Belga Cafe

4.6

4770 Reviews

$30 and under

Belgian

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 21, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 22 times today

Neighborhood gem
Good for special occasions
Great for brunch

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

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$30 and under
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
Website
http://www.belgacafe.com/
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

Location
514 8th Street, SE, Washington, DC 20003
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

Choux Fleur Gratinee$14.50
Gratin of Cauliflower; Morney sauce, Swiss – Gruyere cheese
Cod Brandade Bouchon$17.00
Salted Cod Brandade, chive sour cream dip, salmon caviar
The Brussels Sprouts$14.50
Sweet & sour fried pork belly, fried kale, curry, chili
Buttery Mashed Potato$13.00
Potato puree, farm butter, potato crisps
Chilled Gin & Tonic Oysters$22.00
½ dozen oysters, lemon, Gin & Tonic air, cucumber
The Belgian Frites$9.25
The world's original fries! Served with a trio of homemade mayonnaise
Bread and Two Butters$7.50
Freshly baked French baguette, sun-dried tomato butter, lard and bacon bits butter
Slow Roasted Heirloom Carrots$15.00
Poppy seeds, ginger, confit lemon, butter, labneh, curry

New Ideas From the Chef

Gekoelde Erwtencreme$16.00
Chilled cream of peas, smoked salmon, anise, crunch
Veel Kleurige Bietensalade$18.00
Multicolor roasted beet creation, smoked youghurt mousse, balsamic, pistachios, farmers arugula salad
Tomaat Met Buffaloburatta$19.00
Heirloom tomato, pesto, Buffalo buratta, balsamic, basil, herb croutons, olive oil
Lamsrack Met Boontjes$48.00
Rack of lamb, beans, confit garlic, white bean cream, summer savory, lemon-thyme lamb sauce
Risotto Met Groene Erwten$24.00
Green pea risotto, smoked crème fraiche, English peas, wild mushrooms, puffed rice, quinoa
Varkenskotelet Met Spruitjes$37.00
Smoked Heritage pork chops, apricots, green basil, cream of Brussels sprouts, bacon, sweet and spicy glaze

Our Classiques Apps

Wilde Champignon Wafel$18.00
Wild mushroom waffle, porcini, shiitake, beech mushroom, Pecorino cream, mushroom jus shooter
Belgische Witloof Salade$16.50
Belgian endives, blue cheese crumble, apple, candy pecans, Belga's French dressing
The Best Steak Tartare in DC$20.00
The Belgian steak tartare, fried onions, cornichons, capers, quail egg
- As Main Course$36.00
Vier Kazen Kroketten$15.00
Croquettes of four cheeses, cheese waffle, cheese cream, puffed tomatoes, Parmesan snow
Kip & Krab Sigaars$14.00
Spicy cigars of chicken & crabmeat, dipping sauces

100% Belgian

Biefstuk Met Pepper Saus en Frietjes$58.00
C.A.B. pepper crusted grilled filet mignon, puffed tomato our crazy frites, green pepper sauce
Stoverij Met Frietjes en Witloof$33.00
Belgian beef stew, Chimay beer, Belgian frites, mayonnaise, Belgian endive, grain mustard
Bart's Better Bistro Burger$24.00
Grilled burger, bacon, American cheese, tomato, pickles, crazy sauce, brioche bun, Belgian frites
Braadkip Met Rozemarijn Saus$32.00
Herb stuffed roasted chicken, green peas, snow peas, asparagus, rosemary jus
Eendenborst Met Kriekenbiersaus$39.00
Spice dusted duck breast, red beet-pineapple cream, warm endives, fresh orange, cherry beer sauce

Our Guest's Favorites: Apps

Not So Simple Pasta and Crab$25.00
A simple tagliatelle pasta appetizer, Maryland crab, Meyer lemon, garlic-chive butter, crisps
Octopus & Gebraiseerd Varkensbuikje$19.50
Slow cooked pork belly, octopus, Brussles sprouts, popped wild rice, sour cream, Za'atar, red wine, BBQ sauce
Brie de Meaux Aux Truffle$21.50
Brie stuffed with truffle and mascarpone, frisée artichoke salad, truffle dressing, homemade brioche
La Gaufre de Homard$23.00
Maine lobster waffle, velvety-lobster bisque, fennel, radish, petite salad, pink grapefruit
Tonijn Met Avocado$24.00
Yellowfin tuna tartare, avocado, lemon verbena, seaweed salad, Persian lime, garden herbs, rice pips

