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Belga Cafe, Washington, DC

Belga Cafe

4.8 (4801)
$30 and under
Belgian
514 8th Street, SE, Washington, DC 20003

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 18 times today

About this restaurant

  • Charming
  • Good for special occasions
  • Neighborhood gem
Step into the heart of Brussels without leaving Capitol Hill at Belga Café, a charming Belgian bistro where European tradition meets modern flair. Chef Bart Vandaele—Belgian native and former Top Chef contender—crafts a menu that celebrates bold flavors, refined techniques, and the warmth of brasserie culture. From signature moules-frites and house-made waffles to innovative seasonal dishes and an expertly curated beer list, every plate tells a story of passion and heritage. The intimate, stylish space offers a cozy backdrop for brunch, dinner, or a casual drink at the lively bar. With a focus on authenticity, hospitality, and creativity, Belga Café invites you to slow down, savor, and enjoy the best of Belgian cuisine right in Washington, D.C.

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Belgian, French, European
  • Hours of operation
    Sun 4:30 pm–8:30 pm 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 4:30 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:30 pm–10:00 pm Happy Hour Mon–Sat 4:30 pm–6:30 pm Sun 4:30 pm–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
  • 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
  • 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

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What 4,801 people are saying

Belga Cafe reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.8
4.8 based on recent ratings
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.4Value

NoiseModerate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Belga Cafe offers a "phenomenal dining experience" with Chef Bart's personal touch and a diverse menu featuring Belgian classics and modern dishes. Guests rave about the "beautiful plating," "extensive wine list," and "delicious brunch." The atmosphere is "authentic," service is "top notch," and it's a "neighborhood gem" for many.
4,801 Reviews
  1. Carl VIP

    Washington, D.C. Area27 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food is a creative version of Belgian cuisine, French quality and German proportions.

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  2. Kevin VIP

    Washington, D.C. Area8 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Phenomenal dining experience at Belga Cafe. Chef Bart greeted us, seated us, and took great care of us. The menu is diverse and the service is top notch.

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  3. Chris

    Washington, D.C. Area24 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on July 8, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    This one of my favorite neighborhood spots. Need to go here more! Chef Bart Vandaele has updated the menu and now offers Belgian classics and some really great modern international dishes. Of course the moules frites are great, but so is the hamachi crudo and pork bao. The plating is beautiful! The wine list is extensive with some great offerings and reasonable prices. Bart is usually there and greets everyone with a big smile.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Robyn VIP

    Washington, D.C. Area1 review

    5.0

    Dined on June 29, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Delicious brunch with lovely and attentive staff. Best Bloody Mary I’ve had in a while. My omelet was perfectly cooked. Highly recommend!

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  5. Richard

    Washington, D.C. Area11 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 23, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Belga dinner never fails to deliver new taste sensations and artistry. Chef Bart and staff provide memorable experiences. We started with the wild mushroom waffle with mushroom au jus, rich in umami and which was a landscape unto itself. The heirloom tomato and beet salad with whipped goat milk yoghurt was a was a tribute to summer in color and flavor. grilled scallops floated cheerfully on a sea of green pea risotto with a wonderful contrast enhanced further by the smoked onion cream. The Duck Two ay Way was an architectural fantasy with tender duck breast set across from the crispy duck confit and with sweet potatoes and rhubarb the bridge between the two over a pool of beef broth, l'orange sauce, cranberries and nuts. Dessert was a playful sculpture of chocolate mousse eggs resting cozily in a nest of chocolate crumbles, offset tastefully with edible pearls and cacao cream. A feast for the eye and the palate!!!!

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  6. robert VIP

    Washington, D.C. Area146 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 21, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Authentic and creative Belgian cuisine. Veggie apps were GREAT! Duck 2 ways excellent. Staff could have been more attentive. But they were very busy.

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  7. Richard

    Washington, D.C. Area5 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 15, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    great little hidden gem. Good cocktails and great spot for brunch

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  8. Margaux

    Chicago / Illinois1 review

    5.0

    Dined on June 15, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great service, friendly staff and amazing Belgian food and drinks! Had an excellent night and our Belgian friend completely approved.

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  9. Nina-Sofie

    Washington, D.C. Area1 review

    5.0

    Dined on June 12, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Very good, excellent service! We had a very good evening and was able to spend four hours at the table without any rush from the restaurant.

    Is this helpful?

  10. David

    Washington, D.C. Area2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 8, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We had an early, pre-theater dinner on a Sunday, so the restaurant was nice and quiet. Other, busier times could be different. The food was outstanding, and the beer selection extensive! We really should try to get to Belga more often!

    Is this helpful?

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 4.8 stars by 4801 OpenTable diners.

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

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Washington, D.C. Area
  4. District of Columbia
  5. Capitol Hill

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 18 times today
Google Map for Belga Cafe

514 8th Street, SE, Washington, DC 20003

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Pennsylvania Ave. SE
  • Neighborhood
    Capitol Hill
  • Hours of operation
    Sun 4:30 pm–8:30 pm 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 4:30 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:30 pm–10:00 pm Happy Hour Mon–Sat 4:30 pm–6:30 pm Sun 4:30 pm–9:00 pm
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • 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
  • 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
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