6 Best Restaurants in Bruges and the Coast, Belgium

Gruuthuse Hof

$$ Fodor's choice
Dining here is almost a prerequisite for visiting Bruges, and while it's well known to tourists, don't let that put you off. A menu of solid Belgian favorites (with a particularly good seafood selection) is served at this third-generation family-run restaurant, and each dish is prepared with consummate skill. This is among the city's oldest restaurants, having occupied the same spot since 1751. The old wood-beamed ceiling is the only indication of its past, as attempts have been made to add a whisper of modernity to its setting. Luckily, it still retains its formal dining area and a strong dose of old-world charm.
Mariastraat 36, Bruges, Flanders, B8000, Belgium
050-330--614
Known For
  • around since the mid-1700s
  • a charmingly formal setting and a solid selection of Flemish classics
  • easily located for some big sights
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Wed., Thurs., and Fri.

Bistro Zwart Huis

$$
This stylish, redbrick bar and restaurant lies above the old Cinema Liberty in a Gothic-style building that dates from 1482—all wooden beams, iron latticework, and stained glass. The fare is bistro-style comfort food at its largest: huge servings of Flemish stews, bloody steaks, and the odd exotic meat (ostrich, kangaroo). Good food, a great choice of beers, and live jazz and blues combine to make this one of the better nights out in the city.
Kuipersstraat 23, Bruges, Flanders, 8000, Belgium
050-691–140
Known For
  • great atmosphere with a killer sound track
  • good beer selection to complement its meat-heavy menu
  • live music
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues.

Bistrot de la Mer

$$

Although the menu at this simple but cozy family-run place splits itself evenly between seafood and meat-based dishes, its location---directly across from the harbor where the fishing boats land their harvest---means you will seldom go wrong if you opt for the catch of the day. Scallop starters and lobster mains add extra sparkle for those in need of a little indulgence.

Visserskaai 21, Oostende, Flanders, 8400, Belgium
059-801–800
Known For
  • good beef and tuna carpaccio starters
  • excellent mussels
  • friendly service
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues.

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Curiosa

$$

A Bruges institution for more than three decades, this cross-vaulted, medieval crypt has evolved over the years from a lively tavern with loud music at night, into a more genteel restaurant that provides a quiet spot for conversation over a meal and a glass of wine. The menu covers steaks, and Belgian classics such as vispannetje (fish stew), mussels, or rabbit, all at very reasonable prices.

Vlamingstraat 22, Bruges, Flanders, 8000, Belgium
050-342–334
Known For
  • three-course set lunch menu is a steal
  • some of the best-value mussels in Bruges
  • cozy cellar atmosphere

De Ruyffelaer

$$

Lace curtains in the front windows---and an interior that looks unchanged in a century, but which was probably carefully crafted to look that way---set the tone in this traditional restaurant serving hearty portions of no-frills Belgian classics, prepared in a style of which Grandma would have approved. Even French fries and side salads have no place here: all mains are served with cooked vegetables and creamy mashed potato---if you're looking for cutting-edge nouvelle cuisine you may be disappointed, but if you want a homey feast you won't go hungry.

De Stuersstraat 11, Ypres, Flanders, 8900, Belgium
0499-415–198
Known For
  • old-fashioned but heart-warmingly delicious comfort food
  • dishes cooked with beer
  • historic ambience
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.–Thurs. No lunch Fri. and Sat.

Eetcafé Lion Belge

$$

A 15-minute walk from the Markt, this informal Belgian café-restaurant attracts a roaring crowd—a legacy of being just a few doors up from one of the city's busier hostels. The menu changes regularly, although the food inevitably veers toward the comfort variety, with some excellent stews (like its simple but winning pot-au-feu) regularly cropping up. In a city where restaurants don't need to try that hard to find business and aren't afraid to charge for the privilege, Lion Belge is inexpensive, consistent, and friendly.

Langestraat 123, Bruges, Flanders, 8000, Belgium
0496-210--244
Known For
  • keeping it simple, to delicious effect
  • a great beer selection to go with the food
  • prices that suit every pocket
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues.