288
Key to Price Guide see p284 Key to Symbols see back cover flap
WESTERN FLANDERS
BLANKENBERGE Oesterput Δ ¡¡¡
Westduinsesteenweg 16, 8370 Blankenberge Tel (050) 411035 Road Map A1
A full-on fish restaurant by the harbour entrance, in a canteen-style, fish-market environment, complete with live
lobster tanks. Plateaux de fruits de mer are a speciality. Also available are fish soups, smoked eel, shrimps and fish
dishes of all kinds. Highly rated for its price-quality ratio. Large outdoor terrace for fine weather. Closed Tuesdays.
BRUGES ‘t Brugs Beertje ¤ ¡
Kemelstraat 5, 8000 Bruges Tel (050) 339616 Road Map B1
One of the great beer pubs, renowned for its friendly atmosphere. Its shrine-like status is underscored by the beer
memorablia that plaster the walls. There are 300 different Belgian beers to choose from, including guest beers on
tap. Traditional snacks, such as ryebread and cheese, keep hunger at bay. Closed on Wednesdays.
BRUGES De Republiek ¤ f Δ © ¡
St Jakobsstraat 36, 8000 Bruges Tel (050) 340229 Road Map B1
A large and animated café, popular with students, artists and the youth in general, De Republiek is part of a
cinema and theatre complex. Beer and cocktails on offer; snacks and “world food” dishes at student prices.
In warm weather, the doors open on to a large courtyard garden. Occasional live music.
BRUGES Het Dagelijks Brood^ ¡
Philipstockstraat 21, 8000 Bruges Tel (050) 336050 Road Map B1
A branch of the super-successful chain Le Pain Quotidien, under the Dutch version of its name. Wholesome fare
based around fine crusty bread, plus pâtisserie and other snacks, in an attractive rustic setting. A useful refuelling
stop in the middle of town for hungry sightseers. Open 8am–6pm; last sitting 5:30pm.
BRUGES Est Wijnbar f Δ ¡¡
Braambergstraat 7, 8000 Bruges Tel (050) 333839 Road Map B1
This friendly wine bar occupies a small tavern, dating from 1637, called De Kogge (a medieval sailing ship). It has
an excellent selection of wine, including delicious Belgian wines, plus a very good range of tavern food. A narrow
staircase leads to a second floor, where live music is played on Sunday nights.
BRUGES Gran Kaffee de Passage © ¡¡
Dweersstraat 26, 8000 Bruges Tel (050) 340232 Road Map B1
Housed in an elegant 18th-century mansion, Passage is also a budget hostel-hotel. It is a relaxed place and something of a
social hub.The interior – part caravanserai, part Edwardian salon with Art Deco touches – provides a cosy setting to sample
some good Belgian beer. The traditional Belgian dishes are well cooked and good value. Open in the evenings only.
BRUGES Bistro De Eetkamer^ ¡¡¡
Eeekhoutstraat 6, 8000 Bruges Tel (050) 337886 Road Map B1
A coolly elegant restaurant, just south of the city centre, where the emphasis is on eerlijk (honest) food,
prepared with flair to perfection. The focus is on local and seasonal produce, with a changing daily menu. The
restaurant is well supported by locals, who see it as good value for money. Closed Wednesdays and Thursdays.
BRUGES De Schaar Δ ¡¡¡
Hooistraat 2, 8000 Bruges Tel (050) 335979 Road Map B1
This welcoming and attractive restaurant is on a canal called the Coupure (the Cut). On offer is good-quality,
honest fare: this is the kind of owner-operated restaurant patronized by locals. It specializes in fish and meats
grilled over an open wood fire. The menu is refreshed twice a month. Closed Thursdays; and Wednesdays in winter.
BRUGES Kok au Vin ¡¡¡
Ezelstraat 19-21, 8000 Bruges Tel (050) 339521 Road Map B1
A delightful little restaurant run by a young couple whose enthusiasm for their vocation shines through the warm
welcome and excellent cooking. Dishes of the day are posted on the board and include inventive concoctions of
seafood, meat, game and new interpretations of Flemish classics. Closed Sunday and Monday.
BRUGES Den Dyver Δ © ̊ ¡¡¡¡
Dijver 5, 8000 Bruges Tel (050) 336069 Road Map B1
This elegant, family-run restaurant is famous for its focus on beer cookery – many of the dishes are cooked with
Belgian beer. Each dish can be accompanied by a different beer, revealing an astounding range of flavours. There
is also plenty on the menu for non-beer drinkers. Closed on Wednesdays, and for Thursday and Sunday lunch.
BRUGES Aneth Δ ̊ ¡¡¡¡¡
Maria Van Bourgondïëlaan 1, 8000 Bruges Tel (050) 311189 Road Map B1
Tranquilly located, Aneth is a much-garlanded restaurant focussing mainly on fish preparations. It is already
in possession of one Michelin star. There are just seven tables, set in a beautifully renovated maison de maître.
Paul Hendrickx is the chef with the magic touch. Closed for Saturday lunch, and on Sundays and Mondays.
TRAVELLERS’ NEEDS