best restaurants in bruges

Good food completes your visit to Bruges.

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

In this guide, we’ve brought 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 matches 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 your meal

08 Frequently asked questions

the 12 best restaurants in bruges

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

Find the restaurant that suits you

Michelin restaurants in Bruges

Bruges is an excellent choice for anyone who enjoys an extended meal. The city has several restaurants listed in the Michelin Guide with strong reputations built up over many years. Yet they are all very different. 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, allowing you to taste ingredients at their best. Planning a birthday, anniversary or simply an evening centred around good food? These restaurants are absolutely worth considering.

De Jonkman

An established name where North Sea produce and the seasons shape the menu.



Anyone who enjoys being surprised by an extensive menu will sooner or later arrive at De Jonkman. The restaurant is just outside Bruges’ historic centre and has been one of Belgium’s best-known culinary destinations 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 pride of place, complemented by vegetables, herbs and other products from Belgian producers. The dishes are beautifully presented but remain recognisable. You can clearly taste every ingredient, and nothing overpowers the rest.

Everything at the table also unfolds at a relaxed pace. Between courses, you have plenty of time to chat, while the service is happy to explain what’s on your plate or which wine pairs well with the menu. It means an evening here never feels rushed.

De Jonkman is a restaurant that many people look forward to visiting. 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.

Cuisine

Modern Belgian cuisine

Price range

€€€€

Pairs well with

Birthday, anniversary or romantic weekend

Book now

Highly recommended

Zet'Joe

A restaurant where you can spend a leisurely few 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 unfolds at a relaxed pace. The tables are generously spaced, so conversations never get lost in the hum of the dining room.

The cuisine is rooted in classic French techniques, presented in a contemporary way. The chef takes inspiration from what the season has to offer. As a result, the menu changes regularly and each visit brings a different combination of flavours.

The wine list is also part of the experience. Ask for advice and the service will be happy to help you choose the wine that best complements your dishes. It’s done in a spontaneous way, 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 happily linger for a few hours to celebrate an anniversary or birthday.

Cuisine

French cuisine

Price range

€€€€

Pairs well with

Romantic meal or special occasion

Book now

Highly recommended

Sans Cravate

A restaurant proving that a Michelin listing pairs perfectly with a relaxed way of dining.



From the outside, Sans Cravate looks rather modest. Once inside, you discover a restaurant where the menu moves entirely with the seasons. The chef deliberately chooses ingredients that are available at that moment and brings them together in dishes where the flavours complement one another beautifully.

The atmosphere at the table is relaxed and convivial. The service briefly explains what you’re being served, then gives you time to enjoy it. That also makes Sans Cravate a lovely choice for anyone experiencing a Michelin Guide restaurant for the first time.

The menu changes regularly. If you return later, you’ll often find a completely different selection. This makes Sans Cravate an appealing choice for visitors who come to Bruges more than once and enjoy discovering new flavours.

Cuisine

Modern seasonal cuisine

Price range

€€€

Pairs well with

A first taste of fine dining

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Recommended

Bruut

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



Anyone visiting Bruut will immediately notice that the chef deliberately keeps the menu limited. Instead of dozens of dishes, you get a menu that changes regularly and is based on what’s available at that moment. As a result, every visit has its own character.

Its location along the Groenerei gives the restaurant extra charm. Especially if you take a stroll along the water before or after your meal, it perfectly captures the atmosphere of a weekend in Bruges.

Inside, there’s a calm buzz of activity. There aren’t many tables, so the staff have 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 doesn’t stay the same for months on end.

Cuisine

Seasonal cuisine

Price range

€€€

Pairs well with

Food lovers and leisurely dining

Book now

Highly recommended

Good to know

Most Michelin restaurants work with a menu that changes regularly. Check the restaurant’s website beforehand to see which format is currently available and to let them know about any allergies or dietary preferences in good time.

Cosy bistros and Belgian classics in Bruges

Visitors to Bruges often want to sample some Belgian cuisine too. Think of a steaming pot of mussels, a good piece of beef stew with fresh chips or a plate of vol-au-vent that you wouldn’t easily make at home. Fortunately, you won’t have to look far.

