The best French cuisine restaurants Belgium

Built towards the end of the ^19th century, this "Little Versailles of the Ardennes" is both a hotel and an exceptional restaurant. Gault & Millau-rated, the cuisine at Le Manoir is that of chef Loïc Jambon, who trained at Le Manoir in its early days, then left for other horizons before returning with stripes of executive chef. Menus of 2 to 6 courses overlooking the parks and gardens, composed with fine ingredients such as Saint-Malo crab, partridge, black truffle, etc., subtly blended and sprinkled with Asian touches.

De stokerij is translated as "the distillery" and, obviously, this pre-industrial building used to be a brewery-distillery. You have to admit that the walls are quite magical, as are the plates. Fusion cuisine in a trendy place, where the little icons on the menu indicate tapas and dishes that are vegetarian, dairy, gluten-free, sugar-free and so on. Their specialty is a twist on carbonnade. Instead of beef, pork cheek is used with a sauce made with Sint-Bernardus 12 beer, a real treat! And don't forget to try one of the house beers.

The framework blends a small spirit of land with a simple refinement. The service, sober and discreet, will preserve your privacy. You can enjoy traditional French cuisine, complemented by régionnales specialities such as shank. As a result of the seasons, gastronomic events will allow you to discover otherwise this charming place and to refine your palace to new places: " The Alsace Weekend "," L'honneur à l'homard "," Les Moules "," Le Festival du Jeu ".

With a solid experience in recognised institutions (Georges Blanc, As Chez Chez Soi, Bruneau and 6 years of De), Chef Gilles Joye has opened his own restaurant to share his culinary universe with new creations, discoveries and always around authentic tastes. With a reference to the rhythm of the seasons, the innovative and refined combinations will seduce you and put your water in your mouth. The dishes are accompanied by a map of selected French wines and wines from the glamorous world. His wife Muise will welcome you in the room with warmth and spontaneity. You will settle in a pleasant and quiet place that will allow you to take full advantage of your meal. On sunny days, the sun terrace welcomes you. The talent always ends up paying, since Gilles Joye got his first Michelin star… 4 years after opening! A great success!

As soon as you enter, the light tones set the tone. At the table, the short menu varies according to the chef's desires and the seasons. It breathes good humour, health, picking in the meadows or mushrooms in the woods. The link between these dishes is the care taken with the presentation. The chef's preparations are supported by some nice bottles. The assortment of small dishes (vegetarian, fish or meat) in the form of "Combinations" and a close relationship with the producers are the new spearheads of this discreet restaurant.

A historic bar in Kraainem, a commune bordering the Brussels region, the New Inn has been enjoying a second lease of life since 2019, when it was transformed into a brasserie. The menu features honest brasserie dishes (spaghetti, veal kidneys, duck breast, etc.), but the chef also offers suggestions from other cuisines (linguine vongole, Argentinian meat) or seasonal dishes (mussels, game, etc.). In fine weather, the terrace is very pleasant, with a rural view of the church, while in the evening, it is illuminated with colorful garlands that give it a festive air.

With new chef Fela Herzog, Harvest continues to offer inventive, seasonal cuisine with a French base, but open to the world (pressed octopus, sea sorbet, an astonishing red cabbage cake with rhubarb mousse for dessert in summer). The evening menu is available in three styles: vegetarian, fish or meat. A short menu at a reasonable price, especially for lunch. The room is beautiful, with its black-and-white tiled floor, uncluttered decor and comfortable seats and benches. The wine list is full of surprises, alongside a fine range of Burgundies.

Pushing the door of the Sanglier, it is to find oneself in a little Ardennes café with its rustic furnishing (not surprising that it carries the name of boar). Martine and Marc Roeland have been running the place for 14 years and it is a popular tavern in the noble sense of the word: you come here to drink a coffee, a beer, eat a croque or an omelette when the kitchen is closed, and when it is open, you can find good old specialities (solettes, American, grilled steak). At noon on weekdays, dish of the day at good price. Covered terrace and discovery as a bonus.

