Located at a stone’s throw from Brussels, Tervuren is a well-liked destination amongst city dwellers looking for some much-needed calm. Locals, expats, and tourists all mingle together while visiting some of the city’s many highlights. Yet no exploration is complete without a bite to eat. To make the choice a little easier, we’ve made a selection of 10 of the best restaurants in Tervuren.
Het Park
As the name might suggest, Het Park is located right next to the entrance of the Parc de Tervuren, and it therefore makes for the perfect stop after a stroll through the green or the adjoining museum. On the menu, guests will find a wide range of dishes, many of which can be categorised as classics of Belgian cuisine. Groups looking for a charming location for their next gathering will find what they’re looking for in Het Park’s traditional wine cellar.
Bouf’s
When looking for some Mediterranean-inspired cuisine in Tervuren, look no further than Bouf’s. Both the menu and the interior are welcoming, warm, and very enjoyable. Diners can choose to go à la carte, or the more adventurous-minded are welcome to try the so-called Table to Share, where the chef will surprise them with seasonal dishes, taking them on a journey to the South. The drinks menu, too, is well worth a good look, boasting a selection of Southern wines.
Capriccio
When Carlo Cosmai first opened his establishment in 1989, he initially only offered a catering service. Little by little, however, Capriccio transformed into what it is today, offering a selection of Italian and French dishes for guests to enjoy in a modern, while cozy environment. Between a Vitello Tonato, a Parmigiana Melanzane, and Ravioli Al Tartufo, one hardly knows what to choose. The take-away service still stands as well and could be especially tempting during the holiday season.
Restaurant Romy
After gaining experience at the famed hotel management school Ter Duinen and an array of gastronomic restaurants, chef Romy puts her passion for cuisine centre-stage. Diners can expect a taste of contemporary cuisine with much attention for local and seasonal ingredients, putting a twist on classics such as tiramisu and carpaccio. The wines and cocktails are just as surprising as the rest of the menu.
Melya
Since 2019, Melya has been serving locals and visitors a taste of authentic Greek cuisine, based on sharing and conviviality. Mezzes – small dishes meant to share with the entire table – are the cornerstone of their menu, allowing guests to taste as many specialties as possible. A changing selection of suggestions is also available for those who prefer a more traditional experience, while the chef’s specialties include swordfish and seabream.
Na’fura
Situated in the historical, 18th-century Hof van Melijn, Na-fura mixes Belgian and Syrian cuisine in a unique way. Fine-tuned family recipes are recreated with locally produced, seasonal ingredients, while immigrants are offered training at the restaurant, emphasising the connecting character of food. Both mezze and larger dishes are part of the menu, while a Syrian-themed brunch is organised during weekends – perfect for an unforgettable experience between family or friends.
The Lodge
Located inside a historical building on Tervuren’s central marketplace, brasserie The Lodge combines authentic charm with modern comfort. The menu has something to offer to everyone, with classic Belgian dishes as well as a range of international-inspired creations. On beautiful days, the veranda overlooking the garden is a well-loved spot. With a dedicated meeting room, The Lodge is also the perfect place for business gatherings.
Gambrinus
Taverne Gambrinus is, without a doubt, one of the most quintessentially Belgian places to have a bite in Tervuren. The wood-clad interior with its bold and beautiful bar, the menu, the beers, and the overall atmosphere are all part of an experience not to be missed while visiting Belgium, whether it is for a weekend or a longer stay. After 20 years, former owners Anne and Monique took their leave in October 2025, passing the business on to Roshan Paudel from Leuven, who will continue the adventure.
Den Engel
These days, it is very rare to come across one of those places where you can bring your own picnic as long as you order something to drink. Brasserie Den Engel is one of those, even though you could just as well order something from their own simple yet classic food menu. Whether you opt for the Spaghetti Bolognaise or the Vol au Vent, cosiness and Belgitude are guaranteed.
Il Carretino
Because one can never grow bored of Italian food, a stop at Il Carretino should be part of the Tervuren food experience. The traditional pizza oven is a good omen, as are the classic Italian dishes served without fuss yet with a lot of flavour. Pizza, pasta, risotto, panna cotta, and many more well-loved creations can be found on the menu, along with a selection of classic (Italian) aperitifs and wines.
Between the extensive offer of restaurants serving both Belgian and international dishes, the many cycling options, the Royal Museum for Central Africa, and the Arboretum, there is never a dull moment to be had in Tervuren. And more is yet to come, with the restoration of the iconic Bootjeshuis and its transformation into a restaurant scheduled to start in 2026, thus putting an end to its 6-year hiatus. From adventurers to culinary enthusiasts and everyone in between, Tervuren makes for the perfect destination for anyone looking for a break.
