Belga Café is one of my family’s favorite destinations for a fancy brunch. I would say a reservation is pretty much required if you want to eat here, especially for brunch and dinner. It is incredibly crowded any day of the week and has gained quite the positive reputation among us Hill folk and the greater DC area (the Belgian embassy staff has been known to dine here frequently…it sure is fun getting insider tips from my friend who worked here!) The head chef is actually from Belgium and employs a highly international staff, which adds an eclectic and really interesting feel to the restaurant.

The food is really fantastic and the atmosphere is great, though it can be quite loud. Service is attentive and the wait staff is friendly and knowledgeable. When it’s nice out try to sit outside – great view of the lively Barracks Row nightlife! – and the windows open completely so the restaurant has a very open feel.

There is additional seating at the bar, which offers a nice alternative if you’re not in the mood for a table. Speaking of the bar, Belga’s extensive drink menu has something to satisfy nearly all tastes, ranging from signature cocktails to beer cocktails to a comprehensive wine list to more beers than I can count! Many are imported from Belgium and Europe so they appear to have a more ‘authentic’ taste :) Belga has a signature beer that is made particularly for the restaurant, and it’s delicious!

The brunch menu has something for everyone, ranging from poached eggs with smoked salmon to green eggs (seriously- green!) with cheese & spinach to Belga’s specialty, waffles! Can’t go wrong with any of the waffle offerings, including waffles with berries, powdered sugar, fruit, whipped cream, or caramelized apples…not sure which is my favorite, so I guess you’ll have to decide for yourself! :) Belga also has incredible crepes – my favorites are the banana and nutella filled ones…and you can even add ice cream if feeling more splurge-esque! Menu is a bit pricey, but the portions are just right and the cost is worth the flavor of the food and the fun and lively atmosphere.

Amazingly, the crepes & waffles themselves aren’t too sweet, though the toppings do tend to add an incredible sugar kick. The potato cubes are also fantastic – small, well-seasoned, and a popular menu item for any meal!

Dinner menu is also fantastic, though I do prefer eating at Belga for brunch. Mussels are a house specialty – options range from mussels in white wine to blue cheese to bacon – but they aren’t my thing, too fishy even for mel! Great entrees, especially the seared scallops and the poached halibut. Dinner portions are gorgeously presented without being overly filling. Excellent bread to start off the meal as well.

Great option since it can be tough to find brunch in the Capitol Hill area. Other restaurants in the area offer more ‘generic’ offerings, such as Banana Café and Starfish Café on 8th street. Closest to Eastern Market metro stop. Belga is worth the wait, especially for a waffle fix! Bon appetit!