We all know Belgium for its hearty food and quirky culture, but maybe not so much for its coffee. However, over the years Brussels has been developing a solid coffee scene and these days you can find speciality spots all over the city. Between cool cafés in Brussels with innovative ideas, cosy coffee shops for many rainy afternoons in the city, and one or two work-friendly cafés, there’s a spot for every occasion.
I’ve curated this list of Brussels coffee shops over the years, meaning they truly are my favourite spots in the city. And whilst you may not be able to visit all 12 cafés in Brussels during your trip, pick just a few and you’ll love them!
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The Best Cafés in Brussels
BOUCHE Speciality Coffee
With a simple menu, neutral colours, and a soft geometric interior, BOUCHE is a beautifully chic coffee shop in the centre of Brussels. You’ll find a great range of carefully curated speciality coffee, meaning your cup is guaranteed to be great. In fact, I’d argue that this is the spot to find the best coffee in Brussels! They also serve up a modest range of sweet treats like cookies and scones.
Being steps away from Place Royale gives BOUCHE some stunning neoclassical surroundings, so try to grab a spot outside and enjoy the views!
Average coffee price: €4-5 | Location | Instagram
Stella Speciality Coffee Bar
Stella Speciality Coffee Bar gets its name from the café’s resident dog, Stella. She’s a gorgeous white shepherd who wanders as she pleases inside the café and out and absolutely steals the show! Stella features on the café’s branding, and you’ll also find a cute gallery wall of her canine friends that have been to visit.
However, aside from all the cuteness, you can also find some of the best coffee in Brussels at Stella, as well as delicious treats. I tried a pistachio knot and I still think about it to this day! What’s more, you’ll find a good selection of coffee alternatives, such as a vanilla chai or rosewater latte, which can be hard to come by.
Average coffee price: €4 | Location | Instagram
Belga & Co
Belga & Co is easily one of the most popular cafés in Brussels, with two locations in the Ixelles neighbourhood. In both Bailli and Boniface, they fit right into this foodie scene with their delicious pastries and rolls – of course with a coffee to wash it all down.
Try out my formula for the perfect weekend morning – a coffee and pastry to-go from Belga & Co in Bailli, then a wander around the Étangs d’Ixelles by Flagey. Trust me, it doesn’t get better than that!
Average coffee price: €4=5 | Location (Bailli) | Location (Boniface) | Instagram
Read Next: The best things to do in Brussels
OR Coffee
OR Coffee opened their first roastery in 2001, and now with over 20 years in the business, they’re true veterans of the Brussels coffee scene. Their spacious Brussels coffee shop offers up a great selection of coffee and other drinks, as well as a great breakfast menu.
Since the team at OR Coffee are roasters at heart, they have so much more than just a coffee shop! In fact, they even offer barista training courses to improve your skills and knowledge of coffee making.
Top tip: Take a day trip to Ghent and try the Or Coffee branch there!
Average coffee price: €3-4 | Location | Website
Buddy Buddy
Now, I’ve been to a lot of cafés over the years, but I have never seen a peanut butter themed café like Buddy Buddy in the chic Louise neighbourhood of Brussels. They make their own nut butters including peanut, almond, and hazelnut – which you can buy in-store (and online!) – and then mix it up into their speciality drinks and cakes! The speciality drinks are definitely a rich, sweet experience, but if that’s not your thing you can get regular coffees here too.
What’s more, they have absolutely nailed the interiors at Buddy Buddy with the pink and white theme. And I know it’s more about the coffee than the decor, but it really adds to the whole ambience, which I can’t deny that I love!
Average coffee price: €5 | Location | Website
Note: I think it goes without saying that this one is not for nut allergy sufferers!
My Little Cup
For those who like a straightforward, delicious cup of coffee, My Little Cup is the place to go. Protruding from the corner of a beautiful red-brick building just north of Parc Royal (Brussels Park), their simple menu offers you a cosy coffee in a cute setting.
