Opt for French haute cuisine or moules frites washed down with malty Belgian
beer.
Traditional: Old Town
Cosy restaurants serving classic French dishes and Flemish staples like rabbit stew
line the streets of the Old Town. Look out over medieval squares as you tuck into a
plate of fried eel. Try moules (mussels) on Suikerrui, accompanied by
frites (fries), and the compulsory dollop of mayonnaise.
The streets west of Central Station are more relaxed and less touristy than
the centre of town, and many are good value. Dine on Kosher food around
Appelmansstraat, and anything from kebabs and tapas to Thai and Chinese
fare around Van Wesenbekestraat.
The nightlife hotspot of Zuid has an alternative vibe, with bars, cafés
and restaurants attracting an arty, fashionable crowd. Come here for a quick snack,
vegetarian meals, or traditional Flemish and French cuisine.
Don't leave it too late to eat as even café-bars that
don't close until the small hours of the morning often stop serving food by
10pm. It is customary to tip 10% for good service in a restaurant, but simply to
round the bill to the nearest euro in a café. In some cases service will
already be included in the bill, so don't be afraid to check before
tipping.
