21 Spots in Brussels That Will Make Your Mouth Water

One of the ultimate waffles stops in Brussels is the acclaimed Maison Dandoy (pronounced: may-SON don-DWAH). The motto of this waffle paradise is “We want to make your senses twinkle and dance.” I’ll happily buy a waffle from any establishment with a slogan like that!

Maison Dandoy has been family owned for generations, and they use 100% all natural ingredients to produce one the best artisan waffles in Brussels. Sure, you can get a Leige waffle just about anywhere, but the one at Dandoy is top notch.

The Waffle Factory might be a chain, but it’s by no means average. While they do serve your traditional Brussels and Leige waffles, try something a little different: The Lunchwhaf, a lunch waffle stuffed with meats and cheeses (croque monsieur, anyone?), vegetables, and even curry!

If your sweet tooth is calling, order The Waffine, a crispy waffle stuffed with the gooey goodness of Nutella and little bits of white chocolate! Frankly, you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.

If you like variety when it comes to your waffle, then let Le Funambule (pronounced: few-nam-BYUL) take you for a spin. It’s self-serve, meaning you can smother your gaufres (the French word for waffles) in whatever you so desire. If you choose the classic 1 euro waffle, though, I guarantee no judgements will be passed.

It’s also right next to Manneken Pis, so you can watch a little bronze boy taking a wee while you eat. Just perfect.

Mokafé is where you go if you like your waffle as a part of a balanced breakfast (that’s a thing, right?). They have a beautiful tea room with lots of sitting space, which makes it perfect for a mid-morning waffle and cup of tea.

There are plenty of options to choose from on the menu, but you’ll melt when you bite into one of these crispy, fluffy waffles topped with fresh fruit or even just some powdered sugar. But whatever you do, don’t forget the chocolate.

Peck 47 is a beautiful little Greenwich Village-esque cafe found in downtown Brussels. They serve “fresh food made with lots of love,” that makes me feel like I’m out for brunch on a Sunday afternoon in NYC. They’re known for having an interesting menu, with some unique ingredients making up their lavish dishes. It’s their waffle combos, though, that really stand out–like the one with feta and chorizo inside!

Pierre Marcolini is known for having exotic chocolates from all over the world. They mark each morsel with the different ingredients inside, where they come from, and any other flavors that blend into the chocolate. The Madagascar chocolate, for example, tastes like yellow fruit since they’re grown in the same soil.

Try the truffles, eclairs, or limited edition dark chocolates; this is also a top spot for macaroons, if that’s your thing (but whose thing is it not?)

Laurent Gerbaud is a world-famous, upscale chocolatier who really knows cacao. He doesn’t sell much milk-chocolate, though–he makes and sells mostly dark chocolate, sourced primarily from Ecuador and Madagascar, which have no added sugar, no butter, no alcohol, no preservatives, no artificial flavors, and no additives. In other words it’s all about the chocolate.

After picking a few tasting items, grab a cup of their famous hot chocolate and relax in their comfy tea-room.

If you’re interested in the lifecycle of chocolate, visit the Zaabär chocolate factory for a one-of-a-kind learning experience. Their chocolate workshops teach the entire chocolate-making process, from the raw cacao to the moment it melts in your mouth.

At Zaabӓr, you’ll find some of Brussels’ most unique types of chocolates–from blocks to tutti fruttis to Napolitains–all authentic, all to die for. You can sample all of them, but don’t leave without trying their chocolate bars; how can you pass up chocolate stuffed with banana and Belgian gingerbread?

Though Neuhaus chocolates are exported all over the world, there’s nothing quite like visiting the original Neuhaus chocolatier right here in Brussels. In the Neuhaus stores (there are more than 30 of them in Brussels alone!), try any type of flavor you like, but don’t miss the ones filled with Speculoos gingerbread, Italian ristretto, or bourbon! Those are my favorites.

Wittamer is the Belgian chocolatier who delivered their chocolates to the royal palace. If you’re looking for chocolates fit for a king, this is your stop. But they don’t sell just chocolates–they sell entire desserts. So why don’t you get comfy in their tea room and relax for a while…and enjoy one of these?

