Must-see restaurants in Northwest Belgium

  • De Stove

    Bruges

    Having just 20 seats keeps this gem intimate. Fish caught daily is the house speciality, but the monthly changing menu also includes the likes of wild…

  • Den Dyver

    Bruges

    Den Dyver is a pioneer of fine beer dining where you match the brew you drink with the one the chef used to create the sauce on your plate. This is no pub…

  • Lieven

    Bruges

    You'll need to book ahead for a table at this extremely popular, excellent-value Belgian bistro. It works wonders with local ingredients, and is…

  • Wijnbistro Di Vino

    Ostend

    The product of one man's hard work, this intimate candlelit wine-bistro reflects its owner's passion for food and wine. The menu is simple (fish or meat),…

  • ’t Hemelrijck

    Northwest Belgium

    This usually bustling tavern has a pleasant outdoor patio, cold local beer and good-value pub food including plenty of seafood and local cuisine. For many…

  • De Stoepa

    Bruges

    A gem of a place in a peaceful residential setting. It's got a slightly hippie/Buddhist ambience; oriental statues, terracotta-coloured walls, a metal…

  • Pomperlut

    Bruges

    Opposite the lovely Koningin Astridpark, with a fine outdoor terrace and a cosy dark-wood interior, this popular bistro serves traditional Belgian food…

  • De Ruyffelaer

    Ypres

    Traditional local dishes are served in an adorable wood-panelled interior with old chequerboard floors and brocante (vintage) decor including dried…

  • Park Restaurant

    Bruges

    The best thing about this wonderful little restaurant serving haute European cuisine is its luscious interiors which will take you back in time. This is…

  • That's Toast

    Bruges

    Bruges' best breakfast restaurant has already gained a following with locals and visitors for its all-day breakfasts including everything from eggs and…

  • Le Mystique

    Bruges

    Fine dining in an opulent setting. Le Mystique offers à la carte seasonal set menus (recommended) for lunch and dinner. Dress to impress.

  • Christophe

    Bruges

    A cool late-night bistro with marble tabletops and a decent range of Flemish staples including fresh Zeebrugge shrimps.

  • La Pomme d’Or

    Northwest Belgium

    Tiffany-glass windows, wrought-iron lamps and 1930s decor create a welcoming feel at one of East Flanders' better-value brasserie-cafes, where beautifully…

  • Opus Latino

    Bruges

    Modernist café with weather-worn terrace tables right at the waterside, where a canal dead-ends beside a Buddha-head fountain. Access is via the easily…

  • ’t Zeezotje

    Ostend

    Floor-to-ceiling glass and masses of outdoor seating – including an easily missed upper-floor balcony – draw in tourist diners, as do the English-language…

  • Albrecht

    Ostend

    Although the loveable art nouveau corner shopfront which houses it has seen many incarnations, Albrecht is a relative newcomer on the Ostend cafe-dining…

  • De Mouterij

    Northwest Belgium

    Tucked away on a side lane behind the Centrum De Ronde van Vlaanderen you'll find this homely Belgian affair. It offers al fresco dining in its spacious…

  • Bistro Arthies

    Bruges

    Managed by Arthies – an interior designer who looks like a dashingly gothic Billy Connolly. He uses a projected clock, giant black flower bowls and…

  • Books and Brunch

    Bruges

    This fabulous little cafe with exceptionally friendly and helpful staff is the perfect place to start your day, whether you're a late starter or an early…

  • In ’t Nieuwe Museum

    Bruges

    So called because of the museum-like collection of brewery plaques, money boxes and other mementos of café life adorning the walls, this family-owned…

  • Gran Kaffee De Passage

    Bruges

    A mix of regulars and travellers staying at the adjoining hostel give this candlelit, alternative art deco–style bistro one of the best atmospheres in…

  • Agua del Mar

    Ostend

    This business-casual restaurant features imaginative mussel-shell-mosaics, and the arc of its raised terrace surveys the western beaches. The upmarket…

  • Den Artiest

    Ostend

    The tables of this casual brasserie are arranged on different levels within a spacious high-roofed hall to quite an effect. Long brass-tube lamps and fun…

  • De Bron

    Bruges

    By the time this glass-roofed restaurant’s doors open, a queue has usually formed outside, full of diners keen to get vegetarian fare direct from de bron …

  • Chagall

    Bruges

    Checked olive banquettes, candles, an upright piano and shelves cluttered with knick-knacks make you feel like you’re dining in a family home. Seafood,…

  • De Belegde Boterham

    Bruges

    Duck the tourist crowds at this popular lunch spot for well-heeled locals. The monochrome boutique styling is a bit formal, but it’s a friendly place and…

  • Brasserie Pakhuis

    Ghent

    This hip, if mildly ostentatious, modern brasserie-bar-restaurant is set in a magnificently restored former textile warehouse. It retains the original…

  • Den Gouden Karpel

    Bruges

    Take away or eat in, this sleek little café/bar is a great location for a jumpingly fresh seafood lunch, right by the fish market. Crab sandwiches, smoked…

  • Da Vinci

    Bruges

    Not being able to choose from the 40 luscious flavours of freshly made ice cream at this gelateria is a good thing, as it means you’ll be offered small…

  • Balls & Glory

    Ghent

    This easy-going eatery is popular with students and hipsters for its classy interiors and good value. It serves big meaty or vegetarian balls (a bit like…

  • Bistro Beau-Site

    Ostend

    Atmosphere-wise, this is a class apart from anything else on the seafront. This small arty cafe has art deco touches, a communal farmhouse table, jazz…

  • Belle de Jour

    Ostend

    Ostend isn't known for its trendiness, but this little cafe with pared-down decor, a mosaic floor and old-school furniture hits the mark. The menu…

  • ’t Oud Clooster

    Ghent

    Mostly candlelit at night, this atmospheric double-level cafe is built into sections of what was long ago a nunnery, hence the sprinkling of religious…

  • De Proeverie

    Bruges

    A chintzy but appealing tearoom serving a variety of teas, gloopy hot chocolate, milkshakes and indulgent homemade sweets including crème brûlée,…

  • Gingerbread Tea Room

    Bruges

    Located on one of the Markt's arterial pedestrian shopping streets, this friendly pink-and-white cafe is known for its bagel breakfasts, waffles, strong…

  • Pro Deo

    Bruges

    A snug and romantic restaurant in a 16th-century whitewashed gabled building. The couple that owns it brings a personal touch, and serves up superb…

  • Sans Cravate

    Bruges

    Bare brick walls, a modern fireplace and striking contemporary ceramics form a stage for this open-kitchened ‘cooking theatre’ that prides itself on its…

  • De Bottelier

    Bruges

    Decorated with hats and old clocks, this adorable little restaurant sits above a wine shop overlooking a delightful canal-side garden. Diners are…

  • Frituur Franky

    Ostend

    Lovers of the humble fry are spoiled for choice at this frituur (chip shop). There's a little bit of extra-everything about Franky's that singles it out…

  • Marco Polo Noodle Bar

    Bruges

    You can't beat this always-cramped little noodle bar for its wide range of Asian flavours, from pho to ramen and dumplings too. Great value. It's just…

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