Tchop Tchop
There's no menu, so just pick a table and select your meal from the delicious vegetarian and fusion dishes displayed on the counter at this informal and friendly little snack bar.

Address: 6 Avenue Louis Lepoutre | Telephone: 02 345 4244 |

Exki
Good fresh food and a friendly atmosphere abound in this bright, modern sandwich bar in downtown Brussels, not far from La Bourse and the Grand-Place. The emphasis is on healthy eating with a wide variety of sandwiches, organic salads and juices. There are plenty of tables but it does get very busy at lunchtime when it's bustling with shoppers and workers.

Address: 78 Rue Neuve | Telephone: 02 219 1992 |

De Ultieme Hallucinatie
Newly opened after extensive restoration, this over-the-top art-nouveau brasserie, set in an early 20th-century mansion, has a real period feel - from ornate copper radiators to seats designed for luxury train carriages of the 1930s. It's perfect for a quick lunch, or a more serious supper.

Address: 316 Rue Royale | Telephone: 02 217 0614 |

Schievelavabo
Behind the European Parliament, the Schievelavabo (literally, the 'wonky sink') has a warm, brasserie style décor and good service, and is popular with young professionals from the area. Try the croquettes aux crevettes grises (grey North Sea shrimp) or the spare ribs.

Address: 344 Chaussée de Wavre | Telephone: 02 280 0083 |

Ricotta & Parmesan
Perfect for the cold days of winter, with a cosy red-brick lined dining room facing the square, Ricotta & Parmesan's extensive menu offers a wide variety of choice from all corners of Italy. Try the wonderfully rich risotto with crayfish and foie gras, or beef carpaccio with truffles and delicate shavings of parmesan.

Address: 4 rue Saint-Boniface | Telephone: 02 502 0008 |

Les Dames Tartines
Try the green onion jam sprinkled with macaroons at this chic restaurant run by two sparky women and popular with politicians, cartoonists and actors drawn by the fine European cuisine, warm ambience and lengthy wine list.

Address: 58 Chaussée de Haecht | Telephone: 02 218 4549 |

Le Chalet de la Forêt
This double-starred Michelin restaurant under the tutelage of top Belgian chef Pascal Devalkeneer is one of the best in the Belgian capital. It has an extensive menu of carefully  sourced and seasonal produce, and an endless wine list. From veal tartare to lobster or suckling pig to ducklings in a sweet cherry sauce, the most picky of foodistas will be spoiled for choice.

Address: 43 Drève de Lorraine | Telephone: 02 374 5416 |

Comme Chez Soi
This is an icon of top gastronomy in Brussels and, with two Michelin stars, a client list of royalty, celebrities and top eurocrats, you want to be sure to book well in advance. Dally over the endless wine list - presented on a smart iPad app - before heading off into the six- or seven-course supper tasting menu featuring goose liver with truffles or Royal Belgian caviar, among many other languorous delights.

Address: 23 Place Rouppe | Telephone: 02 512 2921 |