If the place is named “Planet Chocolate,” then you can be pretty sure it’s going to be good. This chocolatier, like many others, guarantees only the highest quality ingredients in their chocolate. But, what makes Planète Chocolat unique is that they’re always coming up with innovative chocolate pairings. Planète Chocolate is essentially a chocolate museum, with workshops and demonstrations, but they also sell some of the best chocolate in Brussels!

Frit’ Flagey is just an old stand on the side of the road, but you can’t ever judge the quality of frites based off of that. If the lines are long, you know it’s good, which is exactly what’s going on here. Famously known to be the best frites in Brussels (and I’ll attest to that), the portion sizes are also huge, meaning you’ll walk away feeling happy and full.

Their list of sauces is extensive, but the Brazil sauce is by far my favorite. If you’d rather sit down and enjoy a beer with your frites, Le Pantin and Le Pitch Pin, two venues in Flagey Square, let you BYOF.

Maison Antoine, like Frit’ Flagey, has been voted as one of the best places to score frites in Brussels, and they’ve famously been visited by numerous celebrities over the years. Here, both the portions and the prices are generous, and the dozens sauces are the real “cherry on top.” Get your golden goodness with some Andalouse sauce, and bite into a hand-cut frite that you know was made with love.

There are plenty of bars nearby where you can nibble on your treat while having a drink–just look for the “happy cone” on the window, which is a signal that Antoine’s frites are more than welcome.

Chez Clémentine, opened twenty years ago by the daughter of the proprietor of Antoine, is the only eco-friendly friterie in Brussels (with no effect on price!). So, you already know they’re good, and since they’re open until 6am on Friday and Saturday, I already know exactly where you’ll be after a night out at the pubs.

Chez Eugène is a bit off the beaten path, but that’s exactly what makes it so special. Located in Uccle, away from the mainstream frites (but close to Clémentine), Chez Eugène keeps things old school. Their fries are thick cut, their menus are handwritten and, as far as I can tell, they don’t even have a website or Facebook page!

Not far from Maison Antoine, at Chez Fernand you’ll avoid the long lines but still get a veritable portion of golden brown fries! Their shop doesn’t have the standard feel of most friteries in Belgium, though–it’s modern and trendy, with fresh paint and flatscreen TVs. But, if the weather is nice, you can take them to Park Meudon right across the street.

It’s easy to walk by this place since it’s pretty small, kind of dark and very old. The thing is, the Théâtre Royal de Toone (pronounced: tone) has an extensive history dating back to the 1600’s that makes it well worth a visit–the tavern doubles as a puppet theater! Who doesn’t want to watch a puppet show while having a beer? (Hint: I do!) This cozy place serves up a great selection of Belgian beers and is sure to provide you with a memorable night out in Brussels.

These two sister bars may sound familiar. To answer your question, yes, it’s the same Delirium that makes the beer! Delirium Cafe and Little Delirium are two funky bars that are not to be missed in Brussels–they’re a bit touristy, but they’re great nonetheless, and they’re something of a Belgian icon. Their wide range of more than 3,000 beers (not a typo) means you can order anything from the classic Tremens to something a little more unique–like a cookie beer!

If you like drinking in a 16th-century cellar (who doesn’t?), and you’re after a real Belgian night out, then La Porte Noire is for you. Located in the heart of Brussels, La Porte Noire is a small, local favorite that offers a more alternative vibe for a 20-something crowd. You’re guaranteed a great night out at La Porte Noire!

If you’re a lambic lover (I’m not), make your way to Moeder Lambic. It’s their house specialty, but they’ve got plenty of beer on tap, too. The staff are very knowledgable and friendly and they’ll kindly introduce you to some new brews you’ve never tried before. What’s more, Moeder Lambic has some great bar food to go along with your drinks. Bon appetit!

À La Mort Subite dates back to the early 20th century, and it hasn’t changed much since then (which is a good thing). The history here is what makes it such a great place, and a cold Belgian beer will transport you to a simpler time. If you want some good beer but don’t want the raucousness of a night out, you’ll find a more sophisticated drinking crowd at À La Mort Subite.