Where to Eat in Bruges: Belgian Dishes, Chocolate, Waffles & Beer I’d Recommend

Looking for where to eat in Bruges? Here’s my honest guide to Belgian dishes, chocolate, waffles, beer, restaurants, sweet stops and food tours I’d recommend for a first trip—from someone who’s been to Bruges twice!

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If you’re planning a trip to Bruges, you probably already know the city is famous for chocolate, waffles and beer.

And yes, you absolutely should make time for all three.

On my most recent visit, I stayed overnight in Bruges and had more time to eat properly, try a few different spots, wander into chocolate shops and drink Belgian beer (of course).

My surprise favourite? Lion Belge. Not because it’s the fanciest, but it’s exactly the kind of restaurant that reminds you why Bruges is worth experiencing beyond cobbled streets and jealousy-inducing photos.

Lion Belge

P.S. If you’d rather have your Bruges food stops handled for you…

This private Bruges food tour includes 10 tastings, from waffles and fries to chocolate and beer, with a local guide weaving in city highlights as you go.

check availability for bruges food tour

With that said, here’s where I’d eat and drink in Bruges, from Belgian classics and seafood to waffles, chocolate, beer and a few extra stops worth adding if you have time.

Shall we?

P.S. – Here’s the best Bruges cafés too, which absolutely deserves its own guide!

About the Author

Hi, I’m Candace — a London-based travel writer and content creator who traded the East Coast of the US for the charm of the UK back in 2016. London’s been my home ever since.

On this blog, you’ll find hundreds of thoughtfully crafted London, UK, Europe and Worldwide travel guides alongside lots of insider London tips, honest hotel and restaurant reviews and advice for content creators.

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🗞️📺 As featured on the BBC, USA Today & Recipe.TV.

Quick Picks: Where I’d Eat in Bruges

Café Rose Red-Bruges

I’ve visited Bruges twice now, once as a day trip from Brussels when I was 19, and again more recently for an overnight stay in the historic centre (here’s the hotel I stayed!), which gave me much more time to properly eat, drink and explore the city.

If you’re short on time, here’s the version I’d send to a friend planning their first Bruges trip.

The Top Foods & Dishes to Try in Bruges

Before I get into some really lovely recommendations, I wanted to share what to look out for on your food bucket list when it comes to Bruges.

I don’t know about you, but when I travel, I tend to try and find the best ‘must-try’ foods to have in that city/country before my trip—and when it comes to Bruges, you’re shamelessly spoilt for choice (don’t think about the calories, just enjoy).

Belgian Waffles

Chez Albert

You can’t really come to Bruges and not have a waffle.

For a tried-and-true Bruges waffle stop, House of Waffles is well worth your list.

If you’re more interested in toppings and something a little different, I’d look at Otto Waffle Atelier on Katelijnestraat, especially for their oat waffles and incredibly long list of toppings to choose from.

If you’re short on time and just want something easy to grab while sightseeing, Chez Albert is also a great one to keep on your list.

Belgian Chocolate

If there’s one place in the world that’s a chocolate city, it’s Bruges, so I’d recommend leaving space in your stomach (and your bag) for at least a few proper chocolate stops.

For a classic Bruges chocolatier, I’d look at Dumon Chocolatier on Eiermarkt.

For a sweet shop with lots of Belgian treats and gifts, La Belgique Gourmande is easy to spend some time in.

For something more modern and colourful, Atelier Verbaert is worth knowing about too, along with The Chocolate Line for dazzling creative chocolates.

And if you’re in a hot chocolate mood, The Old Chocolate House is a sweet one to have on your radar. Especially for Bruges at Christmas!

Belgian Beer

Belgium takes beer seriously, and it shows in Bruges.

For an unfussy beer bar in the centre, I’d look at Bar Rose Red, especially if you want somewhere with atmosphere that doesn’t feel like you’re in a random tourist bar.

If you want more of an experience, add De Halve Maan Brewery to your itinerary. It’s one of the best-known breweries in Bruges and home to local beers Brugse Zot and Straffe Hendrik, plus they offer tours if you want more beer bits in your trip.

