Brugge (Bruges) is the capital of West Flanders in Belgium, a UNESCO-listed medieval city of canals, the Belfort tower on the Markt, Flemish Primitive paintings and Belgian beer, about 15 km from the North Sea coast.
Brugge cooks Flemish comfort food: beef stew in beer (stoverij), mussels and frites, waterzooi, eel in green sauce, croquettes and shrimp croquettes, followed by waffles, pralines and speculoos. Beer is used in the glass and in the pot, and brasseries pair dishes with specific beers. Fine dining, vegetarian and international options sit alongside the traditional kitchens.
Must-try dishes
Iconic dishes that define Brugge.
Vlaamse stoverij
Flemish beef stew braised in dark beer, served with frites
Moules-frites
Mussels in white wine, celery and onion with frites
Paling in 't groen
Eel in green herb sauce
Garnaalkroketten
Crisp croquettes filled with North Sea grey shrimp
Belgian waffle
Liège waffle (sugary, chewy) or Brussels waffle (light, crisp)
Pralines and hot chocolate
Handmade chocolates, a Brugge speciality
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Traditional Flemish
Belgian Beer Cafe
Belgian Brewery Food
Belgian Mussels
Chocolates And Hot Chocolate
Pub With Simple Flemish Snacks
Vegetarian
Food tours & tastings in Brugge
Eat your way through Brugge with a guide.
Browse food experiences in BruggeWe may earn a commission from bookings made through these links.
Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
Frites with sauce
Belgian fries in a paper cone with mayonnaise or stoofvleessaus
Price: EUR 3-5 (~$3-6)
Waffle to go
Warm waffle with sugar, chocolate or fruit
Price: EUR 4-8 (~$5-9)
Croquettes on a roll
Cheese or shrimp croquette snacks from snack bars
Price: EUR 4-7 (~$5-8)
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
Wednesday market on the Markt
Produce, cheese, bread and flowers
Hours: Wednesday 07:00-13:00
Saturday market at 't Zand
Large general market with food stalls
Hours: Saturday 07:00-13:00
Vismarkt
Covered fish market beside the Burg, with fish stalls and a few snack counters
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday mornings
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Lunch menus are cheaper than dinner; many restaurants close between 14:30 and 18:00.
Tipping is not required; round up or leave 5-10 percent for good service.
Book fine dining weeks ahead and brasseries a day ahead for weekends.
A service charge is included in menu prices; ask for tap water ('kraantjeswater') for free.
Kitchens in the centre often close by 21:30; late options are listed on the nightlife page.
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | EUR 30-45 (~$35-52) per day | Frites, sandwiches, market produce and one simple Flemish lunch. |
| Mid-range | EUR 65-95 (~$75-110) per day | Brasserie lunch and bistro dinner with a beer. |
| Upscale | EUR 180-330 (~$209-383) per day | Set-menu fine dining with wine pairing. |