions, notably that of the European Union. But that is not all that the Belgian capital is known for. The city is also known for its art noveau architecture, museums, not to mention its gastronomical delights. Think chocolate, beer, waffles and fries!

As you indulge your tastebuds in Brussels, be sure to work off those calories and visit these attractions!

1. Grand Place and Town Hall

The iconic Grand Place is one of the most famous town squares in the world and became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1998. It is characterised by a mix of Baroque, Gothic and Louis XIV architecture styles and many buildings in the Grand Place were once merchant guilds. One of the most notable buildings in the square is the Town Hall, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture that houses tapestries, paintings and sculptures from the 16th to 18th centuries. No matter which time of the year you visit the Grand Place, the square will always be bustling with activity. 

2. Notre Dame du Sablon

This Catholic church is one of the most well-known examples of Brabant-Gothic architecture. It has two baroque chapels which are adorned with funeral symbols in white marble and is known for its coloured and glass-stained windows that illuminate the the interior of the church. During the 15th and 16th centuries, monarchs and aristocrats attended this church and up till 1784, the Notre Dame du Sablon was the burial site of well-off Belgians. If you are visiting this church on the weekend, you may drop by the nearby market selling antiques, books and other knick knacks. 

3. EU Headquarters

Brussels is at the heart of the Europe and the headquarters of the European Union is where member states hold major discussions and make some of the most important decisions for the region. When there are no political meetings or major events held, visitors will be able to enter the compound. There are guided tours available which last an hour.  

4. Museum of Cocoa and Chocolate

Discover the world of chocolate as you learn about the history of cocoa beans and how they are transformed into a treat well-loved by many. Upon entering this small museum, you will be greeted with the sweet aroma of chocolate and get to sample warm melted chocolate for free! You can also watch a demonstration held in the kitchen of the chocolatier, where you will witness how chocolate goes from liquid to solid form and gets moulded into different shapes and sizes and there will be more chocolate to go around! Chocolate lovers will not want to miss this!

5. Royal Palace

The Royal Palace is the official home of Belgium's monarchy and the site of state receptions and court ceremonies. Every summer, the Palace opens its doors to the public where visitors will be allowed to explore its majestic rooms, some of which were decorated by Belgian artists. Near to the Palace is Parc de Bruxelles, a large public park where you may enjoy a quiet and leisurely walk after visiting the Palace.

6. Royal Museum of Fine Arts

If you are interested in works by Belgian and Flemish artists, be sure to head to the Royal Museum of Fine Arts. The collection of artwork at this museum come from a range of time periods, with the earliest dating back to the 15th century. The Musee Magritte Museum, an exhibition solely dedicated to works by the Belgian surrealist artist, occupies one wing in the museum. Magritte is among the most famous painters in the world and his works depict the everyday existence of people and the things around them. His collection of works is not to be missed with a visit to the museum. 

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Eat Like the Locals in Brussels: 6 Food Haunts

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Eat Like the Locals in Brussels: 6 Food Haunts

Go ahead and explore the iconic attractions in Brussels, but stay clear of restaurants located within the vicinity, as these tend to be tourist traps frequented by travellers. It's highly likely that the food items you get there are pricier and mediocre-tasting – which explains the absence of locals at these dining spots. For authentic Belgian fare, like crispy fries, pipin' hot waffles and good ol' beer, venture to these well-loved spots favoured by locals in the city: 

1. Frit Flagey

Fries are a well-known treat in Belgium, so it is impossible not to get your fix of these savoury delights during your sojourns in Brussels. There is one problem: with so many places selling fries in the city, it can be difficult to decide where one should head to to enjoy this iconic dish. 

When in doubt, just follow the locals. If you do, you are likely to end up at Frit Flagey. The fries served here are perfect – crispy on the outside, and fluffy on the inside. A long, snaking queue of locals lining up for a serving of fries at Frit Flagey's is a sure testament to the store's popularity. This means that you will have to bear with the queues, no matter what time of the day you arrive at the store – but when you sample the fries, you will find it well worth the wait. 

​2. Belgaufra

Like fries, waffles are an ubiquitous treat in Brussels. Many locals get their waffle fix from stands located all over the city, but one of the stands that stands out from the rest is Belgaufra, a Belgian chain churning out Liege-style waffles. Two options – sugar glazed and chocolate flavoured – are available, but no matter which flavour you go for, it is likely to delight your palate. Eat as the locals do, and enjoy your Belgaufra waffles on-the-go as a takeout snack!