Throughout the city, you’ll find plenty of bistros and restaurants where these classics still have a firm place on the menu.

These restaurants don’t focus on 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 go perfectly together.



Ask a Bruges local where to enjoy typically Belgian food, and there’s a good chance Cambrinus will be mentioned quickly. The restaurant is just off the Markt and has welcomed visitors from Belgium and abroad for years, all eager to discover Belgian cuisine.

The menu features dishes almost everyone knows. Slow-cooked beef stew, mussels when they’re in season, eel in green 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, you can easily take a little extra time to decide.

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.

Anyone visiting Bruges for the first time and wanting to discover Belgian cuisine will feel right at home here.

Cuisine

Belgian classics

Price range

€€

Pairs well with

First visit to Bruges and beer lovers

Book now

Recommended for weekends

Breydel De Coninc

A family-run restaurant where traditional meat and fish dishes have taken centre stage 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 food is prepared. The menu doesn’t follow passing trends, but builds on dishes that have remained popular for years.

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

Inside, there’s a lively yet welcoming buzz. Families, couples and groups of friends sit alongside one another. The restaurant feels vibrant 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 that deserves a place on your list.

Cuisine

Belgian meat and fish dishes

Price range

€€

Pairs well with

Families and lovers of classic dishes

Book now

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 that many Flemish people know from home. That’s precisely what makes a meal here feel instantly familiar.

The interior complements the cuisine beautifully. No sleek design or striking décor, 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 return because they know they’ll find dishes here that have been popular for years.

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

Cuisine

Flemish classics

Price range

€€

Pairs well with

Discover Flemish cuisine

Book now

Recommended during busy periods

Our tip

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

Modern restaurants in Bruges

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

That makes for a varied selection where you discover something different each 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 considering.

Locàle

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

Locàle built on the strong reputation of Kok au Vin while also taking a new direction. The kitchen starts with produce from local suppliers and lets the seasons determine what reaches the table. As a result, the menu changes regularly, so every visit brings new flavours to discover.

You’ll quickly notice that no one here is in a hurry. The dishes arrive at a relaxed pace, giving you plenty of time to catch up. You can choose from several dishes or share multiple plates. That naturally turns dinner into a convivial evening where food and conversation blend beautifully.

The interior adds to that feeling too. Wood, soft lighting and a calm setting make it easy to linger here for a few hours. The restaurant attracts plenty of couples, as well as groups of friends planning an evening in Bruges.

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

Cuisine

Belgian cuisine with seasonal produce

Price range

€€€

Pairs well with

A meal out for two or with friends

Book now

Recommended

Quatre Vins

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

At Quatre Vins, dinner unfolds a little differently from what you may be used to. Instead of a classic starter and main course, you choose several smaller dishes to place together on the table. That way, you can taste more of the menu and decide for yourself how elaborate you want your evening to be.

The restaurant’s name gives you a little clue: wine plays an important role here. The list features a fine selection of natural and biodynamic wines from different countries. Not sure which wine best matches your dishes? The staff will be happy to help you choose.

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

This is also a lovely choice during the summer months. On the terrace, you can enjoy a relaxed evening as Bruges gradually winds down.

Cuisine

European cuisine with sharing dishes

Price range

€€€

Pairs well with

Wine lovers and couples



Book now

Recommended

L.E.S.S. Eatery

Colourful dishes with influences from cuisines around the world.

L.E.S.S. Eatery brings a different energy from many of Bruges’ classic restaurants. The menu draws inspiration from different countries and invites you to order several dishes. This allows you to sample a wide variety of flavours in one meal.

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

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’s easy to walk there for lunch or dinner.

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

Cuisine

International cuisine

Price range

€€€

Pairs well with

Lunch, dinner and sharing

Book now

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 has awarded the restaurant a Bib Gourmand, recognising its strong value for money.

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

Inside, there’s a pleasant buzz. The dining room is lively, yet you can still have a quiet conversation. On sunny days, many guests opt for the rear terrace, where you can almost forget that you’re in the middle of the city.

Onslow appeals to both Bruges locals and visitors who want to eat well without immediately opting for an elaborate tasting menu.

