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  5. Capitol Hill
Belga Cafe, Washington, DC

Belga Cafe

4.6
4.6
4532 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 26 times today

Dining areas

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

Popular dishes

What 4,532 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.5Service
  • 4.5Ambience
  • 4.2Value

NoiseModerate

Sort by

  1. JonathanW

    Baltimore

    24 reviews

    4.0

    24 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall4food5service1ambience3
    The menu and food were outstanding. The ONLY negative of our experience was our server (male with accent that sounded Eastern European). He was rude, unhelpful, and generally grumpy. We actually received better service from staff that were just passing by and asked how things were (maybe they knew our server was horrible). We will definitely consider going back and make sure we don't have the same server.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Clyde

    Denver

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall3food3service2ambience3
    Food was decent, but nothing special, and really overpriced for what it was. Service was spotty with staff sniping at one another loudly throughout. And godawful child pop music playing loudly the whole meal.

    Is this helpful?

  3. AEDU

    San Francisco

    5 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 28, 2023

    overall2food3service1ambience2
    I've eaten here before and had good food and service. But yesterday our server was miserable and rude and the food was mediocre at best.

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  4. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 27, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    The Onion soup was among the best I’ve had. The roasted chicken, however, was very bland. However, the Belgian chocolate sundae left us happy. Server was great with a very dry sense of humor that some might not catch.

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  5. LeoD

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 21, 2023

    overall2food3service1ambience3
    I would not recommend this place to anyone. We had a reservation, but they gave our table to someone else who checked in later. We had to wait for another table, and they barely apologized. The host was very rude and disrespectful to us. He ignored our requests and made us feel unwelcome. They also seated us in the sun heat and did not offer any shade. The food was mostly okay, but the French toast was really good ( the chocolate croissant was really bad). Do yourself a favor and avoid this place if you do not feel like dealing with the rude staff.

    Is this helpful?

  6. LindseyM

    Washington DC

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was wonderful! And I also highly recommend slipping up to their rooftop bar, Betsy, for a gin and tonic after your meal.

    Is this helpful?

  7. Bill

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A go-to favorite of ours. Never disappoints! The staff, the ambience, the cocktails, and every dish from start to finish was perfect.

    Is this helpful?

  8. OpenTable Diner

    Seattle

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 20, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    Good food and nice staff. Two drinks, two lunch entrees, one app, and bottled water was about $90 before tip, which is not bad for DC. I also appreciate that they didn’t have a service charge to hide their pricing!

    Is this helpful?

  9. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Weaseling D provided good service and warm hospitality. Bill

    Is this helpful?

  10. SheilaH

    Washington DC

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on May 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always excellent atmosphere and experience- and delicious!!

    Is this helpful?

  11. Mhilt126

    Washington DC

    38 reviews

    5.0

    38 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    You just can’t beat the mussels and frites at Belga. And, don’t forget the crème brûlée for dessert.

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  12. Librarygal

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall3food3service5ambience4
    We were a group gathered for Mother's Day dinner. While we appreciated not being forced to order from a prix fixe menu, we should have consulted the menu more carefully before selecting Belga for dinner. We had been for brunch and enjoyed that, but found the prices for dinner quite extravagant. There were no vegetarian entrees, only appetizers, something we hadn't realized before dining there, and which limited our vegetarian guest to appetizer portions. The hanger steak, priced at $44, was a minuscule portion. When we requested the Brussels sprouts be prepared without pork belly, the resulting lack of seasoning made them not very tasty at all. The onion soup was quite good, as were the croquettes, but if we return, it will be for brunch only. Noise level was extremely loud due to a speaker near our table, so it was hard to converse. Staff were quite attentive. For larger groups, please note that tips are included.

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  13. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall2food3service1ambience3
    Made reservations specifically for the rooftop and that is what my reservation said. When I got there they lied and said that it wasn’t actually for the rooftop even though I showed them the confirmation email that said rooftop. The “chef” also yelled at us when we walked in because the hostess was not outside so we didn’t know where to go and then made a creepy comment to my mom. Food was OK.

    Is this helpful?

