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Belga Cafe, Washington, DC

Belga Cafe

4.7
4.7
4571 Reviews
$30 and under
Belgian
Belga Café is a great place to eat typical Belgian cuisine.
Hours of operation:
Dinner: Monday - Saturday starting from 5 pm, Lunch: Tuesday - Friday from noon until 2:30 pm, Brunch: Saturday 9:30 am - 3:30 pm & Sunday 9:00 am - 3:30 pm.
To inquire about PRIVATE EVENT email at info@belgacafe.com

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 25 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Cuisines
    Belgian, French, European
  • Hours of operation
    Brunch Sat 9:30 am–3:00 pm Sun 9:00 am–3:15 pm Lunch Tue–Fri 12:00 pm–2:30 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (202) 544-0100
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Pay with OpenTable, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Bart M. Vandaele
  • Catering
    For catering inquires please call 202-544-0100.
  • Private party facilities
    A completely private, bright dining room with both seated table configuration, a large custom full bar, a large window and an open kitchen. Max capacity of 75 seated, 120 standing.Call to inquire (202)544-0100
  • Private party contact
    Joey Zucconi: (202) 544-0100
  • Neighborhood
    Capitol Hill
  • Cross street
    Pennsylvania Ave. SE
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Public transit
    We are 1 1/2 blocks away from the Eastern Market Metro stop on the Orange and Blue line
  • Additional
    Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 4,571 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.5Ambience
  • 4.4Value

NoiseModerate

4,571 Reviews
  1. ASingh

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Absolutely phenomenal every time. We'll definitely be back!

    Is this helpful?

  2. WesM

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Love coming here! Staff is always welcoming and on point with service. Food and Drinks are outstanding! Jack the Rabbit is back (favorite cocktail)

    Is this helpful?

  3. Ilikerestaurants

    Washington DC

    36 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    36 reviews

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Consistently outstanding. Great combination of traditional Belgian dishes along with other “spins” that incorporate local ingredients. And the beer list is of course amazing.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Isab

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall2food3service4ambience2
    Too expensive for the food we got; even if the food was good but not excellent nor special

    Is this helpful?

  5. LisaR

    Baltimore

    18 reviews

    5.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on September 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always exquisite food service atmosphere all wonderful

    Is this helpful?

  6. DavidP

    Washington DC

    7 reviews

    3.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience4
    Relentless effort from staff to get you a drink or get you another drink, even if you are still trying to finish a drink. The over attention became irritating. The mussels were a serious let down , scrawny , flavorless, and overwhelmed by a truckload of salt . My wife praised the fish for the lightness of the broth and the manageable portion. The beer list is impressive , I would return for a drink, but not for the food .

    Is this helpful?

  7. MargaretS

    San Francisco

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I went with a friend for lunch on a Sunday. We sat outside as the inside was noisy. The waiter was wonderful and gave us time to talk - no rushing us out, which was appreciated. I had the lamb burger and it was delish with a bit of spice. I would definitely come back.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Tommy

    Washington DC

    25 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    25 reviews

    Dined on August 30, 2023

    overall4food3service4ambience4
    We came for restaurant week and I was glad to see the choices were very similar to their normal menu. The beef stew was outstanding as were the frites. The “best steak tartare in DC” was just fine. A bit disappointed they only had one dessert option which was OK. The staff was very accommodating and attentive. Overall a solid dinner

    Is this helpful?

  9. eNVy

    Washington DC

    6 reviews

    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on August 29, 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience3
    Excellent food, great drinks, and very friendly service. Very quiet and quaint environment. Please be mindful about your bill because they will add fees… no explanation.

    Is this helpful?

  10. Phillyexpats

    Philadelphia

    164 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    164 reviews

    Dined on August 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    We chose to sit in the outdoor shed which was perfect on a warm, but windy evening. Servers were particularly welcoming and attentive. My hamburger was excellent as was my wife's salad with tuna, Of course, the frites were the best.

    Is this helpful?

  11. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on August 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience1
    Food was great. Music was too loud. Service was good.

    Is this helpful?

  12. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 8, 2023

    overall2food3service2ambience2
    Wrong plate , no excuses Mussels are few and very small Prices of. Champagnes are very high and even ridiculous, 4x profit Waffles at dessert were cold ,normally you serve warm waffles 6 dollar for a few fries are well paid No wonder so few tables were occupied Good amateur kok but no chef

    Is this helpful?

