Top Restaurants In Bruges, Belgium

For those looking for a romantic dinner destination in Bruges, Park Restaurant is the name to remember. In this very cosy and intimate restaurant located in a mansion house, mouth-watering food is served together with the perfect wine pairing. Scallops, and steaks with their homemade french fries are highly recommended. Whatever you choose you will not be disappointed by the quality of the food and the excellent service. This elegant and charming restaurant is the perfect introduction to the flavours of Belgium.

Opening the door to Pomperlut is like entering a 17th century fairy tale; where wooden mushrooms, old chandeliers and a gigantic fireplace are all part of the scenery. Reservation is highly recommended in this former farmhouse, which accommodates only up to 20 guests, and where the owner takes sole charge of the running of the restaurant. The food, the service and the atmosphere are all of the best quality. Guests can enjoy an intriguing, magical experience.

Located in the heart of the city, ’T Zwart Huis, the nicest blues and jazz cafe to be found in Bruges, welcomes talented musicians from all around the world to perform a couple of times a month. Check online to see what’s on. ’T Zwart Huis is also a unique, historical building that was built in 1482 in a late gothic style. While enjoying the music and the atmosphere of the place, you can also indulge in food, cocktails, and of course classic Belgian beers.

The Olive Tree, a very welcoming and cosily decorated restaurant in Bruges, will make guests fall in love with Greek cuisine. Try the pillow-soft chicken or the excellent aubergines with sesame and honey and you will be convinced. The restaurant itself is very cosy and warm, and the service outstanding. There is also a choice of Greek ouzo to go with your meals. For some Mediterranean sunshine in the heart of Bruges, the Olive Tree is the place to head for to experience the best of the region’s cuisine.

Aubergines with buttermilk sauce by Ottolenghi | © Franklin Heijnen / Flickr

Just 50 metres away from Market Square, on a pedestrian street, lies De Stove. This intimate restaurant, managed by the same owners for over 20 years, offers the best fresh fish coming straight from Zeebrugge, including the delicious sea bass, codfish, monkfish and the grey shrimp. They also have delicious homemade desserts, including biscuits, and a wide selection of wines and spirits. All the ingredients that are used are local. As the restaurant is very small, it almost feels like having dinner in a dining room, and the waiters will be happy to leave you the table for the night if you are not in a rush.

Seabass © Ella Mullins/Flickr

The place to go for beer lovers visiting the city, since 1983 ’t Brugs Beertje (Bruges’ Little Bear) has offered over 300 different types of beer, five of them on draft. Some are traditional beers, others seasonal, and sometimes even unique, offered once only. The staff are very helpful and knowledgeable. You can get platters of cheese and other snacks to have a bite while drinking your beer. More than a simple pub, ’t Brugs Beertje is a real beer tasting house. Beer paraphernalia decorates the interior, making the atmosphere friendly and warm. If you are looking to meet people from every corner of the world and sample beer, then ’t Brugs Beertje is highly recommended.

Located in the historical centre of Bruges, Den Amand is a bistro which offers a variety of traditional Belgian food. All the meals, which include meat, fish, pasta, stir fries and salads, are fresh and the service is one of the friendliest of the city. Prices are also very reasonable. This is a local bistro that wants to remain authentically Belgian rather than be an elegant restaurant. Until now, Den Amand has been successful in staying connected with its Belgian roots, continuously attracting many locals.

De Karmeliet is one of the few restaurants in Belgium to have received a three stars rating by the Michelin Red Guide. Its leading chef, Geert Van Hecke, genuinely masters the art of fine food and national Belgian cuisine. High standards, delicacy and exquisite flavours are the key to his philosophy. The restaurant has already appeared in magazines listing the top 50 restaurants in the world. Gastronomic perfection together with impeccable service and an elegant decor will make the dining experience memorable.

Cooking at Sans Cravate is synonymous with invention, yet without losing touch with classical methods and thereby guaranteeing the maximum pleasure for guests. The atmosphere is informal, as the name ‘Without a Tie’ suggests. With a lot of passion, originality, and attention to detail, the restaurant creates a unique feel. The waiters are friendly, the food menu will please the pickiest of eaters, the delicious dishes are beautifully presented, and the matching wines will delight every guest.

Located in a building that dates back to 1562, the restaurant Pro Deo serves the best of Belgian cuisine. Downstairs is nice and cosy, and the upper floor is ideal for intimate fine dining. Prices are very reasonable and there is a wide sample of new dishes every week. Ingredients are always fresh and portions very generous. The service is excellent and the wine list extensive. If you are a fish lover, this place will delight you.