Bruges is popular among tourists as an attractive travel destination in Belgium. This destination has a very well-developed gastronomic culture that is guaranteed to delight any food lover. Here are some of the must-try restaurants in Bruges that you shouldn’t miss when traveling.
Must-try Restaurants in Bruges
1. Bistro Christophe
This is a large bistro with a swagger and style that has made it popular with locals. It fills two relaxed, spacious, candlelit rooms with retro-style wooden chairs and tables, their white walls hung with mirrors and contemporary art. With Christophe Verbeyen at the helm, the open kitchen produces robust, good quality French-Belgian cuisine: North Sea fish soup with toast and rouille, home-made shrimp croquettes (always a test of a good Belgian kitchen), stoverij (beef stew) made with Leffe beer, steaks, and home-smoked salmon. The baked sweetbreads are particularly good. If you are not sensitive to the relatively high prices (starters from €17/£16, mains from €22/£20), it is a lovely place to eat.
2. Park Restaurant
For those looking for a romantic dinner destination in Bruges, Park Restaurant is the name to remember. In this very cozy and intimate restaurant located in a mansion house, mouth-watering food is served together with the perfect wine pairing. Scallops and steaks with their homemade french fries are highly recommended. Whatever you choose you will not be disappointed by the quality of the food and the excellent service. This elegant and charming restaurant is the perfect introduction to the flavors of Belgium. This is one of the must-try restaurants in Bruges that you must experience.
3. Hertog Jan
The only restaurant in Bruges to hold three Michelin stars, Hertog Jan quickly rose to popularity among gourmands for Chef Gert De Mangeleer’s signature dishes. His partner, Joachim Boudens, has been voted the First Sommelier of Belgium as well as Belgian Beer Ambassador. Set in a 180-year-old barn, the restaurant overlooks a lush garden. The restaurant utilizes ingredients grown on its own farm, changing menus with the seasonal produce available. The Hertog Jan Integral menu features an “extensive discovery” of what the restaurant has to offer and can be paired with wine by the sommelier. Choose from the a la carte menu for dishes like Royal Belgian Caviar and Black Carpentras truffle.
4. Pomperlut
Opening the door to Pomperlut is like entering a 17th-century fairy tale; where wooden mushrooms, old chandeliers, and a gigantic fireplace are all part of the scenery. Reservation is highly recommended in this former farmhouse, which accommodates only up to 20 guests, and where the owner takes sole charge of the running of the restaurant. The food, the service, and the atmosphere are all of the best quality. Guests can enjoy an intriguing, magical experience.
Having just 20 seats keeps this gem intimate. Fish caught daily is the house specialty, but the monthly changing menu also includes the likes of wild boar fillet on oyster mushrooms. Everything, from the bread to the ice cream, is homemade. Despite perennially rave reviews, this calm one-room family restaurant remains friendly, reliable, and inventive, without a hint of tourist-tweeness.
6. Den Heerd
Here, at the back of the Hotel Montanus, in an attractive modern pavilion with glass sides, a ceiling hung with multiple globe lamps, sleek grey and orange chairs, and crisp linen, you will find culinary perfection. It’s even better in summer when tables are set out beneath parasols on the cobbled terrace in an extensive garden. The chef and owner, Jo Dezutter, works from his open kitchen, creating wonderful things with seasonal fare and surprising combinations: think gravadlax with asparagus sorbet, or fillet of pigeon with winter vegetables. You can also eat a sumptuous breakfast here, even if you are not staying at the hotel.
7. The Olive Tree
