Brussels is full of wonderful places to eat, but finding somewhere good outside traditional lunch and dinner hours isn’t always easy.
Whether you’re exploring the city, meeting friends for a late lunch or simply prefer eating when you feel hungry, food halls and relaxed all-day dining spots offer a little more freedom.
From lively food markets where everyone can choose something different to neighbourhood favourites serving delicious food throughout the afternoon, these are places I’ve personally enjoyed and would happily return to.
Because sometimes the best way to discover Brussels is to slow down, follow your appetite and savour the moment.
Here is a map of all the restaurants and Food Halls that are on my blog.
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Food Halls in Brussels
Food halls are a wonderful option when you want variety without having to agree on just one restaurant. Whether you’re meeting friends, exploring the city or simply feeling indecisive, these lively spaces bring different cuisines together under one roof.
The Fox
This is a Food Market that opened in 2023 and is one of a kind in Watermael Boitsfort. It’s part of the old AXA building along side a hotel, an amazing gym, a fancy restaurant and, office space. You must check out the building, it’s a masterpiece of architecture.
At the Fox Food Market, you can discover a variety of different foods and drinks. They have a bar and indoor seating as well as a large terrace giving on to a pond. You can find burgers, Korean fried chicken, pizzas, middle eastern cuisine and plenty of other choices. The food stands actually change every so often, giving you more opportunities to try new dishes.
The fox, Bd du Souverain 25, 1170 Watermael-Boitsfort
The Wolf
If you are indecisive and haven’t booked a table anywhere, go the Wolf. It’s in the heart of Brussels, close to Place De Brouckère and Place Sainte Catherine. They have 17 different restaurants in an beautiful building which you can pick and choose from. Their in-house microbrewery also offers a tour.
Rue du Fossé aux Loups 50, 1000 Bruxelles
Relaxed Places to Eat Throughout the Day
Not every meal needs to happen at a traditional lunch or dinner hour. Brussels has some lovely casual addresses where you can enjoy something delicious at your own pace, whether it’s a leisurely lunch, a quick bite or a relaxed afternoon stop.
Here are a few of my favourites, each with its own atmosphere and opening hours.
Journal, Woluwe-Saint-Pierre
Tucked away in the elegant neighbourhood of Stockel in Woluwe-Saint-Pierre, Journal is one of those places that instantly feels welcoming. Set in a charming Art Deco house on Avenue Orban, it is bright, relaxed and perfect for meeting friends at almost any time of day.
The concept is simple and refreshing: an all-day kitchen where you can stop by for coffee, enjoy a leisurely lunch or settle in for a light bite later in the afternoon. The menu features comforting classics and seasonal dishes, but one item in particular has put Journal firmly on the Brussels food map: their shrimp croquettes, which were voted among the best croquettes aux crevettes in Brussels.
With its sun-filled dining room, relaxed atmosphere and lovely terrace in summer, Journal has quickly become a neighbourhood favourite, the kind of place you return to again and again.
Scopa : The Focacceria in Brussels with Authentic Italian Flavours
Scopa brings a slice of Italy to Brussels with its irresistible focaccia and laid-back charm. Opened in 2024, this cosy spot has quickly become a favourite among locals for its freshly baked focacce, bursting with Mediterranean flavours and simple, honest ingredients.
Their menu celebrates the art of Italian street food with soft, golden focaccia generously filled with quality ingredients and a changing speciality of the day made with seasonal produce. The portions are generous (honestly, huge!), perfect for sharing or for a very satisfying solo meal. With most focacce priced between €9 and €14, Scopa offers a hearty and authentic taste of Italy right in the heart of Brussels.
Rue Jourdan 5, 1060 Saint-Gilles
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 11am–9pm. Closed on Sunday.
Noordzee : Seafood and Fish Street Food at Place Sainte-Catherine
Noordzee, once a humble fish shop, has reinvented itself as one of Brussels’ favorite street food stops. It’s the kind of place where locals and visitors gather around high tables to enjoy fresh seafood in the open air.
The menu is small but perfect: croquettes aux crevettes, oysters, steaming bowls of fish soup, pickled herring, smoked mackerel, and salmon. For something heartier, you’ll also find hot dishes like crab or scallops, all cooked on the spot. Pair your choice with a glass of crisp white wine or a cold Belgian beer, and you’ve got a simple but perfect meal.
Most dishes are priced between €6 and €12, so you can easily sample a few plates without overspending. A couple of snacks with a drink comes to around €15–20 per person, making Noordzee not only delicious but also great value in the city center.
What makes Noordzee special isn’t just the food, it’s the atmosphere. There’s no formality, no reservations, just the joy of sharing fresh seafood outdoors in the heart of Brussels.
Go early for lunch to beat the crowd, and don’t miss their shrimp croquettes, a Brussels classic!
Rue Sainte-Catherine 45, 1000 Bruxelles
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 8am–6:30pm; Sunday, 11am–6:30pm. Closed on Monday.
Eating in Brussels, at Your Own Pace
One of the pleasures of exploring Brussels is discovering places where you can eat without making too many plans. Whether you’re sharing different dishes at a lively food hall, stopping for a leisurely lunch or enjoying a quick bite between visits, there’s always something delicious to discover.
These are some of my favourite addresses, and I’ll continue adding new discoveries as I explore the city.
Slow down, savour more and enjoy Brussels, one delicious stop at a time.
