best restaurants in Bruges

Good food completes your visit to Bruges.

Whether you’re in the mood for fine dining, a cosy bistro or typical Belgian classics, Bruges has an address to suit every taste.

In this guide, we bring together 12 of the best restaurants in Bruges. From Michelin-starred restaurants to hidden gems within walking distance of Istoire. This makes it easy to find the restaurant that perfectly suits your plans.

Our favourites

in this guide

01 Our favourites

02 Michelin restaurants

03 Belgian classics

04 Modern restaurants

05 Restaurants for a special occasion

06 Restaurants within walking distance

07 Useful tips for dining out

08 Frequently asked questions

the 12 best restaurants in Bruges

Price guide € = inexpensive   €€ = average    €€€ = higher   €€€€ = fine dining

Easily find the restaurant that suits you

Michelin restaurants in Bruges

If you enjoy an elaborate meal, Bruges is the place to be. The city is home to several restaurants featured in the Michelin Guide that have built a strong reputation over many years. Yet they are far from alike. One restaurant opts for modern Belgian cuisine, while another draws inspiration from French gastronomy or produce from the North Sea.



What they do have in common is their focus on the seasons. The menus change regularly, so you can always taste ingredients that are at their best at that moment. Planning a birthday, anniversary or simply an evening centred around good food? These restaurants are absolutely worth considering.

De Jonkman

An established name where produce from the North Sea and the seasons set the direction of the menu.



Those who enjoy being surprised by an extensive menu will sooner or later find their way to De Jonkman. The restaurant lies just outside Bruges’ historic centre and has been one of Belgium’s best-known culinary addresses for many years.

The menu changes with the seasons. A visit in spring therefore looks completely different from a meal in autumn. North Sea fish often takes centre stage, complemented by vegetables, herbs and other products from Belgian producers. The dishes are carefully presented but remain recognisable. You can clearly taste each ingredient, and nothing overpowers the rest.

Everything at the table also unfolds at a relaxed pace. There is plenty of time between courses to catch up, while the staff are happy to explain what is on your plate or which wine pairs well with the menu. This means an evening here never feels rushed.

De Jonkman is a restaurant that many people deliberately plan their visit around. Not because it wants to be exclusive, but because it’s the kind of place where you take plenty of time to enjoy a meal together. If you’re planning to visit at the weekend, it’s best to book well in advance.

Kitchen

Modern Belgian cuisine

Price range

€€€€

Goes well with

Birthday, anniversary or romantic weekend

Book a table

Highly recommended

Zet'Joe

A restaurant where you can spend a few relaxed hours at the table, with every dish receiving the attention it deserves.



Zet'Joe deliberately keeps things small-scale. As soon as you walk in, you notice that the evening follows a relaxed pace here. The tables are generously spaced, so conversations never get lost in the hum of the dining room.

The cuisine builds on classic French techniques, while presenting them in a contemporary way. The chef takes inspiration from what the season has to offer. As a result, the menu changes regularly, and every visit brings a different combination of flavours.

The wine list is part of the story too. Ask for advice and the staff will be happy to help you choose the wine that best complements the dishes you have selected. It is all done spontaneously, without ever feeling forced.

Zet'Joe mainly appeals to couples looking to spend a relaxed evening together, but it’s also a restaurant where you’ll be happy to linger for a few hours for an anniversary or birthday.

Kitchen

French cuisine

Price range

€€€€

Goes well with

Romantic dinner or special occasion

Book a table

Highly recommended

Sans Cravate

A restaurant that proves a Michelin mention can go perfectly hand in hand with a relaxed dining experience.



From the outside, Sans Cravate looks rather unassuming. Once inside, you discover a restaurant where the menu changes entirely with the seasons. The chef deliberately chooses ingredients that are available at that moment and uses them in dishes where the flavours come together beautifully.

The atmosphere at the table is relaxed and convivial. The staff briefly explain what you are being served, then leave you to enjoy it at your leisure. That also makes Sans Cravate a great choice for anyone trying a Michelin Guide restaurant for the first time.

The menu changes regularly. Those who return later will often discover a completely different take on the menu. This makes Sans Cravate an interesting choice for visitors who come to Bruges more often and enjoy discovering new flavours.