From the Big Pond

Sint-Jakobsschelpen Met Cannelloni$43.00
Pan-seared scallops, cannelloni stuffed with eggplant, zucchini, ricotta cheese, vadouvan curry sauce
Gegrilde Branzino Met Parelpasta$37.00
Grilled Branzino, pearl pasta, clams, mussels, snow peas, Champagne beurre blanc sauce
Chileense Zeebaars Met Wortel Gnocchi$42.00
Pan-seared Chilean seabass, potato-carrot gnocchi, carrot cream, puffed grains, orange cardamom sauce
Paella Met Zeevruchten en Vis$41.00
Seafood paella, Arborio rice, shrimps, branzino, seabass clams, mussels, lobster broth
Mussels "Mariniere" the Classique$29.00
White wine, shallots, celery, butter, garlic, parsley
Mussels From Brussels$36.00
Brussels mussels, ½ lobster, Cognac bisque sauce, tomato confit

Belga's Cocktails

Belga's Old Fashioned$20.00
Woodford Reserve "Belga Cafe's 20th anniversary barrel" Angostura bitters, demerara syrup, orange peel
Royal Belgian Mule$15.00
Homemade lemon-lime Genever, Intense ginger liqueur, ginger beer, juniper berries
Lucid Dreaming$16.00
Plantation 3 stars pineapple Rum, lime juice, cinnamon syrup, Giffard banane du brésil liqueur
Point Taken!$16.00
Mezcal, Boomsma CloosterBitter Dutch bitters, Maraschino liqueur, lime, served straight up
The Only French In the House '75'$17.00
Ford's Gin, lemon, simple syrup, St-Germain liqueur, sparkling wine, lemon twist
Garden Party Elixir$16.00
Titos vodka, Lillet Blanc, lime juice, Thai basil English cucumber, garden mint
N/A Orange Spritz$14.00
Petit Beret orange spritz, blood orange, N/A sparkling rosé

Draft Beers

Stella Artois 5.2%$8.50
Pilsner | hazy golden yellow, with grainy malts, crisp
Blanche de Belga 4.7%$11.00
White beer | aromas of citrus fruit, notes of orange, & lime
La Chouffe 8%$12.00
Golden ale | aromas of bananas, sweet fruit, malt, & spice
Rodenbach Classic 5.2%$14.00
Red ale | hazy light brown, similar to an unfiltered apple cider
Saison Dupont 6.5%$15.00
Saison | notes of lemon and clove, fruity, malty head

Zen and Tonics! Savory and Fresh!

Citadelle Original$16.00
citrus ice, Fever-Tree grapefruit
Monkey 47$22.00
clear ice, Fever-Tree light, lemongrass
Hendricks's Grand Cabaret$17.00
hibiscus ice, light tonic, basil
Gin Mare$16.00
clear ice, Mediterranean tonic, rosemary, orange

White Wine by the Glass

Sancerre, Kevin et Karine Lauverjat, FR 2023$24.00
Medium-bodied, notes of citrus & stone fruits, sharp minerality
Sauvignon Blanc, Touraine, Loire Valley, FR 2023$15.00
Full bodied with lush citrus, melon and stone fruit flavors
Chablis, Jean-Marc Brocard, Sainte Claire, FR 2022$21.00
Full-bodied, notes of cooked apples, mango, & hints of honey
Village Chardonnay, Linden, VA 2020$18.00
Medium bodied, notes of pear and stone fruits, crisp finish
Pinot Grigio, Ornella Molon, IT 2022$15.00
Aromas of apple, pear and hints of apricot
Graves, Chateau Peyreblanque, FR 2020$14.00
Aromas of citrus & apricot, notes of white fruits & a refreshing acidity
Chef's Favorite, Albarino 'Nessa', SP 2023$16.00
Minerally persistence, honeysuckle and orange notes
Côtes du Rhône, Famillle Perrin, Reserve, FR 2023$15.00
This wine shows elegance and complexity, along with exotic aromas

