Hasselt is known as the ‘Capital of Taste’, and after our city break to this charming Belgian city, we can certainly see why. The city is located in Belgian Limburg and is famous for its traditional jenever (Belgian gin) and artisanal speculaas biscuits. The city is also home to a fantastic food scene, with everything from fine dining restaurants for a special evening out to laid-back spots for drinks and bites. Looking for the best restaurants in Hasselt? Curious about local food specialities and the treats you shouldn’t leave without trying? We’re sharing our personal tips for the best places to eat and drink in Hasselt, so you can make the most of your next foodie city break!
The Best Restaurants in Hasselt: Our Favourites
For us, a city break isn’t complete without discovering great places to eat. And Hasselt certainly doesn’t disappoint! Wondering where to eat in Hasselt? We’re sharing our personal recommendations for breakfast, lunch and dinner, along with our favourite spots for a good cup of coffee and something sweet while exploring the city. Because what’s a city break without a few delicious stops along the way?
Curious about the best things to do and the top sights in Hasselt? We’ve also rounded up our tips for a city break in Hasselt!
1. Restaurant Het Menneke: fine dining in Hasselt city centre
For a delightful evening of fine dining, we recommend Het Menneke Restaurant . You’ll find this restaurant (and hotel) in a historic 19th-century mansion in the center of Hasselt, and it’s known for high-quality ingredients, pure flavors, and a menu that changes with the seasons. The menu is full of delicious dishes perfect for sharing. The wine selection is also superb and perfectly paired with the dishes. But just as important: the service and hospitality here are fantastic! In short: a must-visit for foodies!
Address of Het Mennneke: 48 Maastrichterstraat, 3500 Hasselt
2. Het Borrelhuis in Hasselt: Belgian classics with a French twist
In a charming building in Hasselt, across from the Jenever Museum, you'll find The Borrelhuis. You can come here for a delicious lunch or a full-course dinner. The menu features familiar Belgian classics with a French twist, prepared with an eye for flavor and quality. What we especially appreciate here is the personalized service and warm hospitality. You’ll feel right at home; the dishes are prepared with care, and before you know it, you’ll find yourself lingering for another glass of wine. Not a fan of wine? At Het Borrelhuis, they’re also known for their famous beers, cocktails, and seasonal mocktails.
Address of Het Borrelhuis: Witte Nonnenstraat 28, 3500 Hasselt
3. Osteria Moretti: a stylish Italian restaurant in the heart of Hasselt
A touch of Italy in Hasselt? Visit Osteria Moretti! Here, it’s all about great food, good company, and that wonderful Italian vibe where no one’s watching the clock. A great spot for a casual lunch, but also for a leisurely dinner. And trust us, you won’t just walk right past La Cantina, the little shop next to the restaurant. At this Moretti shop, you can pick up some delicious Italian delicacies. Tip: It’s not a bad idea to bring an extra bag…
Address of Osteria Moretti and Cantina: Havermarkt 23, 3500 Hasselt
4. Sweet Coffee Hasselt: breakfast, brunch, and a lively coffee shop
In the mood for a good cappuccino, a hearty brunch, or just a tasty treat? Sweet Coffee is always a good idea! With three locations across Hasselt, there’s plenty of choice for breakfast, brunch, coffee and all kinds of sweet treats. It’s also a great spot for a matcha run during your city break. Our favourite? The waterside location at Quartier Bleu, where you can settle down with a coffee and something delicious while enjoying the view. Just be warned: you might find it hard to leave when there’s still a whole city to explore!
Sweet Coffee Hasselt Addresses: Botermarkt 15, Slachthuiskaai 3B, and Fruitmarkt 6 (Takeout)
5. De Refter: a cozy breakfast and lunch café in Hasselt
Right in the heart of Hasselt, you'll find The Refter, a cozy breakfast and lunch café where you can sit down for a bowl of fresh soup, a hearty salad, a delicious sandwich, or a cup of coffee with a sweet treat. It’s the perfect spot to take a breather during your exploration of the city and treat yourself to something delicious. Because in between all that shopping, strolling, and exploring, you’ll definitely want to enjoy a good meal!
