Belgian cuisine has long been revered around the globe, known for its waffles, fries and chocolate dishes that make up its signature cuisine. But its offering goes much deeper.
Hof van Cleve, a rustic farmhouse about 20 minutes outside Ghent, earned two Michelin stars for its sophisticated menu of locally foraged ingredients and flavor-increasing dishes that build to an optimal conclusion.
Vincent’s
Belgium may be known for its beer, but it also boasts an exceptional dining scene. Belgium’s chefs are renowned for embracing innovation, giving old-school bistros and cafes new life by adding modern flair with exotic spices found all around the globe into dishes that would fit right in whether in Brooklyn or Marseille.
At Kline, a contemporary Belgian restaurant located in the vibrant Dansaert district, their kitchen aims to balance innovation with European tradition by serving dishes such as langoustines in chou kimchi sauce or braised pork belly with whiskey braising – while their wine selection completes their menu.
Bon Bon, in Woluwe-Saint-Pierre, offers a stylish dining space drenched in golds and beiges. Their menu boasts foraged local ingredients like Hokkaido pumpkin with ricotta and wasabi as well as beef fillet in sherry vinegar; indulging in one of their special tasting menus makes an occasion celebration unforgettable!
Chez Leon
Chez Leon is one of the premier dining institutions in Brussels since opening its doors in 1893; today, under family ownership.
Restaurant Bouchers stands on Rue des Bouchers, only minutes from Grand Place. Its five-table interior was carefully curated to evoke authentic Belgian culture; white tiles cover its walls while cozy brickwork adds coziness. Photo frames filled with old patrons decorate its walls as an added feature.
At its opening in 1973, this restaurant welcomed numerous notable figures from politics, culture, finance and royalty alike, including members of Belgium’s royal family. Although its menu offers lobster, fish and meat dishes – those in the know tend to opt for their specialty mussel dish (moules marinieres speciales), an almost secret recipe served alongside fries accompanied by LEON beer!
Luther Bierbaum developed his palate while working in business, serving as wine director at Cheshire Inn and manager of North Euclid’s last 9-0-5 liquor store, before sitting at Chez Leon alongside Jacques Brel, Eddy Merckx and Jimmy Carter – as he did today.
Le Cirio
Le Cirio began life in Turin as a delicatessen selling Italian specialities back in 1886. Its founder Francesco Cirio made a fortune from canned tomatoes, opening several similar establishments across many cities – but only Le Cirio survived to this day – its interior redesigned in 1909 hasn’t seen many changes since; still sporting its original wooden bar, iron chandelier, and old signs advertising Cinzano products; popular with older customers during the day and drawing younger patrons during evening service. Its founder Francesco Cirio made his fortune through canned tomato canning tomatoes sold on shelves around Europe; other establishments opened but Le Cirio remains unique among survivors with its interior being renovated in 1909. Redesigned interior redesigned in 1909 before becoming popular with older patrons during day and younger crowds in evening alike!
Le Cirio serves delicious seafood dishes such as mussels – it has even been named the #1 place for them in Belgium! The restaurant offers intimate yet inviting surroundings perfect for intimate conversations between friends or a gathering with family. Their extensive menu boasts traditional Belgian dishes for every palate along with wine pairings and homemade desserts to complete their offerings.
La Liste is an internationally-recognized French ranking of the world’s finest restaurants that this year featured 28 Belgian establishments such as Boury, Hof van Cleve and The Jane. Their inclusion was determined based on reviews in food magazines and guidebooks.
Comme Chez Soi
Comme Chez Soi stands as an enduring testament to traditional cuisine in Brussels’ backstreets. Though it no longer holds three Michelin stars as previously earned, Comme Chez Soi still provides exquisite food prepared by Chef Pierre Wynants and Lionel Rigolet and prepared using only high-grade ingredients. Their menu boasts classic and modern recipes expertly executed using high quality produce and ingredients.
Georges Cuvelier was an extraordinary coal miner who left his job to pursue his passion for cooking, opening this restaurant in 1926 – which has become a beloved institution in Brussels ever since. The name ‘Comme Chez Soi’ means ‘just like home” which perfectly describes this restaurant.
Lionel Rigolet is the current head chef of this fine dining establishment and represents the fourth generation in his family to lead this fine dining establishment. He maintains tradition by using premium European ingredients in expertly prepared home-style cuisine ranging from North Sea lobster to Italian black truffles; creating both classic and contemporary menu options flawlessly executed at each visit to this restaurant, which also prides itself on outstanding wines.
Villa Lorraine
Villa Lorraine is an elegant establishment boasting designer flair. Offering various dining settings – such as its Asian-influenced lounge bar – guests can indulge in delicious dishes like lobster dumplings or red tuna “filet americain”, in addition to their selection of drinks and desserts.
Service at this restaurant is impeccable, while their chefs use premium ingredients in creating inventive dishes with various textures that rely on classic French cuisine as well as modern techniques and ideas.
At the edge of Brussels’ Bois de La Cambre is this Michelin-star gastronomic restaurant and brasserie run by acclaimed chef Yves Mattagne – it was the first non-French establishment to earn three Michelin stars and must be visited for any fan of French cuisine!