  13. ShivG

    Washington DC

    42 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    42 reviews

    Dined on August 6, 2023

    overall4food3service4ambience5
    The food was really good (LA GAUFRE DE HOMARD, Seafood omelet, the Bistro burger) except that they had really terrible maple syrup for those who wanted waffles with maple syrup. It was watery, and cinnamony, and really quite awful. The waffle was ruined once this "syrup" was poured on it, sadly. While I understand that maple syrup is not a staple of Belgian food, if they provide it on request, it should be of good quality, like the rest of the food on the menu. Lesson we learned: if you want to eat your waffles with maple syrup at the Belga cage, take your own. But to reiterate, the rest of the food was of very high quality.

    Is this helpful?

  14. Vincent

    Caribbean

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 6, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    Is D.C., food is more expensive than it needs to be. Waiters were amazing, food was average, price was steep for what it was, would go again but I wouldn't go out of my way to visit. If your planing on going to the botanical garden right after, it's a great place to eat before walking a couple blocks downhill to the gardens.

    Is this helpful?

  15. Debby

    Washington DC

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on August 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My friend and I enjoyed a fabulous meal at Belga Cafe. This is a very charming restaurant and I shall be recommending this cafe to others

    Is this helpful?

  16. Kat1982

    Louisville

    20 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on July 23, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    Incredible food and good service but extremely busy and densely.packed restaurant

    Is this helpful?

  17. NKanwal

    Washington DC

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on July 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great Food and Great Service! The noise level was a little high where I had to ask the waiter to repeat several times but I was please to see that there were no mistakes in our order.

    Is this helpful?

  18. MattC

    Washington DC

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on July 23, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Great food! And sitting toward the back was great - let us avoid some of the up-front noise.

    Is this helpful?

  19. WalterW

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on July 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Mussels plus fries and bread exceptional. Waitress Margie very attentive and courteous.

    Is this helpful?

  20. KevinR

    Washington DC

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on July 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Our go-to neighborhood restaurant where we know we will get great food and service. Had the branzino this last visit. It was outstanding.

    Is this helpful?

  21. ApostolV

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Authentic Belgian food and ambiance. My wife is Belgian and she felt at home with the food and atmosphere. I enjoyed my 100% Belgian meal and would highly recommend it to anyone looking to taste real food at it best.

    Is this helpful?

  22. PatrickG

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 19, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Great place… a part of Belgium in Dc… very warm people!!!

    Is this helpful?

  23. NancyC

    Washington DC

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on July 18, 2023

    overall5food5service3ambience4
    Excellent food and atmosphere as always. Highly recommend!

    Is this helpful?

  24. djuHillGuy

    Washington DC

    44 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    44 reviews

    Dined on July 18, 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience5
    We ordered 3 mussels specials. Two were excellent. The third was very disappointing. The mussels were over cooked and the sauce had congealed. The cost of that dish was deducted from the bill.

    Is this helpful?

  25. AllisonG

    Minneapolis

    5 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on July 16, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    Very busy and loud on a Sunday afternoon. Wait staff were as attentive as possible. My friend ordered a waffle with fresh strawberries, and the green tops were left on all of them, which took him some time to remove before eating his meal. My cornbread waffle with pulled pork was well balanced and perfect for brunch.

    Is this helpful?

  26. CountryMeetsCity

    Washington DC

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on July 16, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    The food and atmosphere were great. The service was good, and the prices were reasonable. I nice Sunday Brunch venue for family and friends.

    Is this helpful?

  27. JamesM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Tourist here who hunted this place down after eating at sister restaurant a few years ago. I understand why Belga is considered an institution. Every plate was joyful and the staff made us feel at home. Things you can’t get anywhere else- the cold asparagus soup; the wild mushroom waffle; even staples like the mussels, pastas and the burger were elevated. Sad to leave town, this would be a regular place for our family.

    Belga CafeResponded on July 13, 2023

    Hello James, Thank you for taking your time to share your experience. We are happy to hear that you enjoyed your lunch, hope to see you back soon! Rinata Gafarova General Manager

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  28. DeirdreE

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 10, 2023

    overall3food3service5ambience5
    Stellar reputation and great vibe and some good dishes.

    Is this helpful?

  29. Debra

    Washington DC

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on July 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This little piece of Brunch heaven is waiting for you!!

