Extraordinary culinary delights
Bruges’ gastronomy has a rich history, deeply intertwined with its role as a centre of trade and art during the Middle Ages. Bruges was a cosmopolitan port city in the 13th to 15th centuries, where international Hanseatic League merchants congregated. Through these global connections, exotic spices such as pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg and saffron found their way to Bruges. Lavish banquets hosted by the Dukes of Burgundy, frequent visitors to the city, set the tone for refined cuisine and generous feasting.
Today, Bruges boasts 502 restaurants, offering a dazzling array of culinary experiences. Local catering companies rely on short supply chains, using fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced produce.
Bruges is the ultimate culinary destination. No wonder, as it’s home to the full gastronomic spectrum, from world cuisines and stylish lunch spots to Michelin-starred fine dining. Food lovers can savour exquisite creations from Bruges’ top chefs. Their talent has put the city firmly on the global gastronomic map, earning distinctions in the Michelin Guide, Gault&Millau, and Bib Gourmand. In Bruges’ cosy cafés, you can also enjoy the city’s famous local beers.
By the way, did you know that Bruges is home to two prestigious culinary schools? Students and alumni of Spermalie and Ter Groene Poorte have garnered international acclaim for many years, helping to cement the city's gastronomic reputation.
Discover the places in Bruges to eat and drink.
Tips from top chefs in Bruges
Bruges’ favourite chefs are delighted to share their personal insider tips; hidden breakfast spots, trendy lunch places, street food gems, and Michelin-starred dining. More than enough to make your mouth water! Explore their “flavourite” recommendations and discover the city’s culinary diversity for yourself.
Insider tips
Bruges always surprises and charms, whether it’s your first visit or you know the city inside out. And once you fall in love with Bruges, you want to share that passion. Locals and other fans love sharing their insider tips, guiding you off the beaten track and into tucked-away alleys full of new discoveries you can add to your Bruges list. Insider tips are the quick way to find some amazing places.
Kopje Zwam
This local caterer is a firm supporter of 100% circularity. Oyster mushrooms grown on coffee grounds are turned into delicious vegan dishes. You can even experience live cooking demonstrations at unique venues across Bruges.
The We’re Smart® Congress
Vegetables have never been so important for a healthy daily diet, both in Belgium and worldwide. Belgium is the European country with the highest vegetable consumption per person. It is therefore the ideal place to dedicate a conference to this topic. The We’re Smart® Congress marks the beginning of a new era – an era in which pure plant cuisine as a whole will be taken to a higher level and the many culinary techniques will be in the spotlight. The We’re Smart® Congress Congress will take place from the 25th until the 27th of October 2026 at the Bruges Meeting & Convention Centre.
The organisation recognises and rewards innovation in plant-based and sustainable gastronomy annually at the We’re Smart® Future Awards. The We’re Smart Green Guide rates the world’s best plant-based restaurants from 1 to 5 radishes. It is based on creativity, seasonal produce, sustainability, and the share of fruit and vegetables on the menu, where 5 radishes represents the ultimate level. The Patrick Devos restaurant proudly holds 5 radishes and ranks 95th worldwide. The First International Pure Plant Based Congress will take place on the 26th of October in the Bruges Meeting & Convention Centre. The We’re Smart® Award Show 2026 will be held on the 27th of October also at the BMCC.
Conferences and corporate events with a food theme
- UNWTO World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism: 31 October till 2 November 2021 - Concertgebouw Brugge - 180 pax.
- Herbalife seminar with dinner - 18 December 2021 - La Brugeoise - 300 pax.
- Walking dinner with dance party AZ Sint-Jan: 2 February 2024 - Bruges Beer Experience - 200 pax.
- Dinner Passion in Events: 8 September - NH Brugge - 200 pax.
- Anniversary dinners College of Europe Alumni Association: May, June, September 2024 - Brouwerij De Halve Maan - 150 pax.
- AVEC Poultry Congress: 12 till 15 September 2024 - Crowne Plaza Brugge - 200 pax.
- Dinner European Federation of Wooden Pallet and Packaging Manufacturers FEFPEB Congress - 27 September - Brouwerij De Halve Maan - 200 pax.
- Elsevier 6th Food Structure & Functionality Forum Symposium: 6 till 9 October 2024 - BMCC - 250 pax.
- 38th EFFosT International Conference (European Federation of Food Science & Technology): 12 till 14 November 2024 - BMCC - 500 pax.
- JUICE Summit: 30 September till 2 October 2025 - BMCC - 450 pax.
Source: Brugge in cijfers