Red Wine by the Glass

Burgundy, Frederic Esmonin, Les Genevrieres, FR 2022$20.00
Aromas of tart cranberries, ripe strawberries & hints of brown spices
Pinot Noir, Domaine Carneros, Napa 2020$23.00
Aromas of cherries & raspberries, touch of earthiness & a silky finish
Côtes du Rhône, A. Berthet Rayne, FR 2022$15.00
Light-bodied, tangy redcurrant and blackcurrant notes
Barbera d'Asti, Battaglione, Ratti, IT 2022$17.00
Aroma of ripe red fruits, pleasant and elegan
Bordeaux, Chateau La Graviere, FR 2020$16.00
Rich, robust, fruity, with blackberry and oak
Malbec, Cedre Heritage, Cahors, FR 2020$15.00
An intense and fresh nose, with blackcurrant, wild pepper and mint
Cabernet Sauvignon, Markham, Napa Valley 2021$26.00
Intense aromas of dark chocolate, ripe black cherry and cinnamon

Champagne & Sparkling Wine

Champagne, Veuve Cliquot, Brut, Reims, FR, N.V$26.00
Medium-bodied, aromas of grapefruit, citrus peel, quince, toast & almonds
Sparkling Wine, Domaine Carneros Brut, By Taittinger 2020$20.00
Notes of pear, green apple, and citrus zest, light toastinnes

Ole Ole Rose

Sancerre Rose, Kevin et Karine Lauverjat, FR 2023$22.00
Medium-bodied, fruity, bright strawberries, raspberries, long finish
Cremant de Bourgogne Rose, Domaine Albert Bichot$17.00
Light, bouquet of raspberries, red currants and white blossom

What 4,770 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

4.6Food
4.6Service
4.6Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Belga Cafe offers a delightful taste of Belgian cuisine in a lively atmosphere. Guests rave about the "excellent creative chef," "amazing food and service," and the "best steak tartare in DC." The waffles are a standout, complemented by a "robust wine list" and "hand-crafted cocktails." Perfect for brunch or special occasions, Belga Cafe remains a beloved Capitol Hill gem.

4,770 Reviews

M
Mike
Washington DC
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
We had a group of four and everything was devine. Mushroom risotto was smoky and creamy, the mussels in curry sauce was perfect. One in our party had the halibut which was flaky and poached perfectly. We had the steak tartar and French roll as appetizers and the bacon butter was unexpectedly flavorful. The staff was attentive and prompt. We also had a visit from the manager and that was a nice touch. Thank you Belga Cafe for a wonderful meal and a fantastic evening.
Belga CafeResponded today
We're thrilled to hear that you had a great experience with us. Your feedback truly motivates our team to continue delivering excellent service. We look forward to serving you again soon!
Is this helpful?
A
Angel
Washington DC
3 reviews
1.0
3 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 1
2. Food 2
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 1
SMH!!! This was by far the WORST!!! service I have ever received and it's all due to Yulia,T nasty disposition. She was very aggressive, and we did NOT! feel safe in her presence at all. We were nothing but gracious and even left a tip but guess what? Yulia ran us down after we had already exited the restaurant to tell us what she thought of us and how she deserved more...MORE!! she was practically pan handling at that point. I had never seen anything as uncouth in my entire life! If I could leave the tip again, I'd leave her nothing, come back order more food and leave her nothing again. The shift manager was very apologetic, we appreciated the other patrons who took a stand and decided to leave, my husband was happy to suggest better dinning when they asked. I'm so disappointed Belga, I was excited to visit a place I used to think was charming and perfect to have a small birthday brunch, yes it was my birthday too. Thank goodness I didn't allow her ruin it. I won't be back.
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LS
LynneS
Nashville
12 reviews
5.0
12 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Wonderful food- great selection- great service- will return
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B
Bill
VIP
Berlin
71 reviews
5.0
71 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
Once again, we enjoyed ourselves at one of our favorites.
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K
Kelley
Tulsa
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Food great, atmosphere fun, server attentive and helpful, really good time!
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M
Michael
Washington DC
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on December 11, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
It’s my first time back to this location (live way up in Upper NW) and it was well worth the trek! The food is consistently delicious!
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L
Laura
San Diego
23 reviews
5.0
23 reviews
Dined on December 8, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
It was a birthday occasion and we wanted to try the four seater shed outside. The only downside was thinking the weather would be brisk, when the temperature rose over 50° we had to crack the door open to avoid heat exhaustion. Who would of thought? The server was perfect (Jorge) and as always the food was delightful. It was a perfect occasion and Belga is always the go to place for great food.
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M
Marci
Washington DC
44 reviews
5.0
44 reviews
Dined on December 5, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food is always great at this neighborhood restaurant and the service is impeccable. Love eating here. .
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A
April
VIP
Washington DC
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on November 28, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
It’s been our favorite neighborhood restaurant for many years now. Whether it’s for a casual brunch or a special dinner, every visit always reliably comes out memorable.
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P
Paula
Washington DC
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 27, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Everything was excellent. The appetizers, we got the mushrooms on a waffle and pork belly steamed buns, were a great start. The venison and sausage and the sea bass and mussels were beautifully plated as well as delicious. I had the beef stew and ponme frites, which was quite hardy. The chef was visiting with customers and staff, making the atmosphere relaxed. We loved our time at Belga Cafe.
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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 4770 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 21, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 22 times today

