Page 146 - (DK Eyewitness) Top 10 Travel Guide - Brussels Bruges Ghent & Antwerp

144  TR A VELLERS ’ NEEDS
WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK

It is almost impossible to eat badly in are carefully prepared and often innovative.
Belgium, if you steer clear of the obvious Venues range from Michelin-starred
tourist pitfalls. Flanders in particular has been restaurants to unpretentious local taverns
undergoing something of a gastronomic where diners can find generous servings
revolution in recent years, catapulting the of local specialities such as moules-frites
careers of a new generation of young chefs. (mussels and French fries) and waterzooï
Even meals in the lower- to mid-price bracket (a light fish or chicken stew).

snack in a tavern should cost Most cafés and taverns offer
no more than €20. The mark-up petite restauration (light meals) on
on wine can be very high, top or instead of a regular menu.
however; a bottle will typically These simple, traditional snacks
cost €20 or more. Note that water include croque monsieur, shrimp
is generally bottled, and you croquettes, chicory baked
have to pay for it. with ham and cheese, salads,
spaghetti bolognaise and
américain préparé (raw minced
Dining on a Budget beef with seasoning).
Many restaurants offer bargain,
fixed-price or rapid lunchtime
menus for under €15, plus a Opening Times
selection of reasonably priced Most restaurants serve lunch
Opulent belle époque dining room of the dishes of the day. Even when from noon until 2 or 3pm.
Belga Queen (see p151) dining at the city’s most Dinner is generally served from
upmarket eateries you can find 7pm onwards and last orders
Where to Eat similar lunchtime deals, meaning are taken as late as 10pm. Late-
The Belgian love affair with dining that you may be able to sample night restaurants, serving until
out makes for an astonishing haute cuisine for less than €40. midnight, can be found in the
concentration of restaurants and Brussels has most of the usual sidestreets of downtown
eateries: a 10-minute stroll from fast-food outlets, and sandwiches Brussels and a handful provide
almost anywhere in Brussels, are sold at most butchers or meals after 1am. Breakfast bars
Bruges, Ghent or Antwerp traiteurs (delicatessens), usually usually open around 7am.
should bring visitors to a decent with tuna, cheese or cold meat
restaurant, tavern or brasserie. fillings. Alternatively, visitors can
If you want guidance, ask your take advantage of Belgium’s Making a Reservation
hotel reception staff: most take national dish, frites/frieten (French When visiting one of the more
pride in advising guests on fries, hand-cut and double-fried celebrated restaurants, it is
where best to eat. They will also to ensure an even crispiness), advisable to book in advance.
usually advise you to avoid sold from vans and cabins (called The listings indicate where
tourist restaurants, with their friteries/frituurs); served in a paper booking is advisable. For
plasticized menus in four cone, with mayonnaise and those planning to go to the
languages; in Brussels, these dozens of other sauces, they legendary Comme Chez Soi
cluster around the Rue des can be eaten on their own, or (see p152), reserve weeks ahead
Bouchers, near the Grand Place; accompanied by a range of rather than hoping for a last-
in Bruges they are in the Markt. traditional meat and fish snacks. minute cancellation.

How Much to Pay
Most restaurants, taverns and
cafés display a menu in the
window and the majority take
credit cards. Prices usually include
VAT (21 per cent) and service
(16 per cent), although it is worth
checking the latter before tipping.
A meal at the most luxurious
restaurants can cost up to €150
per head, but diners can eat
superbly for around €50 per head
(including wine), and a hearty The contemporary interior of Lola, a fashionable Brussels brasserie (see p153)

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