I have yet to be disappointed with the food we’ve had on any trip to Europe. The Food in Bruges was no different.
Yes, I’m starting off this list with a suggestion on a place to have a cocktail but… it was basically dessert which is a food!
Once you’ve read what to do for Two Days in Bruges, Read along to hear our suggestions on where to eat the best food (and drinks) in Bruges.
Groot Vlaenderen
On the train to Bruges, we got chatting with a lovely couple who said that Groot Vlaenderen was an absolute must if you like cocktails (which I definitely do). It’s a 6-minute walk from the Grote Markt. Very centrally located.
There was a lot of construction on the street in front at that time. I wouldn’t suggest wearing heels in Bruges at all (there are so many cobblestone roads) but definitely don’t wear them if you’re headed for a cocktail while there’s construction. So much dirt and uneven ground- wouldn’t be good. We immediately fell in love with this place.
From the moment we walked in, we felt relaxed. Eva welcomed us at the door and was so friendly and energetic. We took a seat and started to look through the extensive cocktail menu. They’ll also will make you anything you want if you don’t fancy what you see. They ask you the flavours that you like, and any of your favourite drinks and guaranteed it will be the best one you’ve ever had.
One of the best cocktails I’ve ever had.
Lemon Meringue- Licor 43, limoncello, cream, lemon, at the suggestion of Eva. It was her favourite and rightfully so; absolutely delicious and so creamy and it had a cute flower on top.
After talking to the bartender, we found out that the building that Groot Vlaenderen occupies originally got its bar license in 1879, but it was most likely a bar many years before that and even pre-prohibition. It felt surreal to be seated in a place that had been an establishment for so long. What a great find.
We had some meaningful conversations with some locals and truly enjoyed ourselves here. I would definitely suggest you make a stop here. From our local friends and those we met on the train, then from us to you, don’t miss out on Groot Vlaenderen.
Otto Waffle Atelier
Gluten and dairy-free waffles, sign me up! Otto Waffle Atelier is located at Katelijnestraat 1, 8000 Bruges and is open every day of the week from 10 am – 6 pm. We just stumbled upon this place right before our canal boat cruise. It is a 2-minute walk from Our Lady Bruges and a 10-minute walk from The Belfry.
The waffles are handmade with oats and have the most delicious choices for toppings.
Trevor had the Chocolate Lady (Oat waffle with homemade vanilla ice cream / home-made dark chocolate sauce/cacao nibs/ roasted buckwheat / edible flowers), and I made my own with the Oat waffle/ fresh strawberries/ home-made dark chocolate sauce. Absolutely delicious. They tasted fresh, and I wasn’t left with that sugar coating over my teeth like I would with a cheap waffle.
The waffles range from €3,50 – €8,50 depending on the toppings and are so worth the price.
Did I say they were delicious? Well, I’m saying it again! This was also another situation where we came by right at closing time. They actually locked the doors behind us (15 minutes post-close) and said they would serve us because I was so excited to be able to eat a waffle. How sweet!
Go there! Get a waffle and then let’s talk about how DELICIOUS it was! Add this to your list of the best Food in Bruges.
Bar Red Rose
Bar Rose Red was actually suggested to us by the concierge at our hotel. We asked him where the best place in Bruges was, that he likes to go, and he said this is “where I take all the ladies”. I won’t tell you his name to make sure we don’t cause any drama! Well, Bar Rose Red did not disappoint.
Let’s first talk about the aesthetic of the place.
There are roses hanging from the ceiling… everywhere. It is really quite neat to see. The walls are red and lined with vintage gold frames with some pretty witty sayings and guess what, more roses. There is also a large outdoor patio space at the back. The brick walls are covered in paintings and different beer plaques.
We absolutely love finding these locally-loved spots (and being able to share them with you!). To top it off, the bartender was a beer sommelier (they specialize in Trappist beer here) and was extremely passionate about cocktails and tattoos, so we spent quite a bit of time talking to him.
We spent so much time, actually, that we ended up staying there to eat.
We had originally just popped in for a drink (or two). They serve mostly tapas and they were very tasty. We ordered three and it was more than enough for two people. We are adding it to our list of best places to get Food in Bruges because it was delicious, and a surprise!
They are open 7 days a week from 4 pm-midnight. The Rose Red is actually a hotel as well! So you could stay here if you wanted, during your trip to Bruges. We didn’t stay here but would definitely look into it, if and when, we return to Bruges.
Mozart, More than just Ribs
Yes, yes, yes, this one we’re recommending to you is a chain of sorts. There are three locations (Aalst, Brussels & Bruges). Trevor chose this one as it has some pretty good reviews and he loves ribs!
The Bruges location just opened in 2019 and their specialty is all-you-can-eat ribs.
They actually have quite a large menu, but most people who go there, go for the ribs. We did the same. You get a baked potato and a little salad on the side (which are also all you can eat). There are a couple of choices for sauces, and they all are great!
Additionally, the interior is pretty neat. They use train car seating for the booths and the walls are lined with bookshelves, filled with books, like a library. With dark wood and red tablecloths, you could spend your time at the table just looking around at everything.
Book your table in advance if you know you will be going, but don’t stress if you don’t.
We were able to get a table downstairs, but it was very busy FYI!
Their hours are; Monday & Tuesday 5:30pm – 10:30pm, closed on Wednesday, Thursday 5:30pm – 10:30pm, Friday & Saturday 5:30pm – 11:00pm, and Sunday 12pm – 2:30pm and then again 5:30pm – 10:30pm. They are also located only 3 minutes from the Grote Markt and The Belfry, so it’s a great location!
Add this to your list of places to get Food in Bruges and you won’t be disappointed.