Bruges is a beautiful medieval city dotted with stunning medieval buildings, numerous canals, and amazing cafes, restaurants, and bars!
If you’re a foodie, traveling 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 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!
Psssst…!!?? You can’t get enough of Belgium? Have a look at my other posts:
- Netherlands vs Belgium: The Ultimate Comparison
- Best Beach Resorts in Belgium
- Things to do in Liege, Belgium: Top Liege Attractions To See
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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.
Here are some of the best bars in Bruges:
- Cafe Rose Red: Located on a quiet road, just a few minutes away from the Grote Markt, this rustic bar is known for its huge collection of fine Trappist beers and geuzes. The background music is just the right volume, the bar snacks are delicious (try their shrimp croquettes!) and the ambiance is cozy. The 4 beer taster platter is also worth a shot!
Address: Café Rose Red, Cordoeaniersstraat 16-18, 8000 Brugge, Belgium.
- Comptoir des Arts: 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!
Address: Vlamingstraat 53, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
- ‘t Poatersgat: 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.
Address: Vlamingstraat 82, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
- Le Trappiste: 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 as well as international varieties. They have about 17 beers on tap and over 80 bottles!
Address: Kuipersstraat 33, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
- Bar Ran: A cozy cocktail bar where you can enjoy refreshing, creative drinks while sitting on the streetside and enjoying the views. It’s a bit on the pricier side but the drinks are worth it!
Address: Kuipersstraat 4, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
- Groot Vlaenderen: A friendly staff, amazing cocktails and a beautiful interior await you at the Groot Vlaenderen. The bartenders here are craftsmen that are passionate about their work. Make sure you try the owner’s personal favorite portie mix!
Address: Vlamingstraat 94, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
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: 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.
Address: ‘t Zand 12, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
- Cuvee Winebar/Wineshop: If you love having fine wine with your food, this is the best place to go. Try their delicious cheese and meat platters with their cleanly crafted wines. Dining is outdoors but make sure you take a look at the beautiful interior!
Address: Philipstockstraat 41, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
- De Republiek: 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.
Address: Sint-Jakobsstraat 36, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
- Bar Ran:A magical place filled with passion, knowledge and loads of funk & disco music! Their cocktails and spirits are famous all over Bruges!
Address: Kuipersstraat 4, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
- Reliva: 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 going to see if they have something you’d like!
Address: Goezeputstraat 6, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
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!
- De Republiek: 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 which will satisfy your cravings.
Address: Sint-Jakobsstraat 36, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
- de Buhne: De Buhne is another family-owned restaurant and all the meals that are 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!
Address: Sint-Salvatorskoorstraat 6, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
- Atelier Flori: With welcoming owners, fine music and reasonably priced food, this is a great place to fulfil your cravings if you’re vegan. Their vegan cheeses are delicious!
Address: Korte Vuldersstraat 30, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
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, these restaurants are a must-visit:
- Cafe Rose Red: Although more popularly known for its beer, Cafe Rose Red serves delicious food. Make sure you try their tomato tapenade, charcuterie and cheese platters.
Address: Cordoeaniersstraat 16, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
- Lion Belge: Lion Belge serves a delicious range of steaks, fish and mussels. Their portion sizes are also very generous!
Address: Langestraat 123, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
- Belgian Pigeon House: As indicated by the name, you can find all bird varieties to eat here, along with seafood. Try their lamb shank and rabbit stew!
Address: Sint-Jansplein 12, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
- De Gastro: 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.
Address: Braambergstraat 6, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
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 them:
- Cuvee Winebar/Wineshop: Enjoy a huge selection of natural whines with delicious meals at this beautiful, intricately decorated wine bar. Spend your a cozy afternoon in Bruges and try this amazing wine bar!
Address: Philipstockstraat 41, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
- Blend Wijnbar/Wijnwinkel: 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!
Address: Kuipersstraat 8/10, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
- Bar Jus: Have a great night out here with a diverse selection of wines and delicious food. Try their cold meat platter and butcher board!
Address: Kleine Sint-Amandsstraat 10, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
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!
- Cafe Rose Red: 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.
Address: Cordoeaniersstraat 16, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
- ‘T Hof van Beroep: If you’re looking for great service, a large selection of Belgian beers and fulfilling Italian food, this is the place to be.
Address: Langestraat 125, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
- De Garre: 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.
Address: De Garre 1, Bruges 8000 Belgium
- Le Trappiste: With 17 beers on tap and over 80 bottled ones, this place offers a huge variety to choose from. The bar also offers great ambiance and delicious food.
Address: Kuipersstraat 33, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
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.