This beautiful restaurant offers French cuisine with very creative influences. But there's no need to rush: the dishes are best enjoyed with the eyes! Great attention is paid to detail. The service is young, dynamic and professional. The decor is refined and successful. The restaurant is very popular in the region. Cod and ribs on the bone are in great demand. A must-stop! And don't forget: the establishment also offers top-of-the-range B&B accommodation! Enough to keep the pleasure going!

50 metres from the Boulevard du Souverain, a typical early 20th century house in the commune, between the Tenreukens park and the Soignes forest, with a breathtaking view of the pond. The Niels family runs the establishment with brio, in addition to the Vieux Saint-Martin in the Sablon and the Canterbury in Ixelles. Here too, the menu is exclusively à la carte, so it's not surprising to find brasserie dishes as well as more creative suggestions, all based on exceptional products. This is the family's DNA. Heated terrace all year round.

Uccle Calevoet looks like a big village, and that's where Filipe decided to open a neighborhood restaurant in the noblest sense of the word. Although the restaurant is brand new, it already has its regulars, and that's a good sign. Filipe highlights his Italian-Portuguese origins in a menu that changes according to his moods. The pizzas remain the constants, while the rest varies from linguine vongole to pasteis de nata, without neglecting French and seasonal cuisine (game in autumn). The plates are generous, cooked just like at home.

Located at Belgian Beer World (formerly the Brussels Stock Exchange), this new brasserie is situated on one of the most beautiful spots in the city center. And already the public is flocking here, thanks to the majestic setting of the former stock exchange, as well as the atmosphere and Belgian accents of the short menu. Carbonnades, Liège-style dumplings, mussels, entrecote steak... Special mention for the thick-cut steak tartare and fresh French fries. The only downside is the drinks, with very few wines and a dearth of Belgian beers. But what a setting!

Opening in 2019, La Planche d'Ailleurs takes the stylistic codes of its predecessor, only better. You can sit on the pretty terrace away from the peri-urban bustle. But we prefer the interior, which is so worth a look. Solid wood floors and tables, contemporary chairs of the most beautiful effect, we love it. The menu is surprising and explains the name of the place: the meats are from elsewhere! The least exotic is undoubtedly the pata negra, that's saying something! Next to it, guanaco or zebra (!) filet, reindeer... Exotic we tell you !

Tero is a coherent model that links healthy products (meat and vegetables) that come from their own farm in Rochefort, with creative gastronomy based on flavours and seasonality. The consistency continues with the sleek and dynamic setting that wraps around the central bar while fitting perfectly into the three levels of the space. On the menu are thirty or so small hot and cold dishes, mezze style, to share or not, and at lunchtime a vegetarian or meat lunch. On all levels it is refined, original and delicious. Another address in Bierges.

Rôtisse offers a modern and innovative culinary experience, reinventing the traditional Belgian rotisserie. Located just a stone's throw from the Bourse, it combines modernity and tradition with revisited classic dishes, fine roasting techniques and the use of local, seasonal produce. The menu offers a variety of choices, including vegetarian and vegan, as well as an original selection of cocktails. The setting combines Brussels authenticity and contemporary touches, with a pleasant terrace. Ideal for business lunches or romantic meals.

A local bistro par excellence, it serves truly inventive, original brasserie cuisine with a gastronomic flavour. In the kitchen, Jean-Claude Demurger is a saucier and roaster who is not to be messed with! His suggestions are handwritten on a pretty slate and the gentle terrace inevitably reminds one of the fine days in the South. A tempting selection of wines completes the picture of this address that we love! A real charming place, with its location opposite the Kisendael reserve, its conviviality and its estaminet decor.

After Vieux Spijtigen Duivel (also in Uccle), De Hoef is one of the oldest estaminets in Brussels. This former coaching inn, which became a restaurant in the 1950s, is now in the hands of the grandsons of "Madame Pitou", the establishment's tutelary figure. It's a real throwback to the era of the Spanish Netherlands, with its old tiles, wood panelling, beams and huge fireplace. It's not surprising that the specialties here are grilled meat and... Burgundy snails. The inner courtyard has been transformed into a charming terrace.

