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Who’s prepared to go gaga over the best cafes in Brussels? Here I am, standing with both hands in the air. I’m pleasantly surprised by Belgium’s capital city’s dining scene.
One thing about the cafes in Brussels is that things are very trendy. When I think of these parts of Europe, fashion-forward and hip cities that spring to mind are destinations like Stockholm and Copenhagen. But I very quickly ate my words — excuse the pun.
From health-conscious options to specialty coffee to food influences from around the globe (like African and Persian), are you ready to fall in love, ye, cafe-goers?
P.S. Most of the cafes only open during daytime hours, and it’s always lovely to pick an option where curbside seating is available. Barring summer, days always have a crispness in the air, so when the sun is shining, you won’t wanna be elsewhere.
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- 1. Frank.: For the serious brunchers
- 2. Cliff: Trendy in every way
- 3. Café de la Presse: Interesting menu
- 4. Moka Moon: Cali-inspired
- 5. Léopold Café Presse: Create your own bowls
- 6. Godjo Merkato: Afro gastronomy
- 7. KOUL: For flavors of the East, and then some
- 8. ONO Brunch & Coffee: Outdoor garden seating
- 9. KooKoo coffee & More: Persian inspirations
1. Frank.: For the serious brunchers
For anyone who hails from or has visited Australia, you will know how seriously the Aussies take their coffee. It’s a game to find bad coffee. But hey, when the coffee is that good, you can kind of give them props for it. For the coffee snobs, such as myself, Frank. serves “a damn good specialty coffee” as they so aptly put it. Not only is the coffee Australian-inspired, but so is the café concept and food.
It’s all about the breakfast and brunch time vibes here. (With two locations in the city.) I especially love that the menu is veg-focused (a trend I am noticing in the culinary world atm. Anyone else watch Top Chef?). So while there is meat and protein, vegetables are heroes.
They do a ‘brunch combo for two’ and the kitchen closes at 3 pm, but opens daily from 8 am. Seasonal dishes change monthly.
2. Cliff: Trendy in every way
Keeping up with the capital city’s trendy food scene, Cliff makes it onto the list of the best cafes in Brussels for so many good reasons.
Cool oozes from every corner, whether talking the hanging neon entrance signage, exposed brick walls, iced matcha jars, or Scandinavian-like brekkies. On that note, if you have ever been to Stockholm or Denmark, a boiled egg and soldier-like toast slithers with cheese on the side is super popular. Find it here!
Also, for the readers who have dived into my food writing, will know how much I love salmon, and here, the oversized cream cheese toast with generous salmon spirals is totally up my alley. But hey, all the food is mouthwatering…Try the Spicy Cliff Burger!
Unlike many of the best cafes in Brussels, Café de la Presse stays open past late afternoon, only closing shop at 8PM.
Order a bottle of Belgian kombucha along with a granola-fused “ocean bowl” (sitting on a bed of blue) for something on the healthier side of life. Or go for the goat cheese, apple, and honey on toast instead. I love that the menu isn’t just your typical cafe bites.
Drinks match the same, with golden latte and matcha options, as well as strong coffee. This is a great spot for Digital Nomads, and they have seating outside on the curb. Perfect for sun-kissed moments.
4. Moka Moon: Cali-inspired
How cute is Moka Moon’s name? It reminds me of some sort of Japanese anime character!
But of course, it’s not a character, but rather a firm contender for the best cafes in Brussels. Food is California-style (especially when it comes to brunch), and you best believe there’s specialty coffee here (roasted locally).
See what I mean by the ultra fashionable options in this city?! All-in-all, it’s designed as an inviting neighborhood cafe serving wholesome, delish food.
Expect pretty coffee art adorning your cappuccino and dishes like fresh challahs with maple-glazed bacon, bright, fresh avo, melted cheddar, tomatoes, and a homemade tomato chutney. Don’t leave before ordering a vegan chocolate, nut, and tahini cookie to-go.