You can also sip on over 300 Belgian beers at ’t Brugs Beertje.

Flemish Stew

If you tire of beer, chocolate and waffles (happens to the best of us) look for Flemish stew.

It’s usually a rich beef stew made with beer, and exactly the kind of thing you’ll want at the end of a full day of walking beautiful cobbled streets.

If you’re looking for a proper Belgian comfort dish, I’d start here!

Mussels, Fish & Seafood

De Koetse

Although Bruges isn’t on the coast itself, you’ll still be in West Flanders—in other words, close enough to the North Sea that fish and seafood have some serious credentials.

If you like seafood as much as I do, I’d look at De Koetse in the centre for crisp sea bass and dangerously good mussels.

Frites

When in Bruges (or anywhere in Belgium), frites won’t be far behind, and they’re a fab easy add-on between bigger meals.

I wouldn’t build a whole food day around them, but if you’re in Belgium, they’re absolutely worth tucking into at some point.

I recommend Frituur ’t Walpleintje at Walplein 19, near the Begijnhof area!

Hot Chocolate (& Chocolate)

If the weather turns very Belgian, hot chocolate will suddenly become a very important part of your itinerary.

For that, The Old Chocolate House is one of Bruges’ most well-loved chocolate stops.

I’d save it for a rainy afternoon, a Bruges at Christmas trip, or anytime you realise you’ve walked 20,000 steps and need something warm and sweet…immediately.

Best Restaurants in Bruges I’d Recommend

Lion Belge

Lion Belge, Bruges

Best for: A relaxed Belgian meal that feels like a real dinner, not just another tourist stop

If I had to pick the meal that surprised me most in Bruges, it would be Lion Belge.

It’s not the first place you’ll necessarily see on every glossy Bruges food list, but that’s part of why I liked it.

I’d recommend getting your hands on something classic here, whether that’s pork knuckle, moules-frites, Flemish stew, duck croquettes or whatever seasonal special catches your eye.

I’d book this for: a relaxed dinner, Belgian comfort food, couples, friends or anyone who wants a proper meal after a full Bruges itinerary.

De Koetse

De Koetse

Best for: Traditional Belgian food in the heart of Bruges

If you want a central Bruges restaurant for Belgian comfort food, De Koetse is fab for your shortlist.

It’s on Oude Burg, so easy to reach from the historic centre—with old-school Flemish restaurant interiors and dishes including Flemish stew with witloof salad, homemade Belgian puff pastries and shrimp croquettes, to name a few.

P.S.—Make a booking in advance for this one (and note they close on Thursdays)

Bar Rose Red

Café Rose Red-Bruges

Best for: Belgian beer in a cosy central bar

For beer in Bruges, Bar Rose Red is one of my favourites to recommend.

It’s central, close to Markt, but tucked just enough away that it doesn’t feel like the most obvious tourist-square option. The bar is known for its incredibly long and impressive collection of Belgian beers—and of course, the snacks and sharing food that go with it.

This is not where I’d go for a full dinner. But it is 100% where I’d go for a beer stop.

I’d book this for: Belgian beer enthusiasts, a pre-dinner drink, a cosy evening stop or somewhere to rest your feet after sightseeing.

Cambrinus

Cambrinus

Best for: Belgian beer with a filling Flemish meal

If you want Belgian beer and dinner in the same place, Cambrinus is one of the strongest Bruges names to know.

This is more of a beer brasserie than a quick drink stop, with a huge Belgian beer list and a menu built around Flemish dishes that pair well with the drinks list (we love to see it).

Expect food like beer-braised stew, shrimp croquettes, mussels, steak, fish dishes and seasonal specials and everything you’d want from one day in Bruges or a weekend in Bruges escape.

I’d book this for: Cosy beer & food stop in Bruges with a lively brasserie!

Cuvée

Cuvée

Best for: Natural wine and a more contemporary food-and-drink stop in Bruges

If you want a break from beer, add Cuvée to your Bruges list.