Kitchen

Modern seasonal cuisine

Price range

€€€

Goes well with

First taste of fine dining

Book a table

Recommended

Bruut

A small restaurant along the Groenerei where the menu is entirely tailored to the season.



Anyone visiting Bruut will immediately notice that the chef deliberately keeps the menu concise. Instead of dozens of dishes, you get a menu that changes regularly and is built around the products available at the time. As a result, every visit has its own character.

Its location along the Groenerei gives the restaurant extra charm. Especially when you take a stroll along the water before or after your meal, it feels perfectly in keeping with a weekend in Bruges.

There’s a calm sense of activity inside. There aren’t many tables, which gives the staff time to briefly explain the dishes or suggest something from the wine list. This creates a pleasant pace without making the evening feel too formal.

Bruut appeals to people who enjoy discovering new flavours and being surprised by a menu that does not remain the same for months on end.

Kitchen

Seasonal cuisine

Price range

€€€

Goes well with

Food lovers and leisurely dining

Book a table

Highly recommended

Good to know

Most Michelin restaurants work with a menu that changes regularly. It is therefore worth checking the restaurant’s website in advance. This shows you which format is being offered at that time and gives you time to mention any allergies or dietary preferences.

Cosy bistros and Belgian classics in Bruges

Visitors to Bruges often also want to sample some Belgian cuisine. Think of a steaming pot of mussels, a good portion of carbonnade flamande with fresh fries, or a plate of vol-au-vent that you would not easily make at home. Fortunately, you won’t have to look far.

Across the city, there are plenty of bistros and restaurants where these classics still have a permanent place on the menu.

These restaurants don’t go for complicated dishes or elaborate tasting menus. You come here for honest cooking, a convivial evening and dishes that have kept people coming back for years.

Cambrinus

A Bruges institution where Belgian classics and speciality beers come together perfectly.



Ask a local where to eat typically Belgian food and there’s a good chance Cambrinus will soon be mentioned. The restaurant is just off the Markt and has been welcoming visitors from Belgium and abroad for years who want to discover Belgian cuisine.

The menu features dishes almost everyone knows. Slowly braised beef stew, mussels in season, eel in green herb sauce and various meat dishes have formed the basis of the menu for years. Naturally, they come with an impressive beer list. With hundreds of Belgian beers to choose from, the selection is so extensive that you can take your time deciding.

Inside, Cambrinus feels warm and lively. The wooden interior and convivial bustle give the restaurant a character that fits perfectly with Bruges’ historic centre. Despite the many visitors, the service remains friendly and efficient.

If you are visiting Bruges for the first time and want to get to know Belgian cuisine, this is an excellent place to start.

Kitchen

Belgian classics

Price range

€€

Goes well with

First visit to Bruges and beer lovers

Book a table

Recommended for weekends

Breydel De Coninc

A family-run restaurant where traditional meat and fish dishes have been at the heart of the menu for generations.



Breydel De Coninc has been part of Bruges’ streetscape for decades. The restaurant is still run by the same family, and you can taste that in the way the cooking is approached. The menu doesn’t follow passing trends, but builds on dishes that have been popular for many years.

The grilled spareribs and North Sea prawns are among the best-known names on the menu. You’ll also find a range of meat and fish dishes rooted in Belgian cuisine. The portions are generous and the dishes are served without unnecessary frills. People mainly come here because they know what to expect.

There’s a lively buzz inside. Families, couples and groups of friends sit alongside one another. This gives the restaurant a vibrant feel without losing its family-run character.

If you’re looking for a restaurant where tradition matters more than trends, Breydel De Coninc is an address you should definitely add to your list.

Kitchen

Belgian meat and fish dishes

Price range

€€

Goes well with

Families and lovers of classic dishes

Book a table

Recommended

De Vlaamsche Pot

Here, you can taste dishes that have been part of Flemish cuisine for generations.



At De Vlaamsche Pot, it’s all about familiar flavours. The menu features classics such as beef stew, vol-au-vent, chicory rolls and other dishes many Flemish people know from home. That is precisely what makes a meal here feel instantly familiar.

The interior also complements the cuisine beautifully. No sleek design or eye-catching decoration, but a cosy setting that fits perfectly with Bruges’ historic surroundings. Take a seat, choose a dish that appeals to you and take your time over your meal.