  14. OpenTable Diner

    Western NC

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food Great service. Fun atmosphere. We look forward to going back.

    Is this helpful?

  15. PeytonS

    Washington DC

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    One of DC’s best restaurants. Don’t skip this place.

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  16. ClaireP

    Los Angeles

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Excellent and creative food choices. The service was very attentive!

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  17. OpenTable Diner

    New Mexico

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great location for special occasions. We did Mother Day. Great list of cocktails. Food was excellent. Service was professional and very personable. We had a great time. Recommend!

    Is this helpful?

  18. HollyNoelle

    Washington DC

    58 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    58 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Love the liege waffle!! You have to try it!! Great service and even better food.

    Is this helpful?

  19. RyanS

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall3food5service1ambience2
    It was Mother's Day, so I get it, things are weird and very busy. The food was excellent, the noise was intense (we were next to the pickup counter, not much to be done about that), but it was the service that was deeply weird and really detracted from the experience. Among other things, our waiter told my wife (who has celiac) the only thing she could have was salad (I told him there was no way that was true and he gruffly found another waiter to come over who started to go through the menu for us), when my wife ordered the scrambled eggs he tried to get her to order them as a side because it was $10 cheaper, it took several unpleasant attempts to overcome that and get the actual scrambled eggs dish (which obviously was different and more expensive from the scrambled eggs side), and then when it came to pay he just told me to give him my credit card instead of bringing me a check. There was more (he didn't seem like the most friendly and attentive waiter to begin with and the initial kerfluffle over 'order a salad' didn't help things) and I get it was busy, and it was Mother's Day, but you just can't behave like that to customers.

    Is this helpful?

  20. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 13, 2023

    overall3food4service2ambience3
    Brunch presented some interesting choices and many were very good. Unfortunately the restaurant our table of 5 at a table for 4 and they just added a chair at the end. Not only was this uncomfortable for the person who was on the end but for the guests at the adjacent tables and servers who had to move around us. When we asked if we could add the small empty 2 top next to us, Omar, (head waiter?) told us no. He further explained all the tables are reserved, it’s the restaurant’s policy to make 4 tops for 5 guests and there was no where else we could move to because they expected to be busy. His explanation was curt, rehearsed, and dismissive. The empty 2 top remained unoccupied during our whole experience along with another 2 top became available shortly after we spoke to Omar for the balance of our meal. Once our food arrived, Omar offered to move us which would have been inconvenient at the moment and while the gesture was appropriate- it was late and seemed insincere. While the food may have brought us back, the dismissive attitude of Omar will make this restaurant one we will not return to again. There are too many other restaurants that have good food and are not rued. We would have been satisfied with the answer we could not move if it was made honestly and with sincere empathy.

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  21. luvcfood

    Washington DC

    11 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on May 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Six of us had brunch outside under the covered area on a Saturday afternoon. Everyone found their meals delicious and in very hearty portions. Our waiter was fun, attentive, and personable. It was our first time at Belga Cafe and will certainly go back. It was an easy Metro ride from Virginia on the Orange and Silver lines -- no transfers. The restaurant is within two blocks of the Eastern Market Metro station.

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  22. Robert

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 10, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience3
    Somewhat limited menu, but all items seem very good. Mussels, frites and burger are all excellent. Helping sizes are moderate. Belgian beer selection is outstanding. Service is excellent.

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  23. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    11 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on May 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always great service and always a great experience. We had 3 kids and 2 strollers this time but it was so smooth. Food is always great!

    Is this helpful?

  24. SueB

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 7, 2023

    overall3food5service5ambience1
    I did an Open Table reservation, received all the reminders, yet when I arrived on time for my table, the staff was totally surprised. After waiting 10 minutes, my party was seated by the kitchen with staff shouting food orders while standing right behind me. Music was WAY too loud. Food was excellent; the overall experience was disappointing and only fair.

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  25. KaylaS

    New Orleans

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The waffles are bomb! The fruit is fresh. The eggs are cooked to perfection. 10/10

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  26. CatB

    Denver

    13 reviews

    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on May 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Awesome brunch...I need to go back to taste all the choices!