This is more of a natural wine and small-plates situation, which makes it feel different from the lovely but standard Belgian restaurants and beer bars in the city.

I’d book this for: natural wine, sharing plates, a date night, a friends’ evening or a lighter dinner.

Best Waffles in Bruges

House of Waffles

Best for: A famous waffle stop with lots of choice

If you’re looking up waffles in Bruges, you’re bound to have stumbled on House of Waffles.

It’s one of the best-known waffle stops in the city with both sweet and savoury choices depending on what you’re keen on.

I’d go here if you want a more tried-and-true waffle stop vs. grabbing one from the first window you see.

You can keep it classic, or if you’re so inclined, go all in with toppings. I’m thinking chocolate, cherries, cream, fruit, ice cream…need I say more?

I’d go for: a sit-down waffle stop, lots of topping choice, or a sweet break between sightseeing.

Otto Waffle Atelier

Otto Waffle Atelier

Best for: The Bruges waffle I’d choose for toppings and something a little different

If you want a waffle that feels a bit more Bruges-specific, I’d go to Otto Waffle Atelier on Katelijnestraat.

Otto is known for its Bruges waffle, baked in a distinctive shape, made with oat flour and finished with coconut blossom sugar, not to mention gluten-free and dairy-free waffles as standard.

Personally, leaving here without toppings is treason. So take your pick!

I’d go for: creative waffles, better topping options, dietary-friendly waffles, and something more unique to Bruges vs. a basic waffle shop.

Chez Albert

Best for: A quick Belgian waffle to go

Chez Albert is the one I’d keep in mind if you want a waffle quick and easy while wandering around Bruges.

It’s not necessarily the most stunning food experience in the city, but it absolutely does the job if you’re after a classic Belgian waffle.

I’d grab one to go here if you’re in the middle of sightseeing in Bruges, want something sweet, and don’t want to spend ages deciding where to stop.

I’d go for: a quick waffle fix while exploring.

Best Chocolate Shops in Bruges

Dumon Chocolatier

Best for: A classic Bruges chocolate stop

For chocolate in Bruges…Dumon Chocolatier.

Their Eiermarkt shop is especially photogenic and very easy to add in if you’re already around Markt.

It’s a classic Bruges chocolate stop: small, charming, central and exactly the kind of place where you suddenly decide you need to bring home gifts for people you hadn’t planned on buying gifts for. Like…yourself.

I’d recommend popping in for pralines or a small box to take home, especially for something more Bruges-specific than buying chocolate from a random souvenir shop.

I’d go for: pralines, gifts, and a classic Bruges chocolate stop near Markt.

The Chocolate Line

The Chocolate Line

Best for: A famous Bruges chocolate stop with more creative flavours

If you’re serious about chocolate in Bruges, make time for The Chocolate Line.

This is one of the city’s best-known chocolate names, especially if you want something a little more creative than a classic box of pralines. I’d still keep Dumon Chocolatier for a classic Bruges chocolate stop, but The Chocolate Line is one I’d look at for bolder chocolate flavours, playful chocolates and a more modern Belgian chocolate stop.

And of course, chocolate gifts too!

I’d go for: creative chocolates if you’re keen on something different!

La Belgique Gourmande

La Belgique Gourmande

Best for: Belgian treats and easy gifts

Think of La Belgique Gourmande essentially as a stop for edible souvenirs.

Here you’ll find all you could ever fancy when it comes to Belgian sweets and treats, so it’s a good place to browse if you want to take something home but aren’t sure what you’re looking for yet.

I’d go for: chocolate, biscuits, sweets, gifts and browsing.

The Old Chocolate House

Best for: Hot chocolate

If you only have room for one hot chocolate stop in Bruges, make it The Old Chocolate House.

It’s a chocolate shop and tearoom, and the thing to know it for is hot chocolate.

This is the stop I’d save for a Christmas in Bruges, a cold day, a rainy afternoon, or any moment when you want to sit down after walking all over Bruges.