Order delivery or takeout

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
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

Website
http://www.belgacafe.com/
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

Belga Cafe

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Belgian French Toast

Mussels "Mariniere" The Classique

Mussels 'Mariniere' the Classique

If You Need Some Extras & Like to Share

Choux Fleur Gratinee$14.50

Cod Brandade Bouchon$17.00

The Brussels Sprouts$14.50

Buttery Mashed Potato$13.00

Chilled Gin & Tonic Oysters$22.00

The Belgian Frites$9.25

Bread and Two Butters$7.50

Slow Roasted Heirloom Carrots$15.00

New Ideas From the Chef

Gekoelde Erwtencreme$16.00

Veel Kleurige Bietensalade$18.00

Tomaat Met Buffaloburatta$19.00

Lamsrack Met Boontjes$48.00

Risotto Met Groene Erwten$24.00

Varkenskotelet Met Spruitjes$37.00

Our Classiques Apps

Wilde Champignon Wafel$18.00

Belgische Witloof Salade$16.50

The Best Steak Tartare in DC$20.00

Vier Kazen Kroketten$15.00

Kip & Krab Sigaars$14.00

100% Belgian

Biefstuk Met Pepper Saus en Frietjes$58.00

Stoverij Met Frietjes en Witloof$33.00

Bart's Better Bistro Burger$24.00

Braadkip Met Rozemarijn Saus$32.00

Eendenborst Met Kriekenbiersaus$39.00

Our Guest's Favorites: Apps

Not So Simple Pasta and Crab$25.00

Octopus & Gebraiseerd Varkensbuikje$19.50

Brie de Meaux Aux Truffle$21.50

La Gaufre de Homard$23.00

Tonijn Met Avocado$24.00

From the Big Pond

Sint-Jakobsschelpen Met Cannelloni$43.00

Gegrilde Branzino Met Parelpasta$37.00

Chileense Zeebaars Met Wortel Gnocchi$42.00

Paella Met Zeevruchten en Vis$41.00

Mussels "Mariniere" the Classique$29.00

Mussels From Brussels$36.00

Belga's Cocktails

Belga's Old Fashioned$20.00

Royal Belgian Mule$15.00

Lucid Dreaming$16.00

Point Taken!$16.00

The Only French In the House '75'$17.00

Garden Party Elixir$16.00

N/A Orange Spritz$14.00

Draft Beers

Stella Artois 5.2%$8.50

Blanche de Belga 4.7%$11.00

La Chouffe 8%$12.00

Rodenbach Classic 5.2%$14.00

Saison Dupont 6.5%$15.00

Zen and Tonics! Savory and Fresh!

Citadelle Original$16.00

Monkey 47$22.00

Hendricks's Grand Cabaret$17.00

Gin Mare$16.00

White Wine by the Glass

Sancerre, Kevin et Karine Lauverjat, FR 2023$24.00

Sauvignon Blanc, Touraine, Loire Valley, FR 2023$15.00

Chablis, Jean-Marc Brocard, Sainte Claire, FR 2022$21.00

Village Chardonnay, Linden, VA 2020$18.00

Pinot Grigio, Ornella Molon, IT 2022$15.00

Graves, Chateau Peyreblanque, FR 2020$14.00

Chef's Favorite, Albarino 'Nessa', SP 2023$16.00

Côtes du Rhône, Famillle Perrin, Reserve, FR 2023$15.00

Red Wine by the Glass

Burgundy, Frederic Esmonin, Les Genevrieres, FR 2022$20.00

Pinot Noir, Domaine Carneros, Napa 2020$23.00

Côtes du Rhône, A. Berthet Rayne, FR 2022$15.00