5. Léopold Café Presse: Create your own bowls
Not to be confused with Café de la Presse, Léopold Café Presse is another one of the best cafes in Brussels, but the two are not linked at all. Léopold has six locations in the city, so you can find them all over, from busy Avenue de Tervueren to Rue de Louvain.
Create your own fresh bowl from the bar from ingredients like edamame, bulgar wheat, lentils, pomegranate, and pumpkin, or try the banana and peanut butter toast. My favorite is the whole baked goat’s cheese served with either eggs, salmon, or bacon.
One of the things I appreciate is the diverse menu. Discover both healthy foods, or meals a little on the naughtier side, such as waffles, pastries, and bagels. Outside seating is available.
6. Godjo Merkato: Afro gastronomy
Book store, coffee shop, cafe, and grocery store all in one… What more could a girl ask for when hunting down the best cafes in Brussels?!
I’m a bibliophile through and through, so the minute I hear the words “book shop,” I’m pretty much sold. One of my favorite types of cafes is those that sell books, and I love slowly drinking a cortado (I know they’re small in size, but I am a slow drinker), enjoying every last morsel and flavor of my meal, and moseying through a book page by page…
Interestingly, food from Godjo Merkato is Afro-inspired cuisine (hailing from South Africa, I love this). Curious to know more?
Travel Insighter: I’m super proud to be a SAFFA, and love boasting about my country whenever I get the chance. Not to mention, Cape Town is blowing UP at the moment. We’re known as “the rainbow nation” for our diverse cultures. Tuck into this list of the best local foods to try in Cape Town!
Munch down on plates like orange roasted carrots, cumin, and chili whipped ricotta; spicy grilled goat and sweet potato hummus; or homemade pateks. The stylish gourmet market stocks international and African products.
7. KOUL: For flavors of the East, and then some
I have absolutely zero qualms with admitting that I’m a #foodie (and a proud one at that). So, when I stumble upon a place with a menu offering things different from the rest, I’m naturally intrigued.
With what seems like inspirations from Middle Eastern countries, KOUL is one of the coolest cafes from my view, and why it’s part of my best cafes in Brussels.
Omelette zaatar with a side of flatbread; Turkish poached eggs served with labneh and chili butter; and shrimp done with aji amarillo and sesame… Are your mouths watering yet? Oh, and don’t get me started on the creamiest basque cheesecake! Drinks-wise, you must order the ginger rush specialty coffee!
8. ONO Brunch & Coffee: Outdoor garden seating
ONO Brunch proves that healthy food can be just as delicious as our not-so-healthy bites. The menu comprises seasonal produce that naturally pops with color. Speaking of, green sets my soul on fire, and so I’m in love with the green accents scattered around this spot.
Cute art illustrations decorate wall spaces, and adding to the overall vibe/message of ONO is the outdoor garden area.
The menu is split between sweets and mains. For the sweet tooths, choose between super bowls, French toasts, pancakes, energy balls, etc. For mains, there are eggs and breads, toasts and buns, sarnies, and plates like halloumi breakfast bowls and stracciatella cheese topped with green asparagus, peas, basil oil, hazelnuts, and arugula.
9. KooKoo coffee & More: Persian inspirations
Persian tea brewed to perfection, Kashke Bademjan (Persian eggplant dip) focaccia, saffron pistachio cookies… KooKoo is making waves for its Persian-kissed cuisine, specialty coffee, AND incredible service!
Interior-appreciators fall into bliss, whether talking the beautiful ceramics food is served on, or attention to detail like decorated vases that remind you of a scene from Aladdin.
New dishes always surprise you, and the cafe takes inspo from homestyle meals. A definite must-visit among the best cafes in Brussels!
P.S. Planning a trip to the Middle East anytime soon? We found the Middle East’s best new hotel for 2025.
For those living under a rock (just teasing), Belgium is renowned for its beer, particularly thanks to its unique take on beer production. Read all about it and where to find the best beer in Bruges here.
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