Sometimes you don’t need to travel hours to feel like you’ve escaped.
Just 15 to 30 minutes from the centre of Brussels you’ll find terraces surrounded by forests, gardens, lakes and peaceful countryside where lunch easily turns into an afternoon.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner, a long lunch with friends or somewhere to enjoy a summer evening, these are the restaurant terraces I keep coming back to.
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At Travelling Cooks, I believe the best journeys don’t always involve crossing borders. Sometimes they’re simply about slowing down, choosing somewhere beautiful and allowing yourself time to enjoy the moment.
If you’re looking for more ideas to enjoy Belgium at a slower pace, you might also like my guide to the best guided tours in Brussels.
| Restaurant | Location | Cuisine | Best for | Average Spend pp | Public Transport |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MiTo Orban | Woluwe-Saint-Pierre | Italian | Relaxed lunches, family dinners, date nights | €20–30 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Kbane | Hoeilaart | Belgian & European | Nature lovers, long lunches | €40–80 | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Food with Varinder | La Hulpe | Vegetarian, Indian & Persian | Sharing with friends, unique dining | €40–70 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Barbizon | Overijse | Belgian & French | Special occasions, Sunday lunches | €40–100 | ⭐⭐ |
| Stories | Waterloo | Contemporary | Celebrations, evenings with friends | €30–70 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Soko Rooftop | Kraainem | International | Sunset drinks & dinner | €10–50 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
MiTo Orban
Located on Avenue Orban in Woluwe-Saint-Pierre, just a few minutes from Stockel Square, MiTo is one of those restaurants that feels like a little escape from the city. Although it’s only around 20 minutes from Brussels’ city centre, its peaceful terrace makes it easy to forget you’re still in the capital. Expect to spend around €20–30 per person for a main course and a drink, making it an excellent choice for both a relaxed lunch and an evening out.
The terrace is the real highlight. It is surrounded by greenery and the kind of place that invites you to slow down, order another coffee or a glass of wine, and simply enjoy being outdoors.
One of the things I particularly like is how easy it is to reach without a car. Simply take Metro Line 1 to Stockel, the final stop, and from there it’s only a five-minute walk. You can also reach Stockel by Tram 39 or Bus 36, making MiTo an ideal destination whether you’re driving or relying on Brussels’ public transport network.
| 📍 Location | Avenue Orban 2, Woluwe-Saint-Pierre (Stockel) |
|---|---|
| 🍽 Cuisine | Italian, great choice of pizza |
| 💰 Average spend | €20–30 per person |
| 🌿 Terrace | Large, peaceful front garden terrace |
| 🚇 Public transport | Metro 1, Tram 39, Bus 36 |
| ⭐ Best for | Lunch with friends, date nights, family dinners |
Each of these restaurants offers something different, but they all have one thing in common: they prove that you don’t need to travel far from Brussels to enjoy great food, beautiful surroundings and the pleasure of slowing down.
Kbane
Located on the edge of the Sonian Forest in La Hulpe, Kbane is the perfect destination when you want to escape the city and reconnect with nature. Its spacious terrace is surrounded by trees, creating a peaceful atmosphere where birdsong replaces the noise of traffic. One thing to keep in mind is that the private “Kbane” dining spaces are available for groups of 4 to 8 people and must be reserved in advance, while the covered terrace is open to all guests, making it a great option whether you’re planning a special gathering or simply stopping by for lunch or dinner. Expect to spend around €40–80 per person, depending on your choice of dishes and drinks.
Places like Kbane remind me that some of the best journeys don’t require a passport. They’re simply about slowing down and reconnecting.
If you’re travelling by car, Kbane has convenient parking on site. Without a car, it’s still easy to reach by taking an SNCB train to Hoeilaart station, followed by a short taxi ride or a pleasant walk of around 20–25 minutes through the surrounding area. Several De Lijn bus routes also stop nearby, making it accessible by public transport from Brussels, although the journey takes a little longer than driving.
| 📍 Location | Av. Reine Astrid 92, 1310 La Hulpe |
|---|---|
| 🍽 Cuisine | Belgian & European |
| 💰 Average spend | €40–80 per person |
| 🌿 Terrace | Large terrace and ‘huts’ surrounded by the Sonian Forest |
| 🚗 Parking | Free parking available |
| 🚆 Public transport | Train to Hoeilaart + taxi or 20–25 min walk; De Lijn buses |
| ⭐ Best for | Long lunches, nature lovers, relaxed dinners with friends or family |
Food with Varinder (La Hulpe)
Located in the heart of La Hulpe, just a short walk from the train station and only around 20 minutes from Brussels, Food with Varinder offers a dining experience unlike any other. Rather than ordering à la carte, you’ll be served a generous selection of beautifully presented vegetarian dishes inspired by Indian and Persian family recipes, all designed to be shared around the table. During the warmer months, the peaceful terrace is the perfect place to linger over the meal, surrounded by greenery and a relaxed atmosphere that encourages you to slow down and enjoy each course. Expect to spend around €40–70 per person, depending on your drinks and the seasonal menu. I must mention their brunch served on Sundays from 11am to 3pm, an absolute treat and the best way to slow down, savour and reconnect.
One of the reasons I love recommending Food with Varinder is that it’s just as easy to reach without a car. La Hulpe railway station is only a two-minute walk from the restaurant, with regular SNCB trains connecting Brussels to La Hulpe in around 20 minutes. If you’re driving, there is public parking available nearby, making it an effortless escape from the city.
