I’m traveling for a couple of months and I can’t afford to eat 25-40 euro entrees for meals. I am staying in walking distance to the Grand Plaza (Brussels) and Old Bruges (Bruges). I really want to get to places by foot rather than spending money to take public transit, plus I love to walk! Here are a few fun and cost effective places I found. (I also am pescatarian so my options can be a bit more limited).
Fripiers (Brussels)
Their menu is pretty big and has breakfast and lunch items at a super affordable price for the area. I didn’t see anything over 8 euros (without modifications). Items range from croissants, panini’s, salads and sandwiches.
We ordered the Thonjin niçois – I’ve only ever had the french dish Tuna Niçoise as a salad. This was their take and it was seriously delicious. The bread reminded me of bahn mi bread and was crunchy and airy at the same time. The sandwich cost 5 euros and is in the touristy “main” drag.
Patatak (Brussels)
Okay so they serve vegetarian fries (WHAT)? But before I tried the fries I was really craving one of my top favorite foods: pickles :)! They have a Belgian style pickle for 2 euros. While it might be a little pricey for what it is I wanted something that wasn’t fried or sweet (kind of hard to find in Brussels). The pickle was vinegary and slightly sweeter than I expected even though when I researched traditional pickles in Belgium I found they are usually not as sweet as United States pickles. Maybe they mean with added sugar? Overall I’m glad I tried the pickle but on the hunt for another place to try one!
Chez Leon (Brussels)
When in Brussels you have to get mussels, right? I tried a couple of different places and honestly this was my favorite broth and flavor of mussels and frites under 20 euros.
I ordered the Formule Leon which served a portion of mussels, fries and a small pilsner beer for 18.75 euros (the beer is pictured below). This option doesn’t let you pick which broth or vegetables you get, but was one of the cheaper places to get mussels in the area. The broth had shallots, chives, white wine and for the portion felt worth the price.
The reviews for Chez Leon our mixed with many people saying the place is over rated, however I thought for being in the touristy area of Brussels the mussels were delicious and worth the price.
Vlissinghe (Bruges)
Claimed to be the oldest bar in Bruges with written records dating from 1515, it truly is a must see. The food is also affordable with most items being under 20 euros. I tried Bruno’s Vissoep (Bruno’s Fish Soup) and it was something I still think about and wish I would have gotten one more time.
The soup was served with cheese, an aioli of some sort and little homemade bread sticks. It had plenty of different types of fish in the stew and tasted hearty. It was very filling.
The menu was clearly labeled with favorite dishes as well as vegetarian dishes. They had a large assortment of menu items that were under 20 euros.
Tasty Bruges (Bruges)
Tasty Bruges, a sandwich place I found in Bruges that had so many option to choose from. Unfortunately I didn’t grab a picture of my sandwich ( I must have been hungry). I ordered the Old Bruges Cheese sandwich for just 4.90 euros. They also will let you add any ingredients to the sandwich if you’d like as well but I kept with what was listed. It was a big sandwich and definitely filling! They offer vegetarian and vegan options which are clearly labeled on the menu.
Have you found affordable restaurants in Brussels or Bruges? Comment below and let us know!
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