Bruges is really a city for Burgundians. You stumble across the good restaurants and it is absolutely not difficult to eat well in Bruges. There is also no shortage of fine bars and cafes. Of course you will find plenty of places where you can enjoy a nice beer, but more and more hip cocktail bars are also opening in Bruges. Are you going that way? Then save my tips for where to find good food and drinks in Bruges.
#1 Quatre Vins
Quatre VinsQuatre Vins is one of those restaurants that you will remember months later. At least, I experienced it as a wonderful place for a full evening dinner in Bruges. At Quatre Vins you order four to seven dishes that are standard for two people. These are served as separate courses, so you really sit at the table for a long time. The menu is quite varied. We enjoyed deep-fried sushi with fresh salmon, langoustine tartare, tomato bruschetta with very thinly sliced steak and a dish of peas, poached egg, potato and Dutch shrimps. Each one super tasty and perfectly prepared. Quatre Vins is highly recommended for anyone who wants to eat as many tasty dishes as possible.
Quatre Vins, Philipstockstraat 8
#2 Vero Caffe
One of the nicest places where you can eat well in Bruges is Vero Caffè. This lunch place is located just outside the tourist center, so you can enjoy your lunch in peace. If you go to Bruges in the summer, you can take a seat on the lovely terrace. At Vero Caffè, the menu is full of delicious dishes. How about pancakes with smoked salmon and ricotta, well-filled poké bowls or a generously filled bagel with brie? In addition, there is a changing vegan dish on the menu every day and on Fridays the entire range is even vegan. If you like to drink coffee, you should definitely order a cup of coffee here. Vero Caffè is known as one of the better coffee shops in Bruges.
Vero Caffè, Sint-Jansplein 9
#3 That’s Toast
Another nice lunch place in Bruges! At That’s Toast they serve thick slices of fresh bread, topped with poached eggs, avocado, kimchi, chicken korma, smoked salmon and many more goodies. They also serve fresh juices, muesli bowls and poké bowls. That’s Toast has a small terrace in front of the door and on sunny days it fills up quickly. In that case, just walk inside because behind the building they have a lovely courtyard where, thanks to the parasols, it is also a good place to stay on hot days.
That’s Toast, Dweersstraat 4
#4 The Mangerie
Would you like to go out for a more upmarket evening, but in a relaxed atmosphere? Then I can wholeheartedly recommend De Mangerie. This restaurant has a mention in the Michelin guide and that is of course not for nothing. At De Mangerie you can enjoy dishes from the refined world cuisine. This means that flavors from all over the world come together on your plate. And that is enjoyment! You can dine 2 to 5 courses, but just what you feel like. I personally liked my main course of red gurnard and a risotto with mussel and chorizo the best. The cheese board and the Victoria pastry with strawberry, raspberry and white chocolate were also not to be missed.
The Mangerie, Old Burg 20
#5 FritBar
Of course you can’t visit a Flemish city without having eaten some fries. We came across FritBar in the center, a place where they sell both standard cone bags of fries and so-called loaded fries. People literally hung their feet outside and the reviews were also positive. Of course we also had to test these loaded fries ourselves. I can tell you: if you fancy a well-filling budget meal, you can order a portion of loaded fries here with confidence. We shared a veggie chili cheese fries and then we were really packed. If you want cheap but good food in Bruges, you should not miss Fritbar.
FritBar, Katelijnestraat 3
#6 Otto Waffle Atelier
Next to Fritbar is Otto Waffle Atelier. The name indicates exactly what you can expect here: waffles, but a lot more luxurious than you are used to. The waffles at Otto are made from oats. This makes them healthier than normal waffles. You can also make healthier choices in terms of toppings. The menu includes waffles with nuts, blueberries, strawberries and homemade rhubarb compote. The waffles are pricey, but if you want something different than a sugar waffle with whipped cream, Otto Waffle Atelier is the place to be.
