Budget-friendly restaurants in and out of Brussels, Belgium

These are a list of budget-friendly restaurants in Brussels and its outskirts, because it’s not always about fancy restaurants and it’s nice to sometimes go out for a bite and not spend a fortune.

Some of places have been recommended by my son and daughter who are on a budget when they go out to eat with their friends and sometimes their mum.

Budget-friendly Restaurants

Scopa : The Focacceria in Brussels with Authentic Italian Flavours

Scopa brings a slice of Italy to Brussels with its irresistible focaccia and laid-back charm. Opened in 2024, this cosy spot has quickly become a favourite among locals for its freshly baked focacce, bursting with Mediterranean flavours and simple, honest ingredients.

Their menu celebrates the art of Italian street food with soft, golden focaccia generously filled with quality ingredients and a changing speciality of the day made with seasonal produce. The portions are generous (honestly, huge!), perfect for sharing or for a very satisfying solo meal. With most focacce priced between €9 and €14, Scopa offers a hearty and authentic taste of Italy right in the heart of Brussels.

Rue Jourdan 5, 1060 Saint-Gilles

Dea’s Pizza, Waterloo : Authentic, Budget-Friendly Italian Pizza

Dea’s Pizza opened its doors in Waterloo in 2025. Already a local favourite for their takeaway pizzas, Dea’s has now a warm and welcoming dine-in restaurant, the perfect spot to enjoy authentic Italian pizza fresh from the oven.

Dea’s Pizza is known for its wood-fired crusts, using fresh dough and quality ingredients. Their menu strikes the perfect balance between Italian classics and creative original toppings, from a perfectly simple Marinara (€10) to indulgent choice like the Burrata al Tartufo (€20). Each pizza is crafted with care, offering a taste of Italy at a price that won’t break the bank.

Rue Théophile Delbar 2A, 1410 Waterloo

Old Boy : South East Asian eatery

Looking for a place in Brussels that feels both laid-back and adventurous? Old Boy in Ixelles is exactly that.

I went for lunch with my ex-colleagues and shared a spread that turned into a little feast: spicy eggplant skewer, mussels with a twist, a zingy yum khung top salad, top man corn, and the special karaage chicken, golden, crunchy, and dangerously moreish. We also shared a dessert, sticky rice with white peaches.

The menu changes often, which keeps things exciting, and dishes are made to be shared as they arrive fresh from the kitchen.

Prices are friendly for the quality: most plates sit between €12–20, baos around €6, and desserts €9. In the evening, they also serve up a five-course tasting menu for about €50, which we’re already planning to try next time.

Old Boy is hugely popular so book ahead if you want a table.

It’s the kind of place that reminds us why we love travelling through food: familiar ingredients reimagined, a table full of flavours to share, and the thrill of discovering something new right in the heart of Brussels.

Rue de Tenbosch 110, 1050 Ixelles

Konchu : Affordable Asian Fusion with a Modern Twist

For something a little trendier while still keeping prices down, head to Konchu, a small but stylish spot in Brussels serving up Asian-inspired street food. The atmosphere is relaxed and modern, making it a great place for a quick lunch or a casual dinner with friends.

On the menu, at lunchtime, you have the choice of sandos ‘types of sandwiches’, a side dish of either sweet potatoes fries or a green salad. In the evening, you’ll find a mix of favourites like bao buns, noodle bowls, gyoza, and creative small plates that change with the season. Dishes are fresh, flavourful, and designed for sharing, so you can try a little bit of everything.

Prices are surprisingly reasonable given the quality and setting: most small plates range from €6–10, while larger dishes stay under €15. A couple of dishes with a drink will set you back around €18–20 per person, making it an affordable way to enjoy bold flavours in the city centre.

Don’t miss their bao buns – soft, ‘pillowy’, and packed with flavour, they’re the star of the menu.

Konchu, rue Ernest Solvay 20, 1050 Ixelles

Noordzee : Seafood Street Food at Place Sainte-Catherine

Noordzee, once a humble fish shop, has reinvented itself as one of Brussels’ favorite street food stops. It’s the kind of place where locals and visitors gather around high tables to enjoy fresh seafood in the open air.

