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Bruges indulgent & comforting cuisine was so welcome during my winter trip to Bruges. Steaks, stew, mussels, fries, waffles & beer – everything was hearty and delicious. I found some delicious spots during my time in Bruges & have compiled all my favorites here. (Spoiler alert, I don’t even like waffles or beer that much normally, but in Bruges they were 11/10)
Disclaimer: This article contains some links where I earn commission through booking. There is no extra cost to you, and I only recommend things I’ve used and love or places I’ve stayed and enjoyed!
Best Restaurants Bruges
Cambrinus
Best Overall
Cambrinus was my favorite place I ate in Bruges. This cozy brasserie was recommended to me by a few people, and was so worth it. I had the most amazing steak with bernaise sauce and fries (the fries in Belgium are unreal) I’d definitely make a reservation, this place was crazy even at lunch
https://bierbrasseriecambrinus.eu/menu/?lang=en
Bistro Brugis
Best Traditional Spot
For all of the best traditional Belgian foods – croquettes, rabbit, stews, etc. Head to Bistro Brugis, I love finding a good and still authentic spot in city centers, and this checks those boxes and is right next to Grote Markt. Their website doesn’t seem to be working, but you can reserve a table through Google!
Bistro Den Amand
Traditional Classics with a Twist
Right next to Bistro Brugis was another great spot Bistro Den Amand – they offer Beglian classics like steak, venison & stews, but also have some Asian and Italian influenced dishes, so you’ll find naan, stiry fry and a variety of pastas.
De Vloamse Trine
Best Variety, Classic Setting
This was another good spot, especially if you’re trying to cater to a larger group. They had a big menu with a lot of variety, the modern looking insde was nice, but I preferred the classic patio outside. They also had live music, which I loved. They had stews, croquettes, pizza, burgers, sandwiches, tapas & more
Bistro Bruut
Most Creative, Best Experience
This place was one of the best experiences in Bruges. The simple, but cozy aesthetic, the creative and unusual dishes all contribute to the experience, but the food is also just great. If you’re adventurous try the 9 course mystery tasting menu. This place also had the best wines and great pairings!
L’Estaminet
Best Belgian + Italian Spot
This cozy pub offers Italian comfort food & Belgian classics – favorites are the Fish Soup & croquettes, but also the lasagna and spaghetti. This place was laid back & I enjoyed warming up in there with a lasagna!
Pizzeria da Mario
Best Italian
If you’re looking for a small break from Belgian food, I did find a good strictly Italian spot right in Grote Markt (so it also features great views!) Pizzeria da Mario had a nice patio and homemade Italian in a stunning location.
Duc De Bourogne
Best Views
For strictly great views, this is probably the best spot in Bruges. I think when visiting a place like this you need to have realistic expectations – it’s going to be busy & crowded, everyone wants a good view, and the food is going to cost a bit more for the view, as long as you know what you’re signing up for, the views are worth it! They offer a fixed price and a la carte menu.
https://ducdebourgogne.be/en/restaurant/
‘t Nieuw Walnutje
Best Patio
This was my favorite patio in one of my favorite squares in Bruges. This is a great spot to grab lunch – steaks and mussels are the specialties here!
In The Mood – dinner in the park
Best Patio (pt. 2)
Another great patio is this large garden restaurant in Minnewater Park. This is a great spot when the weather is nice. In the spring and fall they have a nice outdoor firepit. If you want this is a good spot for an aperitivo and pre dinner drink or an afternoon coffee!
Fritbar
French fries to go is the perect midday break when walking across all the cobblestones, bridges and canals of Bruges – you’ve earned them. Loaded fries or fries with ALL the dipping sauces. They also have a few menu if you want fish & chips, mussels, burgers or more.
Best Waffles & Chocolates Bruges
Best Waffles Bruges
You can’t go to Bruges without having a waffle, and there are an overwhelming number of options, but the best two are absolutely:
- Waffle Bar Brugge (right next to Rosary Quay)
- Otto Waffle Atelier Katelijnestraat
Best Chocolatier Bruges
Dumon Chocolates
There are many, many chocolate shops in Bruges, but the classic spot is Dumon. If you’re looking to buy chocolates to bring home for friends and family these are the ones!
Traditional Foods to try in Bruges
Bruges cuisine is influences by a mix of Belgium & Flemish traditions, and features a lot of seafood from the nearby North Sea. Here are some classic things to try in Bruges!
- Belgian Waffles – first and foremost, the classic Belgian waffle is worth a try (even if you’re not normally a waffle fan, like me) You can literally top it waith any sweet option on the planet in most places – chocolate, fruit, whipped cream, etc.
- Frites – the french fries in Bruges are honestly unreal (from a true french fry lover) every place I had fries in Belgium and Bruge was 💯💯
- Moules-frites: Or Mussels & fries – the musselsa are usually steamed in white wine, & garlic
- Shrimpe or Cheese Croquettes – You’ll find croquettes on almost every menu in Bruges. The most common are North Sea shrimp corquettes or just classic cheese croquettes
- Stews – Bruges hearty cuisine features a lot of stews, two of the most popular are Carbonade flamande, a beef stew with Belgian beer and Waterzooi, a creamy fish stew
- Beglian Beer – Belgian beer is a must and is quite delicious. Bruges has great breweries and pubs with tons a diverse beer offering – try De Halve Maan Brewery or Brewery Bourgogne des Flandres
- Beglian Chocolate – don’t forget to try some Belgian chocolate, there are chocolate shops literally everywhere, but Dumon is the best of the best.
Best Restaurants in Bruges Map
Planning a Trip to Bruges?
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