Regional specialities: the taste