- Cafune Espresso Bar & Roastery: Start your day with delicious, rich coffee and a scrumptious breakfast from Cafune. Try their banana bread too!
Address: Academiestraat 8, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
- Basiel Urban Greenhouse: One of the owners of this place is an architect so you can well 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.
Address: Mariastraat 13, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
- Kaffee Kamiel: A great coffee place with amazing breakfast options! Their desserts are also delicious.
Address: Zilverpand 7, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
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!
- Chez Vincent: 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.
Address: Sint-Salvatorskerkhof 1, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
- The Potato Bar: 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!
Address: Sint-Amandsstraat 31, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
- Frituur Bosrand: Pair your fries with delicious homemade tartar sauce here. Their burgers are also very delicious!
Address: Koning Albert I-laan 108, 8200 Brugge, Belgium
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!
- Otto waffle atelier: 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.
Address: Katelijnestraat 1, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
- House of Waffles: 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!
Address: Wollestraat 31, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
- Chez Albert: 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.
Address: Breidelstraat 16, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
Where to eat the best mussels in Bruges
If you love seafood, traveling to Belgium 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 and 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:
- De Visscherie: 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.
Address: Vismarkt 8, 8000 Brugge
- Chez Vincent: It’s a family-run, very cozy restaurant that is located in the old town of Bruges. it is well known among the locals for its traditional Flemish cuisine. Their bestseller is the mussels, served in the classic white wine sauce, next to fries and homemade mayonnaise.
Address: Sint-Salvatorskerkhof 1, 8000 Brugge
- Poules Moules: 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.
Address: Simon Stevinplein 9
- De Karmeliet: 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!
Address: Langestraat 19
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.
- Cafe de Gilde: 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!
Address: Oude Burg 17, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
- Restaurant Diligence: 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.
Address: Hoogstraat 5, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
- Poules Moules: You can’t get a more Belgian dinner in Bruges than by eating mussels, and this popular eatery serves them in more ways than you can think of. The restaurant looks out onto Simon Stevin square, which is home to one of the most picturesque Christmas markets in Belgium during the holiday season.
Address: Simon Stevinplein 9, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
- Belgian Pigeon House: 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, and also some traditional dishes with a modern twist. Don’t forget to reserve a table first!
Address: Sint-Jansplein 12, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
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: 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.
Address: Niklaas Desparsstraat 11, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
- Restaurant Patrick Devos: 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.
Address: Zilverstraat 41, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
- De Vlaamsche Pot: 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 let you think that the portions are small, they are not!
Address: Helmstraat 3-5, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
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.
- Sans Cravate: With an amazing mixture of fine dining and an informal atmosphere, the creative team behind Sans Cravate have cooked their way to Michelin Star status. The cheese plate is particularly good!
Address: Langestraat 159, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
- Park Restaurant: 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.
Address: Minderbroedersstraat 1, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
- ONSLOW: 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.
Address: Jeruzalemstraat 53, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
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, however, it is well worth staying longer in this beautiful town!
Luxury
Relais & Châteaux Hotel Heritage *****
Hotel Dukes’ Palace Brugge *****
Ten Hove Brugge *****
Hotel Van Cleef ****
Something special
B&B AM/PM (all vegan, with a GREAT breakfast!)
B&B De Corenbloem Luxury Guesthouse – Adults Only
B&B Canal Deluxe
The Pand Hotel – Small Luxury Hotels of the World ****
Mid-Range
Hotel De Castillion – Small elegant family hotel ****
Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce, A Luxe Worldwide Hotel ****
Castelsuites
Boutique Hotel Sablon ****
Budget
Hotel Bla Bla **
Hotel Van Eyck **
Hotel Gulden Vlies **
Hotel Cordoeanier **
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 Bistro de Karmeliet, De Jonkman, De Stove, De Barge, and the Bistro Boudoir.
What are some of the most expensive restaurants in Bruges?
Some of the most expensive restaurants in Bruges are De Karmeliet, Hertog Jan, Bistro de Karmeliet, Park and De Jonkman.
What are good restaurants for vegetarians in Bruges?
There are a number of great vegetarian-friendly restaurants in Bruges: Some of them are De Groene Poort, Pure C, De Vegetarische Slager, Café Vlissinghe and Bistro Boudoir.
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, 10 must tries are: Restaurant Diligence, House of Waffles, Chez Vincent, Cafe Rose Red, ‘T Hof van Beroep, Belgian Pigeon House, T Poatersgat, De Plaats, 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! 🌍🚀
Paulina
Tuesday 3rd of August 2021
Yes please do so! It's such a great place to visit!