Otto Waffle Atelier, Katelijnestraat 1
Tip: if you have enough time in Bruges, it is great fun to do a waffle workshop. In 1.5 hours you will learn how to make real Belgian waffles. In addition, you can then eat as many waffles as you want!
#7 Sanseveria Bagel Salon
Crazy about bagels? Then make sure you have lunch at Sanseveria Bagelsalon in Bruges. They themselves say that ‘at Sanseveria you eat bagels on Sundays’. What that means? Largely filled bagels with something for everyone. There are bagels with blue cheese, pecans and honey, bagels with fried chicken, Moroccan herbs and avocado, bagels with smoked salmon, fried bacon and much more. It fills up quickly at the weekend, so if you want to be assured of a place, it is best to make a reservation.
Sanseveria Bagelsalon, Predikherenstraat 11
#8 De Halve Maan Brewery
In addition to good food, you can of course also drink plenty of goodies in Bruges. De Halve Maan Brewery is the most famous brewer in Bruges and perhaps the whole of Flanders. Brugse Zot is brewed here, a super popular beer that is sold far beyond Flanders (I’ve even seen it on the menu in Singapore). It is possible to book a tour of the brewery and then taste a beer, but if you just want to drink and/or eat something, you can also go here. De Halve Maan has a very nice terrace and you can also sit inside.
The menu mainly features Belgian classics. Think shrimp croquettes, cannibal toast and a fish stew. By the way, it is highly recommended to drink a draft beer here: this is the only place where you can drink unfiltered Brugse Zot and Straffe Hendrik. By not filtering it, the beer has much more flavor, but it also stays good for much less time. That’s why you can’t taste it anywhere else but here.
De Halve Maan Brewery, Walplein 26
#9 Bourgogne des Flanders
De Halve Maan is not the only brewery in Bruges. Bourgognes des Flanders is also located in the heart of the center. Here they brew beer which consists of 50% Geuze/Lambic. That is beer that is formed thanks to spontaneous fermentation by wild yeasts from the outside air. These yeasts are only found in this region, so you get a unique beer. Lambic is a lot more sour than beer that has matured by adding yeasts and you can taste it. I personally don’t like 100% Lambic, but mixed with ‘regular’ beer it is very special and tasteful. At Bourgogne des Flanders you can visit the museum at the brewery on your own. A beer is included. You can also just sit on the terrace or in the café for a drink. In that case I definitely advise you to do the tasting of six beers.
Bourgogne des Flanders, Kartuizerinnenstraat 6
#10 Nomad restaurant
At Nomad, the menu is inspired by the travels the owners have made. Many ingredients come from their own organic farm. Here you can enjoy dishes from all over the world. How about Gazpacho salad, Singapore scampi laksa, Cape Malay chicken curry or a Katsu burger? Special dishes that you can order for lunch. Nomad is open every day of the week from 09:00 to 18:00. On Friday you can also dine here until 22:00.
Nomad, ‘t Zand 12
#11 Cambrinus
Cambrinus is one of the nicest cafes in Bruges to have a drink after dinner. The beer menu features no less than 400 different beers, mostly from Belgian breweries. Prefer a draft beer? Then you can choose from up to 20 types. For those who cannot choose, a tasting of four different beers is a good option. It is also possible to have a bite to eat at Cambrinus. The menu features typical Flemish dishes such as stews, fish dishes, beef tartare and a cheese board.
Cambrinus, Philipstockstraat 19
#12 Groot Vlaenderen (Greater Flanders)
More in the mood for a good cocktail? Then Groot Vlaenderen is highly recommended. This cocktail bar is located just outside the center, but is well worth the small detour. The menu includes aperitifs, Aperol-like mixes, highballs, sweet ‘n sours, tropical mixed drinks and classics. In addition, mocktails can of course also be ordered. Literally something for every taste. Highly recommended if you want to have a drink after your dinner with something other than beer or wine.
Groot Vlaenderen, Vlamingstraat 94
There is a lot to drink and eat in Bruges and with these tips you will undoubtedly go a long way.