The menu is small but perfect: croquettes aux crevettes, oysters, steaming bowls of fish soup, pickled herring, smoked mackerel, and salmon. For something heartier, you’ll also find hot dishes like crab or scallops, all cooked on the spot. Pair your choice with a glass of crisp white wine or a cold Belgian beer, and you’ve got a simple but perfect meal.

Most dishes are priced between €6 and €12, so you can easily sample a few plates without overspending. A couple of snacks with a drink comes to around €15–20 per person, making Noordzee not only delicious but also great value in the city center.

What makes Noordzee special isn’t just the food, it’s the atmosphere. There’s no formality, no reservations, just the joy of sharing fresh seafood outdoors in the heart of Brussels.

Go early for lunch to beat the crowd, and don’t miss their shrimp croquettes, a Brussels classic!

Rue Sainte-Catherine 45, 1000 Bruxelles

Hong Hoa : Vietnamese Flavours at Friendly Prices

If you’re in the mood for fresh, fragrant Vietnamese food in Brussels without spending much, Hong Hoa is a great choice. Located close to the city centre, this family-run spot is known for its warm welcome and authentic dishes that keep locals coming back.

The menu features all the classics: pho with rich broth and tender meat, bún (vermicelli noodle bowls), crisp spring rolls, and stir-fried dishes bursting with flavour. Everything is freshly prepared, light yet filling, and served in generous portions.

Prices are very wallet-friendly, with most mains between €9 and €13, meaning you can enjoy a full meal with a drink for around €15 per person. It’s the kind of place where you can tuck into comfort food that feels home-cooked, without the fuss or the price tag.

Try the fresh spring rolls to start and the beef pho if you want a classic, both are house favourites.

Rue du Pont de la Carpe 10, 1000 Bruxelles

Beijingya : Tasty Chinese Comfort Food Near Place Sainte-Catherine

Tucked away not far from Place Sainte-Catherine, Beijingya is one of those no-frills spots where the focus is squarely on good food at low prices. Popular with students, locals, and anyone craving hearty Chinese dishes, it’s a reliable stop when you want a filling meal without stretching your budget.

The menu covers all the classics from steaming bowls of noodles and fried rice to dumplings, stir-fried vegetables, and crispy duck. Portions are generous, and you’ll rarely spend more than €10–12 for a main dish, with combo meals or noodle soups often costing even less. Add a drink, and you’re still well under €15 per person.

Beijingya isn’t about fine dining or fancy presentation, it’s about comfort food, quick service, and great value. Perfect for when you’re exploring central Brussels and need a budget-friendly bite that’s both satisfying and flavourful.

The fried dumplings and noodle soups are crowd favourites, ideal for a cheap but hearty lunch.

Rue Melsens 8, 1000 Bruxelles

Barracuda

Barracuda is an Italian restaurant that belongs to the Big Mamma Group. I have tested quite a few of their restaurants in London and once again, it’s true to its image, a flamboyant Italian trattoria where you are transported to Italy. The only difference is that Barracuda restaurant is cheaper than the ones in London.

You must order the classic torre dei prodotti, where you get to taste A basic tower of fresh products to share : Burrata al tartufo, Prosciutto di Parma, bresaola, arugula, parmesan and brioche.

For primi piatti, you have their famous dish ‘the truffle pasta’, if not you can order a pizza Napoletana and you get to choose extra toppings.

Their cocktails are just as famous, served in the amazing glasses or mugs, with quite a large choice of mocktails.

Barracuda offers reasonable prices for a variety of dishes, including pizzas, pasta, and meat or fish entrees. Pizzas range from €13 to €21, pasta dishes are between €14 and €21, and main dishes cost between €15 and €24.

You can now order their amazing plates and dishes from their e-shop! I’ve already ordered some great plates and their fun cocktail glasses.

Barracuda, Pl. Eugène Flagey 18A, 1050 Ixelles