Once you’ve enjoyed a coffee at My Little Cup, take a short wander to the Cathedral St Michael and St Gudula. The impressive Brabantine Gothic church is a true architectural gem and one of the best things to see in Brussels.
Average coffee price: €3-4 | Location | Instagram
Check out some top Brussels activities for your trip!
Cafelatte
If you’ve been to a lot of cafes in Brussels already, you might be looking for something more unique. Step up Caffelatte Espresso Bar, and their delicious pistachio espresso. Served up in layers of espresso, pistachio cream, and milk, this indulgent experience makes for the perfect coffee break in the city.
Average coffee price: €3-4 | Location | Website
Read Next: The Best Places to Eat in Brussels
Living Room
As the name may suggest, this coffee shop in Brussels is meant to feel like a living room, and the mismatched furniture and cosy ambience certainly match that vibe. The coffee and baked goods at Living Room also have a cosy, homemade vibe, and their iced drinks are amazing – perfect for summer!
Sunday brunch and the homemade scones come highly recommended, and there’s always a delicious selection of gluten-free cookies on offer.
Average coffee price: €4 | Location | Instagram
Bark Boy
Bark Boy launched into the Brussels coffee scene in the spring of 2023 and has quickly become a fan favourite. Housed on the stylish Rue de l’Enseignement, their modern branding and laidback style fit right in here.
And although they don’t have a resident dog to match their bulldog branding like our friend Stella that you read about above, there are still plenty of quirks to draw you in. Namely, their innovative takeaway iced drinks served in cans that are sealed on-site. Not only do they look cool, but this is also a really great way to enjoy a drink on the go, and especially perfect for drinks that need a good shake before enjoying!
Average coffee price: €5 | Location | Instagram
MOK Speciality Coffee Roastery
It’ll be no surprise now that the best coffee in Brussels comes from the cafés roasting their own beans, and MOK Speciality Coffee Roastery is another great example. Situated in the lesser-visited area around Brussels’ canal, the bright coffee shop offers a welcoming space, and a great cup of coffee to go along with it.
You’ll also find MOK outside of Brussels – why not take a day trip to Leuven and try the coffee there?
Average coffee price: €3-4 | Location | Instagram
Jat’ Cafe
With two locations in the centre and Saint Gilles, Jat’ Cafe has an expansive food and drink menu, with everything from coffee and tea to milkshakes and fresh juices, as well as bagels, salads, cakes, and more. The roomy cafés mean you’re almost guaranteed to get a nice seat to relax, which is important when you’ve been out enjoying all the best things to do in Brussels!
Average coffee price: €4 | Location (centre) | Location (Saint Gilles) | Instagram
Read Next: Where to Get the Best Fries in Brussels
Café du Sablon: The Best Work-Friendly Cafes in Brussels
These days, it can be hard to find work-friendly cafés in Brussels, as many spots are restricting laptop and wifi use. However, Café du Sablon is not only one of the best cafés in Brussels in its own right, but it’s also perfect if you’d like to bring along your laptop for an afternoon of online work.
Located in the beautiful Sablon area of Brussels, Café du Sablon is a bright and spacious coffee shop perfect for relaxing and working alike. They have a great food menu with smoothie bowls, toasties, waffles and other sweet treats to keep you fuelled.
You’ll find a great drinks menu of hot and cold drinks – coffee or otherwise, as well as fast and free wifi. What’s more, they’re open late (at least by coffee shop standards) so you can keep working until around 8 pm every evening.
Average coffee price: €3-4 | Location | Instagram
So, which Brussels coffee shop is top of your list? Whether you stick to the cafés in Brussels’ centre or venture further to try one that catches your eye, I’m sure you’ll enjoy getting your coffee fix in Brussels!
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And if you’re a coffee enthusiast, you’ll love this list of the best cafés and coffee shops in Edinburgh!
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