For international visitors, De Vlaamsche Pot is often a first introduction to Flemish cuisine. Belgian visitors, meanwhile, return because they know they’ll find dishes here that have been popular for years.

After your meal, you are straight back in Bruges’ historic centre. This makes it easy to combine a visit to De Vlaamsche Pot with a day of shopping or a walk along Bruges’ canals.

Kitchen

Flemish classics

Price range

€€

Goes well with

Discovering Flemish cuisine

Book a table

Recommended during busy periods

Our tip

Visiting Bruges for the first time? Cambrinus and De Vlaamsche Pot are two restaurants where you can really get to know Belgian cuisine. They serve dishes that have been popular for years and are perfect for a first city trip to Bruges.

Modern restaurants in Bruges

Bruges has much more to offer than classic bistros and fine-dining restaurants. In recent years, several establishments have opened that deliberately follow their own path. Some serve small dishes to share, while others base their menus entirely on the season or combine influences from different cuisines.

This makes for a varied selection where you discover something different every time. Looking for a restaurant where you can discover new flavours, enjoy a good glass of wine or simply linger for a few convivial hours? These addresses are certainly worth a look.

Locàle

Local producers and seasonal ingredients are the starting point for every dish here.

Locàle built on Kok au Vin’s strong reputation, while also choosing a new direction. The kitchen starts with products from local producers and lets the seasons determine what appears on the table. As a result, the menu changes regularly, and every visit brings new flavours to discover.

You’ll soon notice that no one here is in a hurry. The dishes arrive one after another at a leisurely pace, giving you plenty of time to catch up. You can choose from different dishes or share several plates. This naturally turns dinner into a convivial evening where the food and conversation flow together beautifully.

The interior also adds to that feeling. Wood, soft lighting and a calm layout make it easy to spend several hours here. The restaurant attracts many couples, as well as groups of friends planning an evening in Bruges together.

Anyone who enjoys eating with the seasons and is curious about what local producers have to offer will quickly feel at home here.

Kitchen

Belgian cuisine with seasonal ingredients

Price range

€€€

Goes well with

An evening of dining with your partner or friends

Book a table

Recommended

Quatre Vins

A restaurant where the wine list receives just as much attention as the food.

At Quatre Vins, dining out is a little different from what you may be used to. Instead of a classic starter and main course, you choose several smaller dishes to share at the table. This lets you sample more of the menu and decide for yourself how elaborate you want to make the evening.

The restaurant’s name already gives you a clue: wine plays an important role here. The menu features a fine selection of natural and biodynamic wines from various countries. Not sure which wine best suits your dishes? The team will be happy to point you in the right direction.

Inside, the atmosphere is relaxed. People linger, order another glass of wine and take their time enjoying the rest of the evening. That gives Quatre Vins a wonderfully spontaneous feel.

This is also a pleasant address during the summer months. On the terrace, you can enjoy a peaceful evening as Bruges slowly winds down.

Kitchen

European cuisine with sharing dishes

Price range

€€€

Goes well with

Wine lovers and couples



Book a table

Recommended

L.E.S.S. Eatery

Colourful dishes influenced by cuisines from around the world.

L.E.S.S. Eatery immediately brings a different energy than many classic restaurants in Bruges. The menu draws inspiration from various countries and invites you to order several dishes. This allows you to sample a wide range of flavours during a single meal.

The open layout and lively atmosphere make the restaurant popular with a younger crowd, while couples and small groups also enjoy taking a seat here. The dishes arrive promptly, making it easy to share and combine them at your leisure.

Thanks to its central location on 't Zand, L.E.S.S. Eatery is also a convenient stop during a day in Bruges. After visiting the shops or a museum, it is easy to walk there for lunch or dinner.

Anyone looking for something other than classic Belgian cuisine will find a restaurant here where flavours from different parts of the world come together beautifully.

Kitchen

World cuisine

Price range

€€€

Goes well with

Lunch, dinner and sharing

Book a table

Recommended

Onslow

A Bib Gourmand where a relaxed atmosphere and a strong kitchen come together beautifully.

Onslow is located in the Sint-Anna district, within walking distance of the historic centre. Michelin awarded the restaurant a Bib Gourmand, recognising restaurants that offer an excellent price-quality ratio.