You can also buy chocolate to take away, but I’d come here specifically for the hot chocolate, made onsite!

I’d go for: hot chocolate, a sweet sit-down stop, or a cosy break in winter.

Best Beer Experience in Bruges: De Halve Maan Brewery

De Halve Maan Brewery

If you want a Belgian beer experience firmly on your Bruges itinerary, De Halve Maan Brewery is an obvious and lovely place to start.

The brewery dates back to 1856 and has been run by the same brewing family for generations. It’s also home to beers like Brugse Zot and Straffe Hendrik, which you’ll see around the city.

You can visit for a beer, but I’d especially consider the brewery tour if you want more of an experience rather than just ordering a drink somewhere.

I’d go for: beer, brewery history, Brugse Zot and Straffe Hendrik!

P.S.—Book ahead if you specifically want a tour. For more beer options and a local Bruges beer stop, check out ’t Brugs Beertje.

The Bruges Food Tour I’d Book for a First Trip

If it’s your first time in Bruges and you want someone else to do a good chunk of the food planning, I’d look at this Bruges local food tour with 10 tastings.

I’d personally book this one if you want to try several Belgian food and drink favourites in one go, rather than spending half your trip researching where to get waffles, fries, chocolate, beer and other local bites.

The tour includes 10 food and drink tastings, with a mix of savoury, sweet and drinks, plus Bruges sights woven in between stops—including Belgian favourites like fries, waffles, chocolate and beer, along with city highlights like Simon Stevinplein, Gruuthusemuseum and Burg Square.

Then leave time for at least one dinner or drinks stop on the trip that you choose yourself, especially if you want to book somewhere like Lion Belge, De Koetse or Bar Rose Red.

I’d book this for: first-time visitors, food lovers and anyone who wants to try several Bruges food stops without planning every bite themselves.

P.S. – The tour is around 3 hours and is in English, there’s vegetarian alternatives too if you let them know in advance!

How I’d Plan a Bruges Food Day

If you want to use this guide as an actual itinerary, this is how I’d pace a food-focused day in Bruges with enough room for wandering, sightseeing and having a proper sit-down.

Morning

Start with either hotel breakfast (here’s the hotel I stayed in Bruges) or keep it simple and save your appetite for later.

If you’re already near Katelijnestraat, grab an Otto Waffle Atelier. Or if you’re closer to the main centre and want something quick, go for Chez Albert.

Late Morning / Early Afternoon

Do your main sightseeing bits next—Markt, climb and hear the bells ring at Belfry of Bruges, see De Burg, Rozenhoedkaai, Bonifacius Bridge and the canal-side streets.

Then stop for chocolate around the centre. I’d look at Dumon Chocolatier on Eiermarkt if you want a classic Bruges chocolate shop, or La Belgique Gourmande if you’re near Markt and want something sweet to take home.

Lunch

If you’re planning a big dinner, this is where I’d keep lunch lighter. Otherwise, this is where you may want to take a local Bruges food tour, add in The Old Chocolate House if it’s chilly out, and Bar Rose Red if you’re more in a beer mood.

This is also a good time to fit in De Halve Maan Brewery if you want the full Belgian beer experience on your trip.

Dinner

For dinner, I’d choose based on your trip style. For a relaxed and generous Belgian meal, I’d go to Lion Belge. For fresh fish and seafood, look at De Koetse. For small plates and wine, I’d choose Cuvée, and for a charming Belgian brasserie, go to Cambrinus.

Practical Tips for Eating Out in Bruges

Book dinner ahead

Bruges is popular, and restaurants can fill up, especially at weekends, around Christmas markets, and during busier travel periods.

If there’s somewhere you really want to eat, I’d book first to avoid disappointment!

Bruges closing days can be random—check ahead

A lot of Bruges restaurants have specific closing days, and they’re not always the days you expect (like De Koetse currently closing on Thursdays).

Be sure to check opening hours before you go, especially important if you’re only in Bruges for one or two nights.