Cuisine

Marktkeuken

Price range

€€

Pairs well with

Lunch, dinner and great value



Book now

Recommended

Cantine Copine

An original menu where you decide how elaborate you want your evening to be.

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

This way of working creates a relaxed atmosphere at the table. Everyone gets to taste one another’s dishes and discover different flavours without being tied to the traditional order of starter, main course and dessert.

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

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

Cuisine

Belgian-French market cuisine



Price range

€€€

Pairs well with

Sharing dishes with friends or family

Book now

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’s easy to share different dishes. This makes for a convivial evening where everyone can discover new flavours.

Restaurants for a special occasion

Sometimes you’re looking for more than just a good restaurant. Perhaps you’re celebrating a birthday, an anniversary or a marriage proposal, or you want to make a weekend in Bruges extra special. In that case, it’s worth choosing a restaurant where you can spend a few relaxed hours at the table and every detail comes together.

Bruges has plenty of restaurants that fit the bill. Some offer an extensive tasting menu, while others focus on personal service or a carefully curated wine list. The best choice for you largely depends on the kind of evening you have in mind.

For a fine-dining evening

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



Looking for a restaurant where great food takes centre stage and you can take your time over a full evening? You can’t go wrong with one of these four addresses.

Bruges is the perfect setting for an evening for two. A walk along the canals, a glass of wine on a cosy terrace and a relaxed meal afterwards are the perfect finishing touches to a city break.



Locàle, Quatre Vins and Rock-Fort are all restaurants where couples like to book a table. One focuses on local produce, another on small sharing dishes or an extensive wine list. Each restaurant therefore has its own character, while 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. Thanks to the attention devoted to the menu and the relaxed pace at which the dishes are served, such moments naturally take on a festive feel.

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

For a cosy 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 taste one another’s choices, and you discover different flavours in a single evening.

That’s why Cantine Copine, Quatre Vins and L.E.S.S. Eatery are great places to meet up with friends. Onslow is also a perfect fit when you enjoy combining different dishes with a good glass of wine.

Our tip

Planning a weekend in Bruges around a birthday or anniversary? Book your restaurant as soon as your accommodation is arranged. 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 great 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. That 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. This makes it easy to round off your visit to Bruges with a relaxed lunch or an extended 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 dishes and wine

Locàle -> Belgian cuisine with seasonal produce

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

Onslow -> Market cuisine

Turn your meal into a lovely evening

Bruges truly comes alive when evening falls. The façades are beautifully lit, the canals reflect the lights and the narrow streets become much quieter. It’s the ideal time for a stroll after dinner.

From many restaurants, you can stroll past well-known spots such as the Markt, the Burg, Rozenhoedkaai and the many bridges that give Bruges its charm. That way, dining out becomes much more than simply stopping 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 visits or shopping, while others are best enjoyed when you take your time over a long evening at the table.

Choose lunch and you’ll have more time to explore Bruges afterwards. Prefer an extended dinner? You can end the day at a leisurely pace and take an evening stroll through the illuminated city centre.

Combine your meal with a walk

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

One enjoyable route, for example, is:

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

That 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 memorable meal in Bruges

Choosing a good restaurant is one thing, but a few simple tips can help you 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 the city and your chosen restaurant without a worry.

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 period. Do you know when you’ll be visiting Bruges? Then book your restaurant straight away. This gives you a wider choice and lets you choose a restaurant that genuinely fits your plans.

Lunch or dinner?

Many 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 lovely end to the day. Once the sun goes down, Bruges takes on a completely different atmosphere. The historic façades are lit up, the squares grow quieter and the canals provide a beautiful backdrop for your walk back.

Take a look at the menu beforehand

Every restaurant has its own way of doing things. Some opt for a classic menu, while others work with a set menu or smaller sharing plates.

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 us know when you make your reservation. This allows the restaurant to take it into account in advance and makes your visit much smoother.

Allow plenty of time

Many restaurants invite you to linger, enjoy another coffee or dessert and then take one more stroll through the city. Especially when you’re planning a full weekend in Bruges, it’s 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 visit a museum along the way, stop for a drink on a terrace or stroll through the shops before sitting down to eat.

Keep an eye on our page about tips for Bruges for more Info on things 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.