The menu is deliberately concise and changes regularly. This allows the kitchen to work with products that are available at that time. Some dishes are designed for sharing, while others are simply ordered for yourself. This makes Onslow suitable for different ways of dining.

Inside, there’s a pleasant buzz of activity. The dining room is lively, yet you can still enjoy a relaxed conversation. On sunny days, many guests opt for the terrace at the back, where you can momentarily forget you’re right in the middle of the city.

Onslow appeals to both Bruges locals and visitors who enjoy good food without immediately opting for an elaborate fine-dining menu.

Kitchen

Marktkeuken

Price range

€€

Goes well with

Lunch, dinner and great value for money



Book a table

Recommended

Cantine Copine

An original menu where you decide how elaborate you want to make the evening.

Cantine Copine does things a little differently. The dishes are roughly the same size, so you decide how much to order. You can choose one or two dishes, or have the whole table enjoy a selection of plates.

This way of dining creates a relaxed atmosphere at the table. Everyone samples each other’s dishes and discovers different flavours without being tied to the classic order of starter, main course and dessert.

The restaurant is housed in a former brush factory. Several original elements of the building have been preserved, giving the place its own character. When the weather is fine, the terrace is also a lovely spot for a relaxed lunch or to start the evening.

Anyone who enjoys sharing food and discovering new flavours will find a restaurant here built entirely around that idea.

Kitchen

Belgian-French market cuisine



Price range

€€€

Goes well with

Sharing dishes with friends or family

Book a table

Recommended

Our tip

Planning a weekend in Bruges with friends or family? Then Cantine Copine, Quatre Vins and L.E.S.S. Eatery are three restaurants where it is easy to share different dishes. It makes for a convivial evening in which everyone can discover new flavours.

Restaurants for a special occasion

Sometimes you are looking for more than just a good restaurant. Perhaps you are celebrating a birthday, an anniversary or a marriage proposal, or you want to make a weekend in Bruges extra special. In that case, it is worth choosing a restaurant where you can dine at your leisure for a few hours and where every detail is just right.

In Bruges, you’ll find plenty of restaurants that fit the bill perfectly. Some opt for an extensive tasting menu, while others focus on personal service or a carefully curated wine list. The best choice for you mainly depends on the kind of evening you have in mind.

For a gastronomic evening out

If you really want to treat yourself, De Jonkman, Zet'Joe, Bruut and Goffin are among Bruges’ finest addresses. Each restaurant has its own style, but everywhere you’ll take plenty of time to dine and discover a menu that changes with the seasons.



Looking for a restaurant where good food takes centre stage and where you deliberately set aside an entire evening? You can’t go wrong with one of these four addresses.

Bruges is the perfect setting for an evening for two. A stroll along the canals, a glass of wine on a cosy terrace and then taking your time over a meal in a restaurant are the perfect finishing touches to a city break.



Locàle, Quatre Vins and Rock-Fort are all restaurants where couples love to book a table. One focuses on local produce, another on small plates to share or an extensive wine list. Each restaurant therefore has its own character, while they all invite you to take your time and enjoy the evening.

For a birthday or anniversary

A special occasion often calls for a restaurant where you can linger a little longer. De Jonkman, Goffin and Zet'Joe are excellent choices for this. Thanks to the care given to the menu and the relaxed pace at which the dishes are served, such moments naturally take on a festive atmosphere.

If you’re booking for a weekend or holiday period, it’s best to reserve your table several weeks in advance.

For a convivial evening with friends

Eating out together doesn’t always have to be formal. Restaurants where you can share several dishes often create a relaxed atmosphere at the table. Everyone gets to try a bit of everything, and you discover different flavours over the course of one evening.

That’s why Cantine Copine, Quatre Vins and L.E.S.S. Eatery are great places to meet up with friends. Onslow also fits perfectly into that selection if you enjoy combining different dishes with a good glass of wine.

Our tip

Planning a weekend in Bruges around a birthday or anniversary? Reserve your restaurant as soon as your stay is confirmed. The most popular addresses are often the first to fill up on Friday and Saturday evenings.

Restaurants within walking distance of Istoire

One of the best things about Bruges is that you can do almost everything on foot. You walk from one attraction to the next, pass charming squares and come across plenty of lovely restaurants along the way. This means you don’t have to worry about parking or transport, and can enjoy the city’s atmosphere for much longer.

