Restaurants in Bruges

This innovative eatery has been richly rewarded for its services to local gastronomy. In recent years, Den Dyver has scooped a string of awards for its creative Belgian cuisine, which is the brainchild of head chef Achim Vandenbussche. This culinary wizard uses beer in many of his dishes, which can be enjoyed in the understated splendour of the dining area.

Admire one of the prettiest panoramas in Bruges while quaffing gourmet cuisine at this idyllic, canal-side restaurant. Overlooking one of the most famous waterways in Bruges, Duc de Bourgogne serves excellent French food in dated opulence. This charming restaurant is also popular for breakfast, lunch or an overpriced coffee.

This fusion restaurant blends French and Flemish flavours with exotic tastes to great effect. This culinary synthesis has quite rightly made Guillaume one of the most popular places to eat in Bruges. Not even the restaurant’s decor has escaped the fusion treatment; old wooden beams compliment the contemporary styling and hip vibe.

This restaurant started out as informal but following the Gert and Joachim takeover in 2005, it made a rapid rise to the gastronomic top. Hertog Jan is impressively set in a serene and refined farm, with a motto it has had from its creation: “Simplicity is not easy.” Those who have the money to experience this restaurant will not be disappointed, evidenced by the fact that it is now among the best in the European avant-garde.

One of the city’s oldest restaurants, this place has been satiating local hunger pangs for over 250 years. Sleek modern furnishings compliment the historic building, and the refined French-Belgian cuisine is no shirker either. Nestled among some of Bruges’s most important historical sights, on one of its prettiest streets, a table on the outdoor terrace is a must on a warm evening.

‘No nonsense cuisine at decent prices,’ claim the proprietors. And we can’t argue with that, because this stylish restaurant does a stellar job with its Flemish themed menu. Specialising in steamed mussels and eel dishes, the vaulted cellar of Mosselkelder offers a warm and romantic setting to spend an evening and the prices are surprisingly sensible.

This restaurant specialises in local organic food, with many vegetarian and vegan options on the menu, prepared in coconut oil. However, with these honest ingredients, Réliva does not only restrict itself to vegetarian and vegan options, but also offers a unique selection of fresh North Sea fish and organic meat. This unique restaurant offers something everyone will enjoy.

Just north of the Markt, the Zwart Huis (Black House) bistro is a buzzing joint with a romantic candlelit ambiance, which is at home serving both trysting couples and groups on a night out. The excellent food leans towards classic French steakhouse, but you’ll also find kangaroo and Thai curry on the menu. Live music some Sunday nights (usually jazz or blues) ups the party atmosphere a notch.

Cheap restaurants in Bruges are rarer than rocking horse manure and even those on generous budgets can become weary of the pricy dining experience. So Bocca is a breath of fresh air. This jovial eatery and takeaway sells some of, if not the cheapest food in town. However, the price is not reflective on quality; their range of pasta dishes are delicious.

A 10-minute walk from the centre of Bruges you’ll find Ganzespel, a cosy, dimly lit, traditional style restaurant where diners can escape inflated tourist prices. The service can be lacklustre, and if you have a table near the kitchen you’ll probably hear the disconcerting sound of a microwave pinging, but there’s no faulting the honest prices.

This cracking little tavern near the Lake of Love takes on an oriental flavour its innovative menu. Curries and wok dishes join forces with some more traditional Flemish options, which are tasty and sensibly priced. If it’s sunny, grab a seat in their garden, which is a great spot to while away an afternoon sampling their extensive range of Belgium beers.