We sit down in one of the small rooms with different atmospheres, always dazzling and most often crowded. Girlfriends' tables appreciate the slightly girly touch of the atmosphere and the menu. In the plate, we are served a contemporary cuisine that is in tune with the seasons. It's contemporary and no stutter: back of cod in coconut milk, tataki of marinated veal, pearl barley risotto with clams and fennel. Everything is nicely presented, copious as it should be and absolutely always served with a big smile.

The brasserie serves in a Belgian-Belgian atmosphere a very popular American fries but does not prevent the ribs from being noticed, nor the spaghettis, scampis, meatballs in tomato sauce, Flemish carbonnades, tripe, kidneys, mussels in season, shrimp croquettes... Sometimes available as a suggestion, the pork chop with Blackwell sauceis a killer! And in summer, we add a few salads or carpaccio. Note some nice beers selected by Poje, who inspired the comic book hero of the same name "Du Côté de Chez Poje". You can't get more zwanzeur !

At a pretty crossroads in an affluent district of Schaerbeek, an elegant bistro by the name of Perruche has come into its own. Its bright green floor tiles are a tribute to the plumage of the birds that have taken up residence all over Brussels. Open in the morning, you'll find breakfasts (sweet and savory) as well as dishes (shrimp croquettes, vol-au-vent with free-range chicken) and pastries. In the evening, beers and cocktails close the show. If the upstairs is more intimate, don't miss the terrace when the Japanese cherry trees are in bloom.

It's been 20 years since Sébastien Cailletton took over his parents' restaurant, after honing his culinary skills in some of the best restaurants in the world. His credo: a French-inspired cuisine, from the market and following the seasons, with a menu that changes almost every day. For example, in the fall: a pan of wild mushrooms, pheasant nem and its emulsion with triple blonde Waterloo. The lunch is rather attractively priced. And then, there is the charm of this old building and its rose garden which gave its name to the restaurant.

After an informative tour of the Kasteel Brouwerij brewery, come and sit on the large patio terrace. Start by ordering one of the 29 beers on draught. The restaurant team will then prepare a dish for you on a charcoal grill. We especially like the sharing dishes. Don't leave without trying the homemade ice cream. An upmarket brasserie that has kept its friendly and authentic spirit! You'll definitely come back!

The Côté Montagne menu features typical specialities not from the Eastern Cantons, but from the Jura and Savoie regions. Fondues and raclettes, but also monts-d'or and roasted reblochons, all accompanied by tasty charcuterie and harmoniously matched wines. In the right season, grilled meats are on the menu, along with burgers and pizzas. All year round, there's something for everyone, from couples to large groups. The other Côté Montagne is located in Francorchamps, and is just as attractive.

We thought we'd lost this atmospheric brasserie-bistro-style restaurant, reminiscent of the pigeon café it once was, but here it has been resurrected by a young team who have also worked at Dillens. This address remains as welcoming and authentic as ever in the Place Saint-Job district. What's on the menu? Comfort food, for starters: snacked pork belly, cauliflower gratin, dumplings in tomato sauce, a terrific chocolate mousse and a fine selection of wines and beers. A true refuge!

Take the time to explore your purchases from the bookstore by sitting down at the Arhus café. Here you can enjoy iced tea, high quality teas and homemade desserts. You can even have lunch here and choose from current suggestions such as homemade stew, mushroom risotto or three-coloured pasta with fine vegetables. The place is bright and spacious. For the music lovers who dare, a piano is freely available... A delicious moment for those who read with moment of exception and sharing.

Located inside the Hergé museum, the decor is based on the themes of the adventures of the young reporter. For Le Petit Vingtième was a weekly supplement to the Belgian newspaper Le Vingtième Siècle intended for young people, where Tintin's adventures were born in 1930. One can see the front pages of the newspaper exposed on the ceiling following a luminous ribbon. Sitting here is ideal to enjoy the place and taste the quality French-Belgian brasserie dishes. Sharp tintinophiles will however regret not finding Syldavian specialities on the menu!

