The BEST African Restaurants in Brussels
If you’ve gotten tired of mussels and frites by your third meal in Belgium, do not worry because the capital of the EU has a plethora of other dining options to satisfy your cravings. European food may have a reputation among foodies for being bland and boring, but a trip to Belgium does not have to be defined by bistro fare.
As a product of the recent waves of immigration to Europe, Belgium has developed a thriving culinary scene featuring the best dishes from around the world. While the average visitor should have no issue finding sushi, ramen, or falafel, do not limit yourself to what can also be easily accessed in other cities.
Compared to many other major European cities, the diversity in Brussels is more apparent and varied. This manifests itself with Brussels being home to one of the largest communities of African immigrants in the EU as well, with sub-Saharan Africans serving as the city’s third largest ethnic group.
For visitors looking to experience a taste of Africa, here are the best African Restaurants in Brussels:
Au Soleil d’Afrique
Located in Brussel’s Matongé neighborhood, the city’s African quarter, Au Soleil d’Afrique is know among locals and tourists for their chicken mafé, a Senegalese dish with peanut sauce. Other specialties include their yassa (spicy marinated chicken or fish) and their chicken wings (they seriously have the reputation for the best wings in the city).
Diners eat at communal tables so be prepared to rub elbows with your fellow patrons (you may even make some new friends) to enjoy the restaurant’s colorful interior and lively atmosphere.
Address: Rue Longue Vie 10, 1050 Ixelles, Belgium
Hours: Monday - Sunday 12 PM - 12 AM
L’Horloge du Sud
Part restaurant, part art gallery, part concert venue, and part theater, L’Horlogue du Sud begs the question, “Is there anything they cannot do?”
In all seriousness, their partnerships with local creatives and passion for the arts are apparent as soon as you walk through the door. Even better, the food is really good. Expect a menu full of West African classics such as beef cheeks wrapped in sweet potato leaves and guinea-fowl stew. Save some room for a mix of side dishes too because their braised cassava and broiled plantains are fuego.
Address: Rue du Trône 141, 1050 Ixelles, Belgium
Hours: Monday - Saturday 11 AM - 3 PM, 6 PM - 12 AM
Sunday Closed
Toukoul
Arguable Belgium’s worst kept secret, Toukoul is an Ethiopian restaurant and cultural center located in the hip Sainte-Catherine neighborhood. Go hungry and be prepared to leave full. Expect lots of braised meats and veggies served with a seemingly endless portion of injera (a sourdough-risen flatbread that’s unlike any other bread we’ve had in a good way). If you’re feeling thirsty, make sure to try from their selection of Ethiopian honey wines.
Make a reservation and thank us later.
Address; Rue de Laeken 34, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
Hours: Monday - Wednesday 6 PM - 10:30 PM
Thursday - Friday 12 PM - 2:30 PM; 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Saturday - Sunday 12 PM - 3:30 PM; 6:00 PM - 10:30 PM
Le Vieux Mila
Oh you still want more options?
If you find yourself in Sainte-Giles, step into La Vieux Mila for a taste of some classics from Cameroon (“Classics from Cameroon” is a great mixtape name btw) in a colorful, modern setting. Visitors should opt for their BBQ chicken plate, grilled shrimp with cassava, and broiled whole fish. Normally, ordering 3 main plates might be a little crazy, but remember what Drake said, “You only live once - Try all the African food”
Address: Rue de Moscou 28, 1060 Bruxelles, Belgium
Hours: Tuesday - Thursday 4 PM - 11 PM
Friday - Sunday 12 PM - 11 PM
If you have checked out any of these restaurants, tell us what you thought and if you have a favorite African spot in Brussels that we missed, please let us know in the comments!