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  30. DebraW

    Washington DC

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on July 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was appealing and tasty. Friendly and attentive service by staff. Nice family atmosphere.

    Is this helpful?

  31. AbigailC

    Washington DC

    14 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on July 9, 2023

    overall2food3service3ambience1
    Mediocre food and average service. Super overpriced.

    Is this helpful?

  32. Judy

    Washington DC

    41 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    41 reviews

    Dined on July 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious brunch with beaucoup choices. Always delicious.

    Is this helpful?

  33. Anonyfoodie

    Phoenix

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on July 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We ordered the Belgian stew, the red snapper, cauliflower soup, and the potato foam. The soup was unbelievably good. I'm not a huge fan of soup, nor of cauliflower, and I couldn't get enough. The chorizo oil provides balance to the cauliflower cream, and just delicious. The red snapper dish was awesome, too. Perfectly cooked, crispy savory skin, and delicious sauce. The stew was also excellent, very hearty and filling with a sweetness to the sauce from the Chimay Blue used in preparation. The potato foam: somewhere between delicious potato chowder and mashed potatoes, but airy. A totally new taste experience for me. And, of course, wonderful Beligian beers. Great service, too--friendly, timely, attentive. We really enjoyed our dinner.

    Is this helpful?

  34. OpenTable Diner

    Greensboro

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on June 25, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    We enjoyed our experience. My waffle was not hot, just warm. It was very tasty. Our server was wonderful. Would come back again

    Is this helpful?

  35. Riska

    Washington DC

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on June 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We loved eating there. The food was very good, though a bit expensive. We will eat here again.

    Is this helpful?

  36. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We love the neighborhood feel of Belga and especially loved our late brunch with green eggs and a grand cru beer new on the list. Others around us had brunch bubbles and coffee drinks that looked fabulous and waffles stacked with fresh fruit. The person I was with tried the fancy hash browns with duck confit and a duck egg. Also delicious. Staff were happy to discuss the many beers on the list and help us find something unique.

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  37. Larbfor2

    London

    10 reviews

    3.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on June 23, 2023

    overall3food3service5ambience4
    We love Belgian food and Belgian beers. The selection for beer was great but very pricey. The food was good, however the appetizers were significantly pricey and not enough for three persons to share. The service was outstanding...absolutely outstanding- one more time- the service was excellent on many levels!!

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  38. CynthiaC

    Washington DC

    19 reviews

    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on June 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A neighborhood gem that we miss since we moved across town. It is worth the trip to return to a place that is friendly, cozy, and has such wonderful food and staff. Thank you for being a predictably great meal every time. Oh, and the Betsy, roof bar is fabulous and a great cocktail before our meal.

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  39. PaulK

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 22, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience3
    the special party at the inside of the restaurant was energetic. Food en service was great

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  40. EllieC

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything on the menu is delicious and the flavors are wonderfully balanced. This is my favorite brunch spot to go to and I always take out of town guests here as a treat.

    Is this helpful?

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Sealed or wrapped utensils used
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
    • Contactless payment available
  • Physical distancing

    • Limited number of seated diners
    • Distancing maintained in common areas
    • Extra space between tables
  • Protective equipment

    • Waitstaff wear masks
    • Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
    • Staff temperature check required
    • Contact tracing information collected

FAQs

Belga Cafe does offer delivery in partnership with Uber Eats. Belga Cafe also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (202) 544-0100.

Belga Cafe is rated 4.7 stars by 4571 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 25 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Belga Cafe

514 8th Street, SE, Washington, DC 20003

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Pennsylvania Ave. SE
  • Neighborhood
    Capitol Hill
  • Hours of operation
    Brunch Sat 9:30 am–3:00 pm Sun 9:00 am–3:15 pm Lunch Tue–Fri 12:00 pm–2:30 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Cuisines
    Belgian, French, European
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Public transit
    We are 1 1/2 blocks away from the Eastern Market Metro stop on the Orange and Blue line
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Pay with OpenTable, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Bart M. Vandaele
  • Additional
    Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
    (202) 544-0100
  • Catering
    For catering inquires please call 202-544-0100.
  • Private party facilities
    A completely private, bright dining room with both seated table configuration, a large custom full bar, a large window and an open kitchen. Max capacity of 75 seated, 120 standing.Call to inquire (202)544-0100
  • Private party contact
    Joey Zucconi: (202) 544-0100
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