From Istoire, you can also easily walk to several restaurants in this guide. That makes it easy to round off a visit to Bruges with a convivial lunch or an extensive dinner.

Please note: Walking distances may vary depending on the route you choose. Always use a route planner if you want to plan your walk in advance.

Cambrinus ->Belgian classics

De Vlaamsche Pot -> Flemish cuisine

Breydel De Coninc -> Belgian meat and fish dishes

Quatre Vins -> Sharing and wine

Locàle -> Belgian cuisine with seasonal produce

L.E.S.S. Eatery -> World cuisine

Onslow -> Market cuisine

Turn your meal into a sociable evening

Bruges really comes to life when evening falls. The façades are beautifully lit, the canals reflect the light and the narrow streets become much quieter. It’s the perfect time for a stroll after dinner.

From many restaurants, you can walk past well-known sights such as the Markt, the Burg, the Rozenhoedkaai and the many bridges that give Bruges its charm. This turns a meal into much more than simply a stop for something to eat. It becomes an integral part of your visit to the city.

Lunch or dinner?

Not every restaurant suits the same time of day. Some are ideal for a relaxed lunch between museum or shopping visits, while others are best enjoyed when you take your time over a long evening at the table.

Choosing lunch leaves you with more time to explore Bruges. If you prefer an extended dinner, you can end the day at a leisurely pace and take a stroll through the illuminated city centre afterwards.

Pair your restaurant visit with a walk

Anyone exploring Bruges on foot will soon notice that the distances between the main sights are surprisingly short. This makes it easy to combine a restaurant visit with a walk past the city’s most beautiful spots.

One enjoyable route, for example, is:

• Markt
• Burger
• Rozenhoedkaai
• Groeningemuseum or Church of Our Lady
• Restaurant
• Walk along the canals
• Back to Istoire

This way, you can make the most of your day without constantly having to travel from one side of the city to the other.

Useful tips for a great meal in Bruges

Choosing a good restaurant is one thing, but with a few simple tips you can get even more out of your visit to Bruges. Especially during weekends and holiday periods, it pays to plan your meal a little in advance. That way, you can enjoy both the city and a table at your chosen restaurant without a care.

Book in advance

Bruges is a popular destination all year round. Many restaurants fill up quickly, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings, during school holidays and over the festive season. Do you know when you’ll be visiting Bruges? Then it’s best to book your restaurant straight away. That way, you’ll still have plenty of choice and can pick the restaurant that best suits your plans.

Lunch or dinner?

Many of the restaurants in this guide welcome guests both at lunchtime and in the evening. Lunch is ideal if you want to visit museums, go shopping or take a leisurely walk through the city afterwards.



Dinner, meanwhile, makes a wonderful end to the day. As soon as the sun sets, Bruges takes on a completely different appearance. The historic façades are illuminated, the squares grow quieter and the canals provide a beautiful backdrop as you walk back.

Check the menu in advance

Each restaurant has its own approach. Some opt for a classic menu, while others work with a set menu or smaller dishes to share.

By taking a quick look at the menu beforehand, you’ll know what to expect and can more easily choose a restaurant that suits you.

Let us know about any allergies or dietary preferences

Do you have a food allergy or follow a particular diet?

If so, let the restaurant know when you make your reservation. That way, they can take it into account in advance and your visit will run much more smoothly.

Allow plenty of time

Many restaurants invite you to linger, have another coffee or dessert and then take one more stroll through the city. Especially when you are planning a full weekend in Bruges, it is lovely to take the time to do just that.

Our tip

Book your restaurant for a slightly later time if you want to explore Bruges during the day. That way, you’ll have plenty of time to stop by a museum, enjoy a drink on a terrace or stroll leisurely past the shops before sitting down to eat.

Be sure to keep an eye on our page about tips for Bruges for more Info on what to do.

Frequently asked questions – the best restaurants in Bruges

MAKE YOUR MEAL

A complete weekend in Bruges

A good restaurant completes your visit to Bruges. During the day, discover the city’s most beautiful spots. In the evening, take a seat at one of the best restaurants and stroll back to Istoire at your leisure.