It looks like a brasserie, with a brasserie menu, and it is... a brasserie in the noblest sense of the word. At Soje, you'll find the good old classics of Belgian-French cuisine: baked marrow bones, andouillette à la dijonnaise, meatballs in tomato sauce... comforting dishes in an atmosphere of wooden benches and chairs, under the gaze of the clock that sits above the counter. Seasonal cuisine, according to market arrivals, and a rather attractive wine and beer list.

This recently opened establishment has already made a name for itself with its excellence. In a bucolic setting, it's in what looks like a farmhouse that chef Xavier Catoul and Sandrine Cuzon welcome you for a gastronomic journey through the classics of French cuisine. With classics, it's hard to cheat: simplicity and perfection of execution are the order of the day. Mêzon takes up the challenge: grilled veal sweetbread, rabbit leg à la provençale, apple flaky pie and pistachio ice cream. A real treat! As for the wine, Mathieu Closset keeps a close eye on things.

There is a little Parisian air here and it is not for nothing, this bistronomic establishment claims to be part of this new French tradition that combines a relaxed atmosphere with a plate that is up to the task. All the codes are there: short menu (5 starters, main courses and desserts), a dish and lunch of the day, seasonal products and a beautiful list of favorite wines. Chef Olivier Morland has it all. An example of this philosophy? The farmhouse pork confit was like butter, with a beautiful sauce as it should be. On the counter side, we eat at the bar!

Just behind the Botanique, this small and cosy restaurant has been home to two gourmet ladies for over three decades. The creativity of the plate is matched only by the modesty of these two ladies, one in the kitchen, the other in the cellar and in service. Here, absolute priority is given to freshness and only seasonal products are prepared. If the vegetables are "forgotten", it is mainly because it is in this category that the gardener classifies them (to call them "found" would be much more accurate, since the time...).

Who would have thought that such a restaurant could be found so close to the university? And yet! At the Solbosch, one comes to taste lobster or grilled meat... cooked on pink Himalayan salt stone, which gives a different taste to the meat. The other speciality of the establishment is seafood; since the restaurant also has a bench of scaling, it could not be fresher. And as the chef, Renaud Beghin, is a great traveller, one is never safe from finding a little touch of exoticism in his menu.

Not so long ago, Isabelle Browet and Yves Delruelle took over this Waterloo establishment, which has been in existence for over 20 years. This little restaurant serves classic, homemade dishes (a whole range of pasta dishes, duck breast, sole meunière...) in a vintage setting and a no-frills atmosphere (Waterloo is known for being rather posh) at reasonable prices. A rather exceptional feature: the restaurant is open late, until midnight on weekdays and 2 a.m. on weekends! The back terrace is particularly pleasant.

Open since the beginning of the century, Le Tournant is an indispensable beacon of good food in this neighbourhood. In an intimate bistro setting, you can see the open kitchen at the back. The menu gives pride of place to creativity. Amongst the specialities of Le Tournant, let's note the simmered dishes with influences from here or elsewhere (pork loin, beef cheek with Orval, duck with miso and wakame...). To accompany them, a very good list of natural wines from small French or Italian producers, met by the owners. Friendly, available and relaxed service.

Les Cousines is a vintage-looking restaurant run by two cousins who form an impressive duo. It opened on the banks of the Meuse in March 2020. Their efficient and simple cuisine (hot or cold sandwiches, dumplings, pancakes, ice creams...) does not hide a warm welcome and an ideal location on the banks of the Meuse, conducive to the spirit's stroll. It is an ideal place to put down your hiking bag or to get off your bike; it is also a strategic point on a day of visit to the famous nearby Gardens. A hearty dish of the day announced for the week on the blackboard.

A pleasant bar with the air of a Lyonnais "bouchon", with a family welcome and a solid cuisine that preserves the authenticity of the products without hiding them under confusing titles. Hake fillet from Saint-Jean-de-Luz, sea bass fillet a la plancha, braised veal cheeks, or even farm poultry, does this speak to you? Not forgetting the brilliant and authentic cassoulet of Castelnaudary (with Tarbais beans). You may come in by chance but you never leave disappointed. To be noted: the reasonably priced lunch worthy of the finest restaurants.