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16 Best Cafes in Brussels in 2024 with Secret Expert Tips

Ready to enjoy some of the best coffee that Europe has to offer? If so then you need this guide to the best cafes in Brussels now!

I mean, not only have I visited Brussels more times than I can remember, but, I am a self-confessed coffee snob who cannot function without a giant cup of joe first thing in the AM.

As a result, every time I am in this great city, I hunt down the places that serve the best coffee in Brussels.

Therefore, I know a thing or two when it comes to finding the best coffee beans in Brussels.

Plus, I have been to this city a bunch. So, I know how to steer clear of the crowds and where to go to find pretty cafes in Brussels too.

So, stop stressin’ and start using this ultra-rad guide to explore Brussels like a local.

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Best Cafes in Brussels

1. Kami

drinking coffee while eating the best breakfast in Paris.

Now, Kami is ridiculously hip and gorgeously designed. It’s one of the best cafes in Brussels with all exposed brick and whitewashed walls with a lush terrace in the back.

Incidentally, this is one of the prettiest cafés in Brussels where you can snap up your food and an almond chai latte to go with it. But, it’s just as tasty as it is Instagrammable.

They also serve some of the best coffee in Brussels since they have a whole roster of espresso, coffee, and specialty lattes on offer.

In fact, you can choose between Aeropress, French, pour-over, and cold brew coffee.

In terms of the food, the menu is a mix of granola breakfast bowls and light lunches like grilled cheese. At the very least, sample a peanut butter cup before you head to some of the best cafes in Brussels center and enjoy a glorious day in Brussels.

Address: Chau. de Waterloo 355, 1060 Saint-Gilles

Hours: Open Tuesday through Friday from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm and Saturday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Price: Lattes start at €3.50

How to Get There: Take tram 92 to Ma Champagne and walk from there.

2. Kafei Korner Sablon

A light and fluffy Japanese pancake topped with sugar, raisins, and white sauce, with syrup on the side.

As any local will say, Kafei Korner Sablon is behind some of the best coffee in Brussels city center.

See, this café is within walking distance of Grand Place, the Royal Palace, and Brussels Central.

It’s a neat and modern affair with streamlined seating and a large counter displaying the daily bakes. Therefore, this is one of the best cafes in Brussels to work.

Now, the coffee is seriously amazing and beans are sourced from leading coffee-producing destinations.

However, you’re coming here for the fluffy Japanese pancakes. These are served with maple syrup, matcha cream, or caramelized peanuts.

Plus, you can spruce them up with added toppings such as speculoos and red bean azuki. Trust me, order these and you will not regret since I had a hard time not licking my plate clean.

Local Tip: The pancakes here are BEYOND awesome but the Tiramisu fluffy pancakes are a personal fave.

In fact, these pancakes are so good that this is one of my best restaurants in Brussels near the Grand Place.

Address: Rue Joseph Stevens 2, 1000 Bruxelles

Hours: Open Tuesday through Friday from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm and Saturday/Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Price: €10.50

How to Get There: Take line 1 or 5 to Centrale station and walk from there.

3. MOK Coffee

Proudly roasting their own beans, MOK is one of the best coffee places in Brussels near the canal.

So, if you are looking for espresso or frothy cappuccino with art then this is one of the best cafes in Brussels for you. Just order the Barista Breakfast which is the double whammy of awesomeness.

Now, this light and bright café has indoor seating and is a rad place to go for brunch in Brussels.

While the menu is compact, it has rad options like avo toast and granola with seasonal fruit. Yup. The food here at one of the best coffee shops in Brussels is “yum” with a capital “Y”.

However, keep an eye out for tempting specials that are inspired by Eastern-style cooking, like daal.

Note, it’s not a huge place so you’ll want to avoid rush hours and be cool with waiting. That is also the reason why this is NOT one of the best cafes in Brussels to work.

Address: Rue Antoine Dansaert 196, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium

Hours: Open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm and Saturday/Sunday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Price: Coffee starts at €2.90 each.

How to Get There: Take line 1 or 5 to Comte de Flandre station and walk from there.

4. Holy Bagels

For the best bagels in Brussels, head down to the prestigious shopping street Avenue Louise.

After all, Holy Bagels is one of the best cafes in Brussels for a New York-style breakfast. Although, you’ll be urged to ditch the takeout in favor of a proper sit-down meal

Now, as a born and raised New Yorker, these bagels are good but not as good as some of the best bagels in Brooklyn.

At any rate, the menu reflects classic bagels but with a Belgian twist. In particular, the salmon and cream cheese is the winner. However, they have a ton of vegetarian options too.

Although, if you’re looking for something else, then try the pancakes and other brunch bites.

Order the flat white or branch out with a salted maple latte if your tastebuds feel adventurous.