3. Noordzee

Noordzee, known for its fresh seafood dishes, draws a crowd of locals keen on savouring plates of fresh oysters, cripsy calamari or delectable shrimp croquettes along with wine. There are no seats available here, so diners will have to contend with the jostling crowds and stand-up dining – all minor inconveniences that are forgetten as soon as plates of scrumptious seafood arrive at the table. 

4. Au Vatel Bakery

It is not hard to see why Au Vatel Bakery is a local favourite, for it dishes out some of the best patisseries in the city. Pastries, croissants, cakes or tarts – the sweet treats at this bakery never fail to delight. Prices of the goodies sold here are higher relative to other bakeries, but rest assured that every penny spent will be well worth it. Stop by for a late brunch or mid-afternoon snack, and your sweeth tooth will be well-satisfied. 

5. Mamma Roma

When the cravings for pizzas hit, Mamma Roma is the place of choice for locals in the city. Pizzas here are sold by weight, so diners will have the option of trying a variety of toppings and flavours. The pizzas here have even won over Italian visitors, so you can be sure that you are getting nothing less than authentic, quality fare. 

6. Home-dining Experiences

When it comes to tucking into a spread of authentic Belgian dishes, nothing quite beats the experience of a home-cooked meal. Home-dining experiences offering a Russian, Mediterranean or Belgian brunch, a spread of oriental Moroccan dishes or a breakfast of Belgian waffles will please a variety of palates. 

 

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Vegetarian Dining in Brussels

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Vegetarian Dining in Brussels

Veggie-lovin' travellers in Brussels, we bring good news! The city has become increasingly vegetarian-friendly in recent years, which a rise in the number of eateries offering more meat-free options apart from the usual salads. Kick start your veggie-healthy diet at the following places during your travels:

1.  SINStreetFood

SINStreetFood is a food truck serving Indian-inspired vegetarian and vegan delicacies, as well as freshly squeezed fruit juices. Its veggie burgers, packed with nuts and grains, are a huge hit with the vegetarian and non-vegetarian crowd.

SINStreetFood ensures that only fresh and organic ingredients are used, so you can be assured that you are served with top quality fare. If the notion of tucking into wholesome vegetarian street food floats your boat, look out for SINStreetFood's food truck at the following markets: Place Van Meene (Monday), Chatelain (Wednesday), Square du Vieux Tilleuls (Thursday) and Flagey (Sunday). 

2. Green Way

Need your veggie fix on the go? Head to Green Way to grab a wholesome vegetarian fix. You will chance upon a variety of inexpensive vegetarian and vegan-friendly fare such as falafels, salads, burgers and wraps, as well as refreshing veggie and fruit juices. A choice selection of desserts, like a slice of fudgy brownie or rich cheesecake are available on the menu. 

Green Way begins operations at the crack of dawn, serving as an ideal breakfast spot for veggie-loving travellers in search of a hearty and healthy morning meal. 

​3. Mémé Café​

Tuck into organic vegetarian and vegan fare at Mémé Café​. Thoughtful consideration has been given to the menu, so diners with food intolerances can find gluten-free and lactose-free items at the eatery. There is something for everyone at all times of the day – the sandwiches, wraps and salads serve well as brunch or lunch mains, while the cakes, brownies and muffins are perfect for a teatime snack. 

4. Mr Falafel

A meal at Mr Falafel will please budget travellers looking for a quick grab-and-go bite. Seats at this compact eatery are limited, so most diners order a take out. You can choose as many veggie fillings as you wish, so go ahead and pack your falafel wrap to the brim! 

5. Moonfood

Vacation makers who do not mind spending a little more to get their veggie fix may make a stop by at Moonfood. This self-service vegan cafe dishes out raw and organic items that are free from gluten, lactose and refined sugars, making it the perfect hang out for all health nuts. Salubrious treats on the menu include raw lasagna, quinoa salad and lemon coconut cake. 

6. Home-dining with locals

Eateries and restaurants are not your only bet when it comes to dining on healthy veggie fare. Try out a different dining experience by eating with the locals in Brussels. Head to brunch at Olga's, and she will welcome you with a spread of traditional Belgian dishes, or venture to Titch's for vegan or gluten-free waffles. The men can be customised to suit your tastes and dietary preferences, so rest assured that you can enjoy a veggie-packed meal! 

 

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