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  27. ReshminaW

    Chicago

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 7, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Fantastic food, lots of vegetarian and vegan options. Fast and friendly service

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  28. OpenTable Diner

    Baltimore

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on May 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    We came here for brunch. Food was really good in a simple kinda way. I had the cowboy hash (solid choice), my partner had the burger, and we shared a waffle (delicious). We sat outside in the little covered area which was actually a bit warmer than just sitting outside. Space overall felt small inside and outside. It wasn't clear where to go to check in for our reservation and the first server that saw us walk in (maybe to an area for staff - idk it was right by a front door) was a bit rude to us and didn't really help us figure anything out. But once we got seated and spoke with our actual server, service was great. Would definitely come here again.

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  29. HansH34114

    Naples

    54 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    54 reviews

    Dined on April 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Best waffles I’ve ever had and the green eggs were amazing !!

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  30. Nick

    Washington DC

    13 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on April 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I have been to Belga at least 10 times and it never disappoints. Hands down my favorite place for brunch in DC.

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  31. ajfoodie

    Chicago

    135 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    135 reviews

    Dined on April 26, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Belga is our go-to neighborhood restaurant when we want a "nice" dinner out, either as a couple or with friends/family. The menu changes seasonally although there are some favorites that are always available, and the drinks menu also varies (I had a Cherry Blossom gin & tonic last night, for example). There is always an extensive selection of interesting beers, and the wine list is excellent. Our favorites include the onion soup and the mussels mariniere, which are always on the menu. Their French fries ("frites") are out of this world and honestly the very best I've ever had.

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  32. OpenTable Diner

    Vancouver

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on April 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The soft scrambled eggs and waffles were delicious. The roof top garden charming. The staff were very friendly and attentive.

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  33. RoddyG

    Richmond

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food and service were great, can’t wait to dine again.

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  34. jlp0000

    Washington DC

    4 reviews

    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on April 23, 2023

    overall3food4service2ambience2
    This was a birthday brunch gathering of friends who get together 1x per year. In the open table confirmation it said that our table would be reserved for our party of 8+ for 2.5 hours. At the 1.5 hour mark we were asked to leave because they “needed the table.” I pushed back on this because our children were still eating and I had to pull up the policy. Nothing “special”was done for the birthdays. We left organically before we hit the two hour mark. The food was fine but I will not return here because of the service.

    1 person found this helpful

  35. JohnW

    Washington DC

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 22, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    The frites are not what they once were. They seemed to use previously frozen fries.

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  36. Buccaroo

    Washington DC

    37 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    37 reviews

    Dined on April 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    A great place for a celebration as the service and the food *never* disappoint! Delicious dishes to share. I recommend the heirloom carrots and the cheese croquettes. The name for the beef stew didn't prepare my friend for the tenderness and exquisite taste of the dish ... impressive. The music was a little loud, which made for more noise as everyone talked over it. Otherwise a perfect evening for our special occasion. Thank you!

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  37. WilliamR

    Washington DC

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on April 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    As always our favorite restaurant in Capitol Hill did not disappoint.

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  38. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    8 reviews

    3.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on April 16, 2023

    overall3food2service2ambience3
    Used to love coming to Belga but the quality has really gone downhill. The iced coffee drinks were very watery and our server never really checked in on us unless it was to flag them down for more water or the check. The food was ok but definitely not worth the $16+ per entree. Sadly this is the last visit for us.

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  39. Derek

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Went for a pre-show dinner. Went upstairs to Betsy for pre dinner drinks, highly recommend, and then was able to get an outside table at Belga. Food was amazing. My wife and one of our friends had the scallops and loved them, I had the Bronzino and mussels that was very tasty. Our forth had the beef tartar and thought is was one of the best in the city. The wine and beer selection was great, and we were able to make it to the show in plenty of time.

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  40. Midcitizen

    Washington DC

    21 reviews

    5.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on April 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It had been years since we were back in DC and made Belga Cafe a priority and I'm so glad we did! It was just as I remembered and was seated by the personable Chef/owner. Everything was great.

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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 4.6 stars by 4532 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 26 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

    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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