There’s seating indoors and outside plus takeout.

Address: Rue Armand Campenhout 62, 1050 Bruxelles, Belgium

Hours: Open Monday/Tuesday/Thursday/Friday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm and Saturday/Sunday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Price: Bagels start at €12.00 each.

How to Get There: Take the 60 or N10 to Washington and walk from there.

5. Jackie

View of two Cannelés resting on wooden spoons and surrounded by small white flowers at one of the best cafes in Brussels.

Jackie is a minimalist café near the Horta Museum with a clean aesthetic of neutral hues and white subway tiles.

However, what makes one of the best coffee places in Brussels is the fact that they’ve always got a great selection of magazines to look at while you enjoy your cup of joe.

In fact, these are all available to read but you can also buy some newspapers too.

In fact, Jackie is one of the best cafes in Brussels for work and one of the best cafes in Brussels to study since it’s quiet and they have great WiFi.

In fact, they have an entire floor dedicated to co-working. I mean, you do need to pay to use the space but it’s actually a great deal.

Hungry? Then dig into one of their sandwiches. Or, opt for a slice of homemade cake.

TBH, when I went here I loved my oat milk latte. However, the Cannelé I had was easily the best I have ever had. So, be sure to order that if you have a sweet tooth.

Local Tip: The bagels are gross so don’t order those. Your coworking sesh always comes with two complimentary drinks and this is a great place to stop after picking up the best souvenirs from Belgium.

Address: Chau. de Charleroi 203, 1060 Saint-Gilles

Hours: Open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm and Saturday/Sunday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Price: Around €5.00/€6.00 for food.

How to Get There: Take lines 2 or 6 to Hotel Des Monnaies station and walk from there.

6. Belga and Co.

So, Belga and Co. is another café off Avenue Louise where you can break up a day of shopping with some of the best coffee in Brussels.

This is a classy place with an old-fashioned vibe that is embodied through high ceilings and exquisite moldings.

Heck, there’s even a library room where you can flick through a book while enjoying a solitary morning, making this one of the coolest things to do in Brussels.

Actually, this is a happening coffee shop in Brussels that is popular among remote workers, freelancers, and students who need the best cafes in Brussels to study.

Therefore, you’ll find a wide mix of people enjoying one of the best coffee shops in Brussels.

Breakfast pastries and weekend brunch sell out fast. But, you can usually find a cookie or cake to pair with your batch brew coffee.

Address: Rue du Bailli 7A, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium

Hours: Open daily from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, except on weekends when they are open from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Price: Espresso-based drinks are between €2.00 and €3.00 each.

How to Get There: Take tram 8 or 93 to Bailli and walk from there.

7. Fika

Five authentic Swedish cinnamon buns sitting next to one another with a cup of coffee with milk on the bottom left from a cafe with the best coffee in Brussels.

By a mile, Fika is one of the best cafés in Brussels with a view since they have great seasonal, outdoor seating.

Now, this Swedish-inspired coffee house is located in the trendy Ixelles district.

Inside, it’s a minimalist’s dream while the spacious backyard is awesome for catching a ray over a cuppa.

So, locals flock here for the cinnamon buns and other freshly baked cakes and pastries.

But, Fika takes the art of coffee seriously. In fact, they source some of the best coffee beans in Brussels from premium regions with care.

However, they also keep things simple with things like a humble “mug of coffee” on the menu. Just don’t forget to order a cinnamon bun on the side since that’s the true meaning behind “Fika”.

Address: Rue de la Paix 17, 1050 Ixelles, Belgium

Hours: Open Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Price: Varies

How to Get There: Take line 2/6 to Naamsepoort station and walk from there.

8. Caffelatte EspressoBar

A view of the Royal Palace in Brussels with its great architecture from one of the best cafes in Brussels center.

A location a couple of yards from both the Royal Palace and European Parliament affords Caffelatte EspressoBar a prestigious patch of coffee real estate.

It’s also a great place to stop after visiting some of the best museums in Brussels.

Now, the baristas here turn out the best coffee in Brussels across classics and specials alike.

In fact, people go “nuts” for the pistachio latte, which I personally ADORE since pistachio is like my fave thing ever.

Just be aware that the food offering is limited to Italian sandwiches and simple salads with an emphasis on desserts.

Although, the tiramisu is the star of the show and where you should start before heading out to snag waffles in Brussels.

Furthermore, this is a large coffee shop with plenty of seating inside plus a seasonal terrace. So, this is one of the many cute cafes in Brussels city centre with ample seating.

Also, it’s known for its speedy service if you’re short on time during your 2 days in Brussels itinerary.

Address: Rue du Commerce 19, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium

Hours: Open Monday through Friday from 7:30 am to 4:00 pm.

Price: Espresso-based drinks start at €2.00 each.