If you’re planning a relaxing day outside Brussels, consider combining lunch here with a walk around the Sonian Forest or Château de La Hulpe.
| 📍 Location | Chau. de Bruxelles 4, 1310 La Hulpe |
|---|---|
| 🍽 Cuisine | Vegetarian with Indian & Persian influences |
| 💰 Average spend | €40–70 per person |
| 🌿 Terrace | Peaceful outdoor terrace, perfect for long lunches and summer dinners |
| 🚆 Public transport | SNCB train to La Hulpe (2-minute walk) |
| 🚗 Parking | Public parking nearby |
| ⭐ Best for | Sharing with friends, vegetarians, food lovers and relaxed dining |
Barbizon
Nestled on the edge of the Sonian Forest in Overijse, Barbizon combines the charm of a countryside brasserie with a stylish, contemporary atmosphere, making it feel far removed from the bustle of Brussels.
Undoubtedly, the restaurant’s large garden terrace is its biggest attraction. Surrounded by mature trees and greenery, it’s the perfect setting for a long summer lunch or a relaxed dinner as the sun begins to set. Expect to spend around €40–100 per person, depending on your choice of dishes and drinks. The menu celebrates Belgian and French-inspired brasserie classics with a modern twist, complemented by an extensive wine list.
Finally, if you’re travelling by car, Barbizon offers free on-site parking, making it an easy destination for a leisurely meal outside Brussels. Without a car, you can take an SNCB train to Hoeilaart or La Hulpe, followed by a short taxi ride (around 10 minutes), or combine public transport with a local bus. While it requires a little more planning than some of the other restaurants in this guide, the peaceful setting and beautiful terrace make the journey worthwhile.
| 📍 Location | Drève de Willerieken 95, 3090 Overijse |
|---|---|
| 🍽 Cuisine | Belgian & French brasserie |
| 💰 Average spend | €40–100 per person |
| 🌿 Terrace | Spacious garden terrace surrounded by greenery |
| 🚗 Parking | Free parking on site |
| 🚆 Public transport | Train to Hoeilaart or La Hulpe, then a short taxi or local bus |
| ⭐ Best for | Relaxed Sunday lunches, special occasions and summer evenings |
Stories
Located on the Chaussée de Tervuren in Waterloo, just 20 minutes from Brussels, Stories is a restaurant where creativity, quality ingredients and a warm atmosphere come together.
The menu takes inspiration from cuisines around the world while remaining rooted in fresh, seasonal produce, creating dishes that are designed to be shared and enjoyed at a relaxed pace. During the warmer months, the pleasant outdoor terrace provides the perfect setting to enjoy a leisurely lunch or an evening with friends.
Stylish without being pretentious, Stories is the kind of place that encourages you to settle in, savour each course and make the most of good company. Expect to spend around €30–70 per person, depending on your choice of dishes and drinks.
Getting there is straightforward whether you’re driving or using public transport. There is parking available on site, making it a convenient option if you’re coming from Brussels by car. Without a car, take the SNCB train to Waterloo station, then continue by bus or taxi. Several TEC bus routes also stop along the Chaussée de Tervuren, making the restaurant easily accessible from both Waterloo station and Brussels.
If you enjoy discovering restaurants that are worth travelling for, explore more of my Belgian restaurant recommendations.
| 📍 Location | Chau. de Tervuren 153a, 1410 Waterloo |
|---|---|
| 🍽 Cuisine | Contemporary cuisine with international influences |
| 💰 Average spend | €30–70 per person |
| 🌿 Terrace | Spacious outdoor terrace |
| 🚗 Parking | Parking available |
| 🚆 Public transport | Train to Waterloo + bus or taxi |
| ⭐ Best for | Sharing plates, dinners with friends, celebrations and relaxed summer evenings |
Soko Rooftop
Located in Kraainem, just a few minutes from Brussels, Soko Rooftop offers a completely different experience from the other terraces in this guide. Perched on the 11th floor, it overlooks the treetops of the Sonian Forest, with panoramic views stretching across Brussels. It’s the perfect place to watch the sunset while sharing small plates, enjoying creative cocktails or simply taking in the scenery. The atmosphere is stylish yet relaxed, making it equally suited to an after-work drink, a summer evening with friends or a special celebration. Expect to spend around €10–50 per person, depending on whether you’re stopping by for drinks, sharing plates or a full dinner.
Getting there couldn’t be easier. If you’re driving, parking is available on site (free from 5 p.m.). I often meet up with a friend of mine, who does not drive and it is so easy to get to with a beautiful ride on the Tram 44 directly to the Vier Armen/Quatre Bras stop, just a short walk from the entrance. You can also reach it by Bus 36, 317, 830 or E12.
Once inside the building, take the lift to the 10th floor and follow the signs to the rooftop on the 11th floor.
| 📍 Location | Mechelsesteenweg 455, 1950 Kraainem |
|---|---|
| 🍽 Cuisine | International sharing plates & cocktails |
| 💰 Average spend | €10–50 per person |
| 🌿 Terrace | Rooftop terrace with panoramic views over the Sonian Forest and Brussels |
| 🚗 Parking | On-site parking (free after 5 p.m.) |
| 🚋 Public transport | Tram 44 or Bus 36, 317, 830 & E12 |
| ⭐ Best for | Sunset drinks, after-work gatherings, celebrations and summer evenings |
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