The fame of this intimate little restaurant, decorated in Belle Epoque-style, extends worldwide. Chef Lionel Rigolet serves exceptional French cuisine that justifies its two Michelin stars. Specialities include fillets of sole with a mousseline of Riesling, or prawn and apricot soufflé with crunchy pistachios and red fruits. Advanced booking is strongly recommended.

Italian chef Luigi Ciciriello is passionate about his truffles, used in just about every dish at this Michelin-starred restaurant. Specialities include Carpaccio truffles with olive oil and Parmesan, lobster risotto with truffles, and (for dessert) black chocolate truffle with spun sugar and raspberry sauce. Those with a passion for truffles but with less time to linger should try the sister establishment, L'Atelier de la Truffe Noire, on Avenue Louise.

This smart restaurant, with impeccable white tablecloths, has large windows overlooking a lovely garden where you can dine alfresco in summer. The cuisine, created by chef Maxime Colin, is classical French and specialities include sole Lorraine, broccoli terrine with wild asparagus, or lobster with turmeric and coconut milk accompanied by an excellent wine selection.

While many of the restaurants in the winding streets surrounding the Grand-Place are tourist traps, this place is always a safe bet for traditional Belgian cuisine such as waterzooi (fish or chicken in a creamy soup with vegetables), oysters or mussels with chips and mayonnaise. The surroundings are unfussy and the service is friendly.

Brussels’ first Ethiopian restaurant has quickly garnered a reputation as one of the city’s best places to grab a bite. The emphasis is on shared plates, with unleavened bread to mop up delicious lentil dishes and saucy meat platters. There are heaps of veggie options too.

La Quincaillerie, one of the many restaurants clustered around the place du Châtelain in Brussels's Ixelles district, is always busy. Housed in a former ironmonger's shop (hence the name, Hardware), the interior retains much of the original décor, including a wrought-iron staircase, designed by students of Victor Horta (Brussels's renowned art nouveau architect) in 1903. Specialities include shellfish, oysters and lobsters.

Locals flock to this ‘seafood bar’ at lunchtime, which sells some of the best seafood snacks in the city. Try the fish soup, mussels, shrimps, calamari and oysters and wash it down with a chilled glass of white wine or champagne. The menu depends on the season and the catch of the day. A great little find.

A convenient and simple “bread and cheese shop”, the friendly owner will help you find whatever you’re craving on the menu if you’re indecisive. Named after the owner, customers are sure to feel right at home even if they are tourists.