Bruxelles - Brussel : What to eat ? culinary specialties and gastronomy

Bruxelles - Brussel : Enjoying yourself

Timetable Bruxelles - Brussel

For lunch, restaurants are generally open from noon to 2pm (sometimes 3pm). There are few restaurants that offer continuous service during the day except for snack bars. Don't hang out at night if you don't want to be hungry all night. Most restaurants close earlier than in Paris! In the evening, the kitchens open around 6:30 or 7pm and close around 10pm. Of course, you can find kebabs (here, we say pittas), fast-foods or brasseries open until midnight 24 hours a day (at least, except for sanitary measures, check the websites of the establishments for the latest updates).

Budget & Tips Bruxelles - Brussel

You can get by for less than €10 in a French fry shop. In restaurants or brasseries, à la carte main courses will generally cost between €20 and €35, or even more in gourmet restaurants. As for drinks, you'll pay a little more for wine than in France, but you can make up for it with beer (price and variety).

What costs extra Bruxelles - Brussel

Unlike in France, carafes of tap water are not served free of charge. Water always has to be paid for.

Service is included in the price of meals, so there's no need to leave a tip, unless you wish to reward particularly attentive service.

The local way Bruxelles - Brussel

Be sure to have some change with you (between 50 cents and 1 €), some establishments have a "Mr. or Mrs. Pee" who ensures the cleanliness of the toilets, a service that is paid extra.

Kids Bruxelles - Brussel

Restaurants offer children's menus almost everywhere. When this is not the case, it is often possible to request smaller portions.

Smokers Bruxelles - Brussel

Contrary to French habits, not all terraces accept smokers. In this case, you will have to go further away!

Tourist traps Bruxelles - Brussel

As in all the capitals of the world, tourist attractions exist in Brussels. They are often located by habit in the Sacred Island, although the gastronomic quality of the area is improving. It is better to follow the advice of the Petit Futé!

Bruxelles - Brussel : Take a break

Timetable Bruxelles - Brussel

Depending on the type of establishment (café, bar, tea room), the hours and the time of the day will be different. Cafés/tea houses usually open in the morning. Some close between 6 or 8 pm, others open later. Bars usually open in the mid-afternoon until late in the evening. Count on the aperitif hour, from Thursday until the weekend, as the beginning of the fire for the bars. The most common closing day is Monday.

Budget & Tips Bruxelles - Brussel

A special beer will still be quite expensive (usually between €4.50 and €8, depending on the location), but there's always a selected beer of the month on special offer. Or happy hour at certain times of the week. Keep your eyes peeled for good places!

As in restaurants, service is included and you don't have to leave a tip, unless you want to.

Age restrictions Bruxelles - Brussel

As of January 2019, all alcohol is prohibited for those under the age of 18, with the exception of beer or wine, which is allowed from the age of 16. There is no age restriction to enter bars.

Kids Bruxelles - Brussel

A special Belgian feature is that children are welcome in bars and cafés (especially since smoking is prohibited). It is not uncommon to see groups of parents and friends enjoying a good stamcafe with the baby in the stroller or the children playing while enjoying their fruit juice.

Smokers Bruxelles - Brussel

Unlike in France, terraces are non-smoking, unless a terrace is completely open on one side (which, in most cases, it is). The presence of ashtrays should tip you off. Otherwise, you'll have to go further afield! Nonetheless, we're debating a total ban on smoking on terraces.