The historic avenues and picturesque squares in Brussels shelter some of the best dining spots in Europe. Being the center of the continent, the city offers a plethora of cuisines and signature dishes.

Regardless if you are having a short visit in Belgium or staying for your vacation, having a go at the local cuisine is a must.

Hence, we give you our pick of the ten best fine dining restaurants in Brussels to try out before arranging for your airport shuttle pick up.

Toukoul

Toukoul is an exotic Ethiopian restaurant and cultural house, with fabulous interior made of sculptures and unique pieces brought straight from Ethiopia. This venue has a special program of weekend concerts, with jazz, blues and lounge performed by talented local artists. The menu here offers the best injera (a sourdough pancake), topped with delicious wot and spicy key wot sauces, and succulent tibs (fried meats in aromatic spices), along with the intense Addis Flower cocktail. Just book your table in advance, since the place is always full.
 

La Quincaillerie

This venue is a remarkable example of Art Deco architecture, where elements of brass are coupled with heavy, wooden accents to create an ambiance of passed times. The cuisine here combines tradition with contemporary elegance. Have your starters at the exposed oyster bar, followed by skillfully prepared French-inspired classics, with ingredients sourced from the restaurant’s own farm in Bresse. La Quincaillerie is a favorite spot in the classy Châtelain neighborhood, so the demand for a seat is high.
 

Fin de Siècle

Fin de Siècle uniquely presents all heavy and hearty flavors of the Belgian cuisine – classic sausage and stoemp (mashed potatoes) smothered in a thick sauce is a signature dish here. This is actually the Belgian version of the Hungarian goulash, called carbonnade. The ambiance is basic, and yet it has the kind of charm that makes it a favorite among the visitors. Since the restaurant doesn’t accept reservations and there’s always a queue, make sure to come early.
 

Belga Queen

This remarkable example of 19th century Bruxellois architecture, features stained glass ceilings, contemporary sculpture and marble columns. It is located in a former bank and revamped with style. The atmosphere is sophisticated and the menu is an eclectic mix of favorite classics and seasonal specials. The oysters and seafood platter are always good choices here – the Malines cockerel on a bed of gingerbread, sprinkled with peach syrup, or one of the lobsters is to die for. It is a fabulous spot right in the heart of the city.
 

Le Cercle des Voyageurs

This peaceful oasis in the heart of Brussels, close to the Manneken Pis, welcomes the visitors with its cozy atmosphere, soft music, travel books around the room and exhibitions of photography and paintings. The menu is pretty diverse, featuring delicious specials inspired by world cuisines. Try the moqueca, a Brazilian fish stew, the North African méchoui or the Malines chicken with chicory and stoemp – right from the Brabant province. However, the restaurant is best known for its live music nights and full schedule of cultural events, so hang around after dinner to experience the local creativity.
 

La Truffe Noire

This Michelin Star venue is a culinary institution, serving some of the most refined flavors in Brussels, focusing on creating culinary masterpieces with black and white truffles. The menu offers superb dishes, like the luxurious whole-cooked Périgord truffle on toast and truffle butter, or the more conventional truffle-filled ravioli. The place is located at the edge of the beautiful Jardins de l’Abbaye de la Cambre, a perfect spot for a leisure stroll after dinner.
 

Mer du Nord | Noordzee

Mer du Nord (or Noordzee in Flemish) is more of a fish bar than restaurant. Don’t expect seats here, since the place has non - there are high tables set around a large, semi-circular bar, outside at the picturesque Place Sainte-Catherine. Just order at the bar, choose a table and wait for the server to call out your name to pick up your plate. Here you will taste the freshest fish and seafood in the city, sprinkled with Mer du Nord’s house tartare sauce. It is best to order several smaller plates and share them, and the kibbeling – deep-fried slices of Atlantic cod – is a signature delicacy.
 

L’Idiot du Village

L’Idiot du Village resembles the many antique shops that surround it. It is colorful, quirky and charming, with pieces of vintage furniture and accessories around the room. It offers a truly unique dining experience in the heart of the Marolles, shaped by the primarily French menu which changes every season. Some of the most exciting delicacies previously served here are the roast pigeon served with artichoke risotto, or the foie gras terrine with a beet and cuberdon jelly.
 

Au Vieux Bruxelles

Located in the heart of St. Boniface since 1882, this is the most Bruxellois restaurant in the area. Charmingly simple with wood-paneled walls, checkered table covers and countless memorabilia around the room, this place takes its diners to another era. Expect to see the best traditional dishes on the menu, the Gueuze beer carbonnade with chips, the waterzooi chicken stew and some of the best moules frites (mussels with chips). The tumbledown exterior and plastic chairs set on the street outside may camouflage this hidden gem, so be careful not to miss it.
 

Comme Chez Soi

This two Michelin-starred restaurant’s interior is sleek and historic, with art nouveau curves and mirrors, stained glass panels and ceiling and organic furniture, showcasing its rich heritage. The menu is no less sophisticated, offering a mouth-watering gamberi rossi sprinkled with Ishigaki pepper, mint, pine nuts and glasswort, or wild halibut and Breton lobster with Pondicherry pepper and fennel seeds. They’re both available on Comme Chez Soi’s signature six-course menu. It is not the cheapest place, but it sure does offer a rich cultural experience.

To all of the fine diners and enthusiastic travelers out there, make sure to spice up your Brussels experience by visiting at least one of these places before hitting some of the hottest jazz clubs in Brussels. Just arrange for a taxi transport and you’ll reach them in no time.