Don’t make every meal a full sit-down meal

Bruges is a city of waffles, chocolate, beer, hot chocolate and gorgeous little treats.

With that said, you don’t need three formal meals a day here. Sometimes the better move is one hearty meal, one waffle, one chocolate stop and a beer somewhere cosy. In my food-filled opinion…

Save room in your bag

I know this sounds obvious, but if you’re planning to buy chocolate, leave space!

Bruges is one of those places where you think you’re “just browsing” and then suddenly you’ve bought pralines, biscuits, and all sorts of chocolate-covered things

Keep café-hopping separate

There’s plenty of cafés in Bruges, but I’d honestly treat that as its own thing.

If you’re looking for coffee, breakfast, brunch and cosy café stops, I’d use my Bruges café guide rather than trying to turn every food stop into one mega itinerary.

Final Thoughts: Where I’d Eat in Bruges

Bruges is a fairytale-like city, but between the chocolate shops, beer cafés, waffles and steaming pots of mussels, it’s also a very good place to eat.

If it’s your first trip to Bruges, I’d make sure you try the classics—waffles, chocolate, Belgian beer and at least one proper Belgian meal.

But don’t plan your Bruges food itinerary around the most obvious places.

Lion Belge is fabulous for a relaxed Belgian dinner. For Flemish comfort food in the centre, I’d consider De Koetse and Cambrinus if you want Belgian beer to be a highlight part of the meal. For a cosier beer stop, I’d add Bar Rose Red or De Halve Maan Brewery if you want more of a brewery experience.

For natural wine and sharing plates, Cuvée is the one I’d save for a slower evening in Bruges. For waffles, I’d choose between House of Waffles, Otto Waffle Atelier or Chez Albert, depending on whether you want a well-known waffle stop, more artisanal toppings or something quick to go while exploring.

And for chocolate, honestly, you’ll be spoilt. I’d start with Dumon Chocolatier, La Belgique Gourmande or The Chocolate Line, then save The Old Chocolate House for hot chocolate if you have time (or if Bruges at Christmas is calling…).

However you do it, just be sure not to treat food in Bruges as an afterthought.

It’s one of the best parts of the city!

Enjoy your trip and Happy travels,

Candace x

FAQ: Where to Eat in Bruges

💭 What food is Bruges known for?

Bruges is best known for Belgian chocolate, waffles, beer, frites and classic Belgian dishes like Flemish stew, mussels, fish, seafood and shrimp croquettes.

For a first trip, I’d make time for at least one waffle, one chocolate shop, one Belgian beer and one proper sit-down meal!

💭 Where should I eat in Bruges for a first trip?

For a first trip to Bruges, I really recommend Lion Belge for a relaxed Belgian dinner, but if you want Flemish comfort food and seafood in the centre, I’d also look at De Koetse. For beer, I’d choose Bar Rose Red for a cosy bar feel or Cambrinus if you want Belgian beer with a brasserie meal.

For waffles, I’d look at House of Waffles, Otto Waffle Atelier or Chez Albert depending on whether you want a well-known waffle stop, more artisanal toppings or something quick to go while exploring.

For chocolate, I’d start with Dumon Chocolatier, La Belgique Gourmande or The Chocolate Line, then save The Old Chocolate House for hot chocolate if you have time or it’s cold outside.

💭 Where do locals go to eat in Bruges?

I’m always careful with “where locals go” claims because I’m visiting rather than living in Bruges, but I’d look beyond the busiest restaurant terraces directly on Markt if you want a meal that feels a bit more local-led.

From my recommendations, Lion Belge, Cambrinus, and Bar Rose Red are the most far-off from a random tourist-square meal. Which is what I love about them!

💭 What are the best Belgian dishes to try in Bruges?

I’d recommend trying Flemish stew, mussels, fish or seafood, shrimp croquettes, frites, waffles, Belgian chocolate and Belgian beer.

If you have a sweet tooth, add hot chocolate at The Old Chocolate House too.

💭 Where should I go for waffles in Bruges?

