Bruges is a beautiful medieval city dotted with stunning medieval buildings, numerous canals, and amazing cafes, restaurants, and bars!
If you’re a foodie, travel Belgium and exploring Bruges will be a delight for you owing to the scrumptious dishes and fine beer that you get here.
Some of the bars and best restaurants in Bruges, Belgium are built on buildings that are hundreds of years old!
You can explore the city while trying different restaurants and bars. A foodie’s dream come true!
Hey! Don’t forget to grab my free Bruges Foodie Checklist below!
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Psssst…!!?? You can’t get enough of Belgium? Have a look at my other posts:
Table of Contents
Quick steps: Best Food Tours in Bruges
- Waffle Workshop & Beer Tasting
- Beer & Chocolate Tasting Tour
- Belgian Fries Museum Tour
- Choco-Story Museum
- Chocolate Workshop in Bruges
Best Bars in Bruges
Wondering what to do in Bruges? If you want to explore Bruges in 1 day, make sure you try some typical Belgian food and Belgian beers! After all, they’re widely exported worldwide.
Bruges has many bars that offer a huge range of wine, beer, cocktails, and many other forms of alcohol.
Join a Beer & Chocolate Tasting Tour
Here are some of the best bars in Bruges:
Comptoir des Arts – Vlamingstraat 53, 8000 Brugge
Comptoir des Arts is known for its beautiful art displays made by local artists and its wonderful beer. Bury yourself in the artwork while enjoying good music and great beer.
The owners, Desiree and Bram, are warm, helpful, and welcoming!
‘t Poatersgat – Vlamingstraat 82, 8000 Brugge
This bar is a local favorite! It’s an energetic bar where you’ll find a lot of young people playing cards and darts. Make sure you take cash with you, and don’t forget to try their Belgium beers.
Le Trappiste – Kuipersstraat 33, 8000 Brugge
This is hands-down the best place for beers in Bruges, so if you’re exploring Bruges in 1 day, make sure to include this place on your itinerary!
The bar is located in an 800-year-old cellar and serves all kinds of beer, including local and international varieties. They have about 17 beers on tap and over 80 bottles!
Bar Ran – Kuipersstraat 4, 8000 Brugge
A cozy cocktail bar where you can enjoy refreshing, creative drinks while sitting on the streetside and enjoying the views. It’s a bit pricier, but the drinks are worth it!
Groot Vlaenderen – Vlamingstraat 94, 8000 Brugge
A friendly staff, amazing cocktailsm and a beautiful interior await you at the Groot Vlaenderen. The bartenders here are craftsmen who are passionate about their work.
Make sure you try the owner’s personal favorite portie mix!
Best Restaurants in Bruges for Organic and Local Food
Bruges isn’t just one of the most beautiful cities in Belgium, it’s also one of the best spots to find delicious local cuisine.
Bruges is also home to many restaurants that serve delicious, organic gluten-free food. The local cuisine is delicious and worth a try.
After all, you can’t learn about a city without trying its local cuisine!
Here are some of the best restaurants in Bruges that you must try while exploring Bruges in 1 day:
Nomad – ‘t Zand 12, 8000 Brugge
This place serves the most delicious breakfast in town! Try their Royal Breakfast, which contains a boiled egg, cheese, ham, strawberry jam, two types of bread, croissant, butter, yogurt, fruit salad, fresh orange juice, and coffee.
It’s enough to keep you full till the evening! There are many gluten-free options available here as well.
De Republiek – Sint-Jakobsstraat 36, 8000 Brugge
If you’re looking for delicious tapas-style food, this is the place to be! Try their pulled pizzas and zucchini bruschettas – they’re to die for! You can even experience live music at the restaurant on specific nights.
Bar Ran – Kuipersstraat 4, 8000 Brugge
It is a magical place filled with passion, knowledge, and loads of funk & disco music! Their cocktails and spirits are famous all over Bruges!
Reliva – Goezeputstraat 6, 8000 Brugge
This is a small family-owned restaurant that serves fresh organic food from farm to table. They offer a seasonal menu that changes every few weeks according to the produce on their farms.
You can check out their menu before seeing if they have something you’d like!
