Must-Try Dishes: Frites (Belgian fries) with various sauces served as street food or restaurant sides. Moules-Frites (mussels with fries) - iconic Belgian dish. Flemish stew - slow-cooked meat in beer. Waffles - both breakfast and dessert versions available. Cheese croquettes - fried delicacies. Carbonade Flamande - beef braised in dark beer.
Belgian Specialties: Belgium's chocolate is world-renowned - visit artisan chocolateries for pralines and confections. Belgian beer offers 1,000+ varieties from abbey breweries to microbreweries. Trappist beers from nearby monasteries are exceptional.
Dining Tips: Reserve restaurants for evening dining, especially weekends. Many traditional restaurants close Mondays and Tuesdays. Belgian bills generally include service; tipping is optional. (service charge often included). Menu of the day (plat du jour) offers excellent value at lunch. Casual cafés perfect for informal meals and coffee culture.
Restaurant Districts: Grand Place surrounds with tourist-friendly dining; side streets offer authentic local restaurants with better value. Rue de la Chaussée has diverse dining options. Evening passeggiata (strolling) before dinner is local tradition.