For waffles in Bruges, I’d look at House of Waffles, Otto Waffle Atelier or Chez Albert.

House of Waffles is good if you want a famous waffle stop with lots of choice. Otto Waffle Atelier is my pick if you want creative toppings and something a bit more unique to Bruges. Chez Albert works well for a quick waffle to go.

💭 Where should I buy chocolate in Bruges?

For chocolate in Bruges, I’d look at Dumon Chocolatier, La Belgique Gourmande, The Chocolate Line, Atelier Verbaert or The Old Chocolate House.

Dumon is a classic Bruges chocolatier, La Belgique Gourmande is good for browsing gifts, Atelier Verbaert feels more modern and colourful, and The Old Chocolate House is the one I’d choose for hot chocolate.

💭 Where should I drink Belgian beer in Bruges?

For Belgian beer in Bruges, I’d look at Bar Rose Red, Cambrinus, De Halve Maan Brewery or ’t Brugs Beertje.

Bar Rose Red and Cambrinus are cosy central beer bar options with a strong Belgian beer selection. De Halve Maan is the better choice if you want a brewery experience and the chance to try Bruges beers like Brugse Zot or Straffe Hendrik from the source!

💭 Is Bruges good for food?

Yes, Bruges is good for food, especially if you enjoy chocolate, waffles, beer, seafood and classic Belgian/Flemish dishes.

That said, I wouldn’t choose restaurants completely at random in the busiest parts of the city, especially directly on Markt, where some places can feel more tourist-focused. Bruges is popular, so it’s worth having a few places saved before your trip.

💭 Do you need restaurant reservations in Bruges?

For dinner, yes, I’d book ahead for the restaurants in my recommendations, particularly given Bruges’ small size and busy tourist season.

This is especially true for weekends, Christmas markets, special restaurants and smaller places with limited tables. For waffles, chocolate shops and casual beer stops, you can be a lot more flexible.

💭 Is Bruges good for vegetarians?

Bruges can work for vegetarians, but traditional Belgian food is often meat, seafood and dairy-heavy.

If you’re vegetarian, I’d check menus before booking restaurants and lean into waffles, chocolate, cafés, frites, wine bars and restaurants with clearly listed vegetarian options. If you’re taking a local Bruges food tour, make sure to tell them you’re vegetarian in advance so they can adjust the food options for you!

💭 Should I do a food tour in Bruges?

A Bruges food tour is a good idea if it’s your first visit and you want an easy introduction to Belgian food without planning every stop yourself.

I’d especially consider one if you only have a short time in Bruges or want to try a mix of waffles, chocolate, beer and classic Belgian dishes with a guide.

Plan the rest of your Bruges trip

Still planning? Here’s more of my Bruges guides to help you decide where to stay, what to book and how to make the most of your trip.

Before you book

• Is Bruges Worth Visiting? My Honest Review After Visiting Twice
• Bruges or Ghent? My Honest Comparison After Visiting Both
• The Best Time to Visit Bruges: When I’d Go Again

Bruges itineraries

• One Day in Bruges: My Perfect Bruges Day Trip Itinerary
• My Bruges Weekend Itinerary: How I’d Spend 2 Days in the City
• How to Take a Day Trip from Brussels to Bruges
• Bruges and Ghent Itinerary: How to Visit Both in One Belgium Trip

Where to stay and what to book

• Where to Stay in Bruges: My Favourite Areas & Hotels for a First Trip
• Hotel Acacia Bruges Review: My Honest Stay in Bruges
• Best Tours in Bruges: Canal Cruises, Walking Tours & Food Experiences
• Bruges Canal Boat Tour: My Honest Review & What to Know Before You Go
• How to Visit Bruges Without a Car: Train Tips, Walking Routes & Getting Around

What to do and where to eat

• The Best Things to Do in Bruges: My Favourite Sights, Food Stops & Local Gems
• Unique Things to Do in Bruges: Less Obvious Stops I Loved After Visiting Twice
• Best Cafes in Bruges: My Favourites from My Trip