Address of De Refter: Maastrichterstraat 92, 3500 Hasselt
6. Brasserie De Boulevard: a great place to visit any time of day
During our city trip through Hasselt, we stopped at Brasserie De Boulevard for a drink and some appetizers. A great spot to take a break from all that wandering around the city. The absolute favorite? The sweet potato fries! Deliciously crispy, full of flavor, and before you know it, the bowl is empty. We say: definitely order them on the side and enjoy your time on the patio a little longer.
Address of Brasserie De Boulevard: Kattegatstraat 1, 3500 Hasselt
7. Mucho Gusto Coffee: for coffee lovers
At Mucho Gusto Coffee Roastery & Bar it’s all about coffee with character. Since 2010, Mucho Gusto has been roasting its own specialty coffee, making it a great find for anyone who likes to look beyond the usual cappuccino. We’re always up for a good coffee stop during a city break, so this specialty coffee pioneer in the heart of Hasselt definitely deserves a spot on your list. And chances are, you’ll leave with a smile and a bag of freshly roasted coffee beans to enjoy at home!
Mucho Gusto Coffee Address: Zuivelmarkt 44, 3500 Hasselt
Typical delicacies in Hasselt that you have to try
Hasselt is not just home to great restaurants, but also to some delicious local specialities you shouldn’t miss. First up is jenever, the traditional Belgian spirit that has earned Hasselt its reputation as Belgium’s jenever capital. The city grew into a major centre of jenever production in the Low Countries, alongside the Dutch city of Schiedam. Wondering which treats and delicacies you should try in Hasselt? Here they are!
8. Visit the Jenever Museum and sample Hasselt’s famous spirit
We’ve already mentioned jenever, but no visit to Hasselt is complete without learning more about its rich jenever heritage, and, of course, sampling a glass if you’re a fan! The best place to do both is the National Jenever Museum in Hasselt. At the museum’s tasting room, you can choose from an impressive 100 different flavours of jenever and liqueurs! It’s a fun way to discover this local speciality, which is exactly why a visit to the Jenever Museum made our list of the best things to do in Hasselt.
9. Enjoy the delicious Hasselt speculaas
Besides jenever, Hasselt is also famous for its traditional speculaas biscuits. Unlike the crunchy version you might be used to, Hasseltse speculaas is softer in texture and packed with warming spices. Made according to traditional recipes passed down through generations, these biscuits are an essential part of Hasselt’s culinary heritage. Be sure to try them during your city break. They also make a delicious souvenir to take home!
Tip: Visiting Hasselt on a Friday? Don’t miss the weekly market at Kolonel Dusartplein! It’s a great place to pick up traditional Hasseltse speculaas, along with plenty of other local treats. Perfect for sampling a few Belgian specialities as you explore the city.
10. Chocolates in Hasselt: a treat for chocolate lovers
Chocolate lovers are in for a treat in Hasselt, too! Be sure to try the Hasselt praline, a unique local creation combining hazelnut, speculaas and juniper berries. At Chocoladehuis BOON, local flavours are transformed into delicious chocolate creations. It’s the perfect spot to treat yourself to something sweet or pick up a tasty souvenir to take home.
More Foodie City Breaks in Belgium
Fancy more foodie city breaks in Belgium? Beyond Hasselt, there are plenty of other Belgian cities where you can combine culture, charming spots and delicious food. Here are a few more destinations to add to your list:
- Ghent: historic streets, cozy restaurants and foodie hotspots;
- Leuven: charming squares, great cafés and hidden foodie gems;
- Mechelen: a charming historic centre and local flavours;
- Bruges: medieval streets, chocolate and Belgian culinary delights.
Which city is on your list for your next city trip in Belgium?