How to Get There: Take line 2 or 6 to Trone and walk from there.

9. Kaffabar

Kaffabar is one of the best cafés in Brussels if you’re a dog lover.

See, there’s a resident English bulldog who’s usually wandering around indoors and is sweet and friendly.

Furthermore, this is a neat option if you want one of the best cafes in Brussels city centre that isn’t crazy touristy.

Plus, this charcoal-hued expresso bar has indoor and outdoor seating. And, they carry an ever-expanding menu of appealing brunch plates and pastries for vegetarians and vegans alike.

Even hardcore coffee fanatics rate the quality of the coffee. Plus, they make it easy to customize your order with nut-based milk or syrup shots.

Here, the vibe is mellow so come with a mind to linger and take your time while enjoying the best coffee in Brussels.

Address: Pl. Rouppe 1, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium

Hours: Open Tuesday through Friday from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm and Saturday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Price: €2.90 and above.

How to Get There: Take line 1/3/4/5 to De Brouckere station and walk from there.

10. My Little Cup

A view of a green-hued cat statue holding the world on its back in Brussels park like the Atlas Statue in NYC. The animal has one knee bent with dirt paths and trees around it.

The name alone is enough to warrant My Little Cup a look as you make your way to some of the best coffee shops in Brussels.

But, this cute hipster espresso bar also makes the best coffee in Brussels sourced from a local roaster.

FYI, that’s Wide Awake Coffee – another one of the best coffee cafés in Brussels.

Anyway, My Little Cup roosts just north of Brussels Park. Be sure to beeline for the filter menu since you can enjoy artisanal coffee sourced from Colombia and Ethiopia.

And, the homemade scones are mint. These are made for both sweet and savory tastes and complement the coffee served at one of the very cute cafes in Brussels.

Address: Rue de la Croix de Fer 53, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium

Hours: Open Monday through Friday from 7:30 am to 5:00 pm and Saturday/Sunday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Price: Lattes start at €4.25.

How to Get There: Take line 2/6 to Madou and walk from there.

11. Stella Specialty Coffee Bar

Sitting pretty on Chaussée de Charleroi, Stella Specialty Coffee Bar is sandwiched between Saint-Gilles and Ixelles.

In fact, this is another of the best dog-friendly cafes in Brussels. Now, Stella refers to the bundle of fluff who “works” with the barista team. In fact, there is an entire wall devoted to pictures of pups.

However, Handbrew coffee is what to order if you’re a purist when it comes to coffee.

Otherwise, you can branch out with a lemongrass or rosewater latte at one of the most Instagrammable cafes London has to offer.

Plus, the counter is stocked with pastries to accompany your chosen brew. Everything is made on the site and there are tons of options for vegans.

Personally, my go-to order when I come here is a cardamom bun. However, be sure to look at the prices before you order since you could end up paying between €5.00 and €10.00 for a specialty cup of coffee.

Address: Chau. de Charleroi 91A, 1060 Saint-Gilles, Belgium

Hours: Open Monday through Friday from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm and Saturday/Sunday from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Price: Starts at €3.00 each.

How to Get There: Take line 2/6 to Hotel Des Monnaies station and walk from there.

12. Buddy Buddy

Buddy Buddy serves up some of the best coffee in Brussels if you’re nutty about peanut butter. In fact, make they make all kinds of nut butter here.

Therefore, the signature coffee at Buddy Buddy is nut themed. Seriously, this drink is next-level since nuts of all kinds are blended with the likes of dark chocolate, cacao, matcha, vanilla, and agave.

And, obviously – that fundamental shot (or two) of expresso.

For these, you’ll need to like nut butters and nutty tastes. Plus, this best coffee shop Brussels has to offer makes blends in hot and cold versions.

Otherwise, you can peruse the classic espresso menu or order a hot chocolate or infusion.

Note, the signature nut coffees are kind of heavy so you’ll want to choose your cake or pastry with care. So, don’t go here if you’re planning to order fries in Brussels after.

Local Tip: This is one of the most beautiful cafes in Brussels since the design is sleek and modern with pink walls everywhere.

Address: Rue des Drapiers 10, 1050 Brussels, Belgium

Hours: Open daily from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm.

Price: Starts at €5.50 each.

How to Get There: Take line 2/6 to Naamsepoort and walk from there.

13. Corica Grand Place

Some of the stunning buildings that line the Grand Place in Brussels with two women standing and taking pictures in the square.

Located smack dab in the center of the city, Corica Grand Palace sits across the street from the Brussels Stock Exchange and Saint Nicholas Church.

Now, Corica gives you the best coffee in Brussels center that is just steps away from the Grand Place.

And, what makes it unique is that they have around 30 varieties of dark roast coffee from all over the world.