![01e4c6a9f11bb661f58233a8c4cd6b8b79ec2f65 - 40+ Best Restaurants in Bruges [Offbeat Selection]](https://bucket.mlcdn.com/a/1843/1843376/images/01e4c6a9f11bb661f58233a8c4cd6b8b79ec2f65.png "Best Restaurants in Bruges")
Best Restaurants in Bruges for Vegan and Vegetarian Food
It’s usually hard to find vegan and vegetarian food when you’re out on a vacation.
However, you don’t need to worry about your diet when you’re in Bruges because you can get many vegan and vegetarian varieties here.
In fact, some restaurants serve exclusively vegan/vegetarian options!
Here are the best Bruges restaurants we recommend for vegans:
De Republiek – Sint-Jakobsstraat 36, 8000 Brugge
If you’re looking for delicious vegan food with a great ambiance, then De Republiek has it all. Their vegan menu has a few options that will satisfy your cravings.
de Buhne – Sint-Salvatorskoorstraat 6, 8000 Brugge
De Buhne is another family-owned restaurant, and all the meals served to you are home-cooked by a kind lady.
The restaurant is small and intimate, giving you cozy vibes, and the food is to die for!
Atelier Flori – Korte Vuldersstraat 30, 8000 Brugge
With welcoming owners, fine music, and reasonably priced food, this is a great place to fulfill your cravings if you’re vegan. Their vegan cheeses are delicious!
Blackbird – Jan van Eyckplein 7, 8000 Brugge
If you’re eating in Bruges and looking for a plant-based dining experience in Bruges, Blackbird is a must-visit. This charming café specializes in fully vegan dishes.
The menu features beautifully presented smoothie bowls, hearty avocado toasts, and creative plant-based desserts, all crafted with fresh, organic ingredients.
Best Restaurants in Bruges for Traditional Food
Bruges is known for its mussels, beef stew with beer, slow-cooked meats, and fries! Try these traditional dishes that will leave your taste buds asking for more.
If you’re on a short stay and just exploring Bruges in 1 day
Book a Belgian Fries Museum Tour
These Bruges places to eat are a must-visit:
Cafe Rose Red – Cordoeaniersstraat 16, 8000 Brugge
Although more popularly known for its beer, Cafe Rose Red serves delicious food. Make sure you try their tomato tapenade, charcuterie, and cheese platters.
Lion Belge – Langestraat 123, 8000 Brugge
Lion Belge serves a delicious range of steaks, fish, and mussels. Their portion sizes are also very generous!
De Gastro – Braambergstraat 6, 8000 Brugge
Enjoy two popular local dishes here – the Flemish Beef Stew and the Rabbit in Beer Sauce. It’s a great place to dine in and has vegetarian and gluten-free options as well.
ONE Restaurant – Arsenaalstraat 55, 8000 Brugge
One of the best place to eat in Bruges is ONE Restaurant that serves traditional Flemish dishes with a modern twist
Indulge in the tasty waterzooi (a creamy fish or chicken stew), stoofvlees (slow-cooked beef stew with fries), and freshly caught seafood from the North Sea, making it one of the best restaurants in Bruges town centre.
Where to Eat in Bruges for Wine Lovers
Bruges is home to many wineries that produce the finest wine. You’ll find many restaurants that serve delicious food with fantastic wine!
Here are some of the places on where to eat in Brugges:
Cuvee Winebar/Wineshop – Philipstockstraat 41, 8000 Brugge
Enjoy a huge selection of natural wines with delicious meals at this beautiful, intricately decorated wine bar. Spend your cozy afternoon in Bruges and try this amazing wine bar!
Blend Wijnbar/Wijnwinkel – Kuipersstraat 8/10, 8000 Brugge
With a variety of French, Spanish, and Italian wines, Blend offers a relaxed atmosphere with delicious tapas. Their meat and cheese are delicious and melt in your mouth!
Au Gusto Wine & Dine – Site Oud Sint-Jan or, Mariastraat 38, 8000 Brugge
Wine lovers seeking Best restaurants in Bruges Belgium should look no further than Au Gusto Wine & Dine, a hidden gem in Bruges known for its exquisite Italian cuisine and impressive wine selection.