Plus, all coffee is roasted on the premises. Therefore, you’re greeted with a deliciously aromatic scent of espresso before you even reach the door and enjoy some of the best coffee beans in Brussels.

Now, in addition to grabbing a cup to drink in the café or to go, you can buy coffee beans. These are sold by weight and you can have them ground up in the store itself.

Address: Rue du Marché aux Poulets 49, 1000 Bruxelles

Hours: Open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm and Saturday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Price: Starts at around €3.00 each.

How to Get There: Take 1/3/4/5 to De Brouckere station and walk from there.

14. Café du Sablon

Right in the middle of Sablon you’ll find a bunch of chocolate stores. However, Café du Sablon sits just near the Royal Museums of Fine Arts and the Palace of Justice.

Seeing as Café du Sablon opens at 08:00 AM during the week, this is one of the best cafes in Brussels for early risers.

It’s pretty roomy, with a good spread of indoor seating plus sidewalk tables. It’s also a self-service coffee shop in Brussels – something that people either love or hate.

But, there are zero complaints regarding the quality and variety of coffee.

Now, the food revolves around nutrient-packed smoothie bowls and pancakes or waffles drizzled with chocolate sauce and fruit. And, vegans are well catered for.

Note, laptops are welcome during the week but are forbidden on weekends. So, this may not be one of the best coffee shops in Brussels for work if you need the weekend to catch up on a few things.

You can also enjoy some of the best chocolate in Brussels after you visit.

Address: 1000, Rue de la Régence 26, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium

Hours: Open daily from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm.

Price: Varies.

How to Get There: Take line 2/6 to Naamsepoort and walk from there.

15. Café Capitale

View of a latte with foam in the shape of a flower. The latte sits in a black cup and is on a light wooden table.

If you’re a self-confessed coffee snob, you might think that Café Capitale is the best place for coffee in Brussels.

See, this coffee shop makes the best specialty coffee in Brussels.

In fact, they serve single-origin and special-brew coffee using refined beans. All beans are also roasted locally at Black Potion Coffee.

In particular, the flat whites are spectacular. However, the drip coffee warrants a return visit.

Plus, the coffee is beautifully paired with delish cinnamon rolls and canelé cakes.

Additionally, this is a spacious café where you can sit inside or on the terrace. In fact, it’s super popular with local freelancers and remote workers, making this one of the best cafes in Brussels for work.

After all, there are plenty of plugs if you need to spend some time online after drinking up the best coffee in Brussels.

Address: Rue du Midi 45, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium

Hours: Open daily from 8:30 am to 7:00 pm.

Price: Varies

How to Get There: Take line 1 or 5 to Centrale station and walk from there.

16. Aksum Coffee House

The pink hues and glass ceilings of Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert in Brussels.

Now, Aksum Coffee House is one of the best cafés in Brussels for cool decor.

See, this is an Ethiopian café and that’s reflected in the styling, artworks, and trinkets that ornamentate in the lounge.

Of course, coffee is served hot but it’s the cold coffee drinks that are particularly awesome. These come in such flavors as chili chocolate and pink chai (my favie fave).

Furthermore, the food menu features Belgian staples (think, waffles topped with in syrup and cream). But, you’ll also find a tantalizing selection of Moroccan pastries and baklava too.

Located in the Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert, Aksum is a neat spot to pause and is one of the prettiest cafes in Brussels too.

Address: Galerie du Roi 3, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium

Hours: Open daily from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm, except on Saturdays when they are open until 9:00 pm.

Price: Espresso starts at €2.50 each.

How to Get There: Take line 1/5 to Centrale station and walk from there.

Map of the Best Cafes in Brussels

Best Cafes in Brussels FAQs

What is the Most Beautiful Part of Brussels?

The most beautiful part of Brussels is Central Brussels. In fact, it’s often the only part of Brussels that most visitors see.

Now, that makes sense since you can walk through Brussels Park and marvel at the Royal Palace, but you can enjoy Mont des Arts, Grand Place, and the Royal Gallery of St. Hubert.

What is the Old Cafe in Brussels?

La Fleur En Papier Dore is probably the oldest cafe in Brussels and you’ll see that as soon as you walk inside.

Does Brussels have Good Coffee?

Yes, Brussels has great coffee since it is one of the top coffee-consuming countries in the world. So, be sure to sample some of the best coffee in Brussels while you’re here.

Where is the Most Beautiful Cafe in the World?

The most beautiful cafe in the world is New York Cafe in Budapest. It is a stunning place with palatial gold/velvet rooms with frescoed ceilings and Venetian glass chandeliers.

That wraps up this guide to the best cafes in Brussels. Now, did your picks for the best coffee in Brussels make the list?

If not then let me know in the comments below. For even more awesome travel advice, sign up for our email list and join our Facebook group now.