The restaurant prides itself on serving fresh, homemade pasta, with standout dishes like truffle tagliatelle and lobster ravioli. The knowledgeable staff are happy to recommend the perfect wine pairing.
Where to Eat in Bruges for Beer Lovers
Belgian beer is known widely throughout the globe. Therefore, if you want to explore Bruges in 1 day, you need to try their beer before you head over to your next destination!
Join a Waffle Workshop & Beer Tasting
Cafe Rose Red – Cordoeaniersstraat 16, 8000 Brugge
Enjoy refreshing Trappist beers while binging on delicious food at this local favorite! The place has a cozy ambiance where you can just sit back and relax.
‘T Hof van Beroep – Langestraat 125, 8000 Brugge
If you’re looking for great service, a large selection of Belgian beers, and fulfilling Italian food, this is the place to be.
De Garre – De Garre 1, 8000 Bruges
Try the De Garre house beer here! It’s one of the nicest beers you’ll have. They also serve a few cheese chunks with the house beers.
Best Coffee Bars in Bruges
Start your morning with refreshing Belgian coffee! Make sure you try mochas, too, that are infused with world-renowned Belgian chocolate.
Try Going to a Chocolate Workshop in Bruges
Where to eat in Brugge for coffee lovers:
Cafune Espresso Bar & Roastery – Academiestraat 8, 8000 Brugge
Start your day with delicious, rich coffee and a scrumptious breakfast from Cafune. Try their banana bread, too!
Basiel Urban Greenhouse – Mariastraat 13, 8000 Brugge
One of the owners of this place is an architect, so you can imagine how beautiful the interior might be and how much thought went into it!
The coffee here is refreshing and light on the pocket, too.
Kaffee Kamiel – Zilverpand 7, 8000 Brugge
A great coffee place with amazing breakfast options! Their desserts are also delicious.
Where to Eat Fries in Bruges
Frites, fries, or chips – all of these are different names for the traditional French fries that everyone loves!
Belgian fries are even more delicious because they’re usually fried in ox fat – that, too, twice. Unhealthy, yes, but delicious – yes!
Join a Belgian Fries Museum Tour
Here are our recommendations:
Chez Vincent – Sint-Salvatorskerkhof 1, 8000 Brugge
This place offers delicious fries that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, paired with scrumptious sauces. Their portion sizes are also pretty generous.
The Potato Bar – Sint-Amandsstraat 31, 8000 Brugge
With fries cooked to perfection and sauces blended with the perfect ingredients, this place offers some of the best fries in Belgium and one of the best restaurants in Bruges for fries!
Frituur Bosrand – Koning Albert I-laan 108, 8200 Brugge
Pair your fries with delicious homemade tartar sauce here. Their burgers are also very delicious!
Where to Eat Waffles in Bruges
Belgian waffles are found everywhere in Bruges – from street-side stalls to fancy cafes. Try your waffles with different toppings till you find the perfect one that hits all the right taste buds!
You can also join a waffle workshop – it’s one of the most fun things to do in Brugge!
Here are restaurants we recommend to try:
Otto waffle atelier – Katelijnestraat 1, 8000 Brugge
If you’re looking for dairy-free and wheat-free waffles, this is the best place to go! Their sweetness level is just perfect – not too over the board, but enough to satisfy your cravings.
House of Waffles – Wollestraat 31, 8000 Brugge
Satisfy your sweet tooth here with their delicious range of waffles! Their Liege and Brussels waffles are amazing. It’s a bit pricey but definitely worth every penny!
Easting Liege waffles is also one of the best things to do in Liege.
Chez Albert – Breidelstraat 16, 8000 Brugge
This place offers delicious waffle takeouts – for very low prices! If you’re looking for authentic Belgian waffles that are light on the pocket, this is the perfect place for you.
It’s one of the best food Instagram places in Bruges, and you’ll spot many others taking pictures of their waffles with the beautiful city in the background.
Lizzie’s Wafels – Sint-Jakobsstraat 16, 8000 Brugge
Want to go eating out in Bruges and try its world-famous waffles? Lizzie’s Wafels is famous for serving oversized, fluffy Belgian waffles that are light, crispy, and utterly delicious.
Unlike the denser Liège waffles, Lizzie’s specializes in airy Brussels-style waffles, which are perfect with toppings like fresh strawberries, rich Belgian chocolate, or homemade whipped cream.
Join a Waffle Workshop & Beer Tasting
Where to eat the Best Mussels in Bruges
If you love seafood, travel to Belgium and maybe stay in beach resorts in Belgium.
It can be paradise, even more so when you’re visiting Bruges. The city is only a few kilometers away from the North Sea.
This means that you’ll get the freshest seafood you can imagine particularly the famous Belgian mussels. They’re typically eaten with fries and a beer.
Here are some restaurants to eat the best mussels in Bruges:
Poules Moules – Simon Stevinplein 9, 8000 Brugge
This restaurant wears the French name of Mussels in its name: moules means mussels in French.
Located in a historic building in the city center, Poules Moules serves Belgian mussels in many different ways.
De Karmeliet – Langestraat 19, 8000 Brugge
Located just outside the historic center of Bruges, this 3 Michelin-starred place is the best for all those who seek fine dining in Bruges.
Their mussels are simply delicious and come with a touch of saffron!
De Visscherie – Vismarkt 8, 8000 Brugge
This seafood restaurant is located in the heart of Bruges and is famous for its mussels.
They serve them the classic way but also have some Asian-inspired varieties of Belgian mussels.
Best Belgian Food in Bruges
When trying out all the best restaurants in Bruges, it can be easy to lose sight of what makes this city such a culinary treat, and that’s Belgian food.
From fries and cheese to a simple plate of mussels, these are some of the best places to eat in Bruges, where you can get the most out of Belgium’s signature dishes.
Join a Belgian Fries Museum Tour
Some best restaurants in Brugge you should visit:
Cafe de Gilde – Oude Burg 17, 8000 Brugge
This charming cafe sits just outside the center of the city, and offers cosy dining for lunch and dinner.
Don’t miss out on their delicious Flemish stew or the fish casserole – both are excellent and very filling!
Restaurant Diligence – Hoogstraat 5, 8000 Brugge
Not only does this bistro-style restaurant offer a wide range of steak and seafood dishes, but it might just be the best restaurant in Bruges for movie lovers.
Restaurant Diligence was used as the location for one of the most iconic scenes of the movie “In Bruges”! You can try their own house recipe for Belgian mussels while sitting in a piece of Hollywood history.
Belgian Pigeon House – Sint-Jansplein 12, 8000 Brugge
It’s impossible to visit Bruges restaurants without feeling welcome, but for those who want to feel the most at home, you must try the Belgian Pigeon House.
Here you will find Belgian food staples like fish stew and Flemish rabbit, as well as some traditional dishes with a modern twist. Don’t forget to reserve a table first!
Best Hidden Restaurants in Bruges
For many, the most famous and well-known restaurants in Bruges are the first places to check out. But for some, heading off the beaten path has an appeal all of its own.
Dining in these secret places means that the best dinner in Bruges tastes even better because it was a little more challenging to find.
Sometimes, the best food in Bruges can be found in the most unlikely of places, just around the corner:
Le Mystique – Niklaas Desparsstraat 11, 8000 Brugge
Most passers-by would not know that just inside the Hotel Heritage you can find one of the best fine dining experiences Bruges has to offer.
This opulent restaurant provides set menus for 4, 5, or 6 courses of some of the best food in Bruges, with great vegetarian and vegan options. No gourmand should miss out on this fantastic sensory experience.
Restaurant Patrick Devos – Zilverstraat 41, 8000 Brugge
For the perfect romantic dinner in Bruges, the Restaurant Patrick Devos offers local cuisine with a highly recommended wine menu in a carefully preserved historic Flemish house.
The restaurant has an intimate and beautiful ivy-covered walled courtyard hidden away from the street, perfect for any couple wondering what to eat in Bruges.
De Vlaamsche Pot – Helmstraat 3-5, 8000 Brugge
Tucked down a small alley off of Noordzandstraat, this adorable Flemish restaurant is one of the best-kept secrets in Bruges.
Don’t let its small size make you think that the portions are small; they are not!
Best Restaurants for Dinner in Bruges
After a day of exploring, wandering and sightseeing, picking the perfect dinner reservation is a must, and also a skill.
These restaurants in Bruges will help you relax into your evening with their friendly atmospheres and mouth-watering dishes.
Here’s a list:
Sans Cravate – Langestraat 159, 8000 Brugge
With an amazing mixture of fine dining and an informal atmosphere, the creative team behind Sans Cravate has cooked their way to Michelin Star status. The cheese plate is particularly good!
Park Restaurant – Minderbroedersstraat 1, 8000 Brugge
For many people, this is one of the best restaurants in Bruges, and it is consistently one of the highest-rated. Sitting on the corner of the beautiful Koningin Astridpark, their set menus offer world-class dining in opulent surroundings.
ONSLOW – Jeruzalemstraat 53, 8000 Brugge
If you want to avoid the tourist trap areas of Bruges, head to the northeast of the city to this farm-to-table gem.
Flavor is the main objective here, with a range of international dishes that are all extremely popular with the locals.
Bij Koen & Marijke – Hooistraat 42, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
Another good restaurants in Bruges for dinner, Bij Koen & Marijke is a standout choice. This family-run restaurant offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere focusing on high-quality, locally sourced ingredients.
The menu changes seasonally, ensuring fresh flavors and exciting new dishes throughout the year. Guests can enjoy a carefully curated selection of Belgian specialties and European classics, all prepared with a creative touch.
Have a look at my web story about the best restaurants in Bruges, Belgium.
How to get to Bruges
By car: You can get a car rental from Ghent or Antwerp, which is a great idea if you want to explore Bruges in 1 day. – Check car rentals here
By train: You can get to Bruges via trains from national as well as international levels but be sure to book your ticket in advance. – Get tickets here
Where to stay in Bruges
Bruges is often considered one of the best day trips from Brussels or weekend trips from Brussels. However, it is well worth staying longer in this beautiful town!
Luxury
Relais & Châteaux Hotel Heritage *****
Dukes’ Palace Brugge *****
Ten Hove Brugge *****
Hotel Van Cleef ****
Something special
Vegan, Plant-Based B&B Central Bruges (all vegan, with a GREAT breakfast!)
B&B De Corenbloem Luxury Guesthouse – Adults Only
B&B Canal Deluxe
The Pand ****
Mid-Range
Boutique Hotel De Castillion ****
Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce ****
Castelsuites
Boutique Hotel Sablon ****
Budget
Hotel Bla Bla **
Hotel Van Eyck **
Hotel Gulden Vlies **
Canalview Hotel Ter Reien **
Related: Where to stay in Bruges
Short FAQs About Restaurants in Bruges
What are some of the most popular restaurants in Bruges?
Some of the most popular restaurants in Bruges are Bij Koen & Marijke, Poules Moules, and De Gastro.
What are some of the most expensive restaurants in Bruges?
Some of the most expensive restaurants in Bruges are De Karmeliet, Le Mystique, and Sans Cravate.
What are good restaurants for vegetarians in Bruges?
There are several great vegetarian-friendly restaurants in Bruges, including De Republiek, de Buhne, and Blackbird.
Where do locals eat in Bruges?
If you want to know where to eat in Bruges Belgium to dine with the locals, check out Chez Vincent or Cafe Rose Red. You can also grab a drink at T Poatersgat.
What are the top 10 restaurants in Bruges?
There are so many restaurants in Bruges to choose from, and the top 10 will vary for everyone based on personal preference.
For me, the top 10 must-tries are Restaurant Diligence, House of Waffles, Chez Vincent, Cafe Rose Red, T Hof van Beroep, Belgian Pigeon House, T Poatersgat, Park Restaurant, De Republiek, and Nomad.
What to eat in Bruges?
Bruges is particularly known for its chocolate and beer, so these are a definite must. But you should also try the waffles, seafood, and local specialties such as Flemish beef stew.
Hola! I’m Paulina, a seasoned travelette who crossed the Atlantic Ocean by Boat HitchHiking. On my blog, find expert insights for an extraordinary holiday through outdoor and sustainable travel like hiking, cycling, and sailing. Let’s embark on unforgettable journeys together! 🌍🚀
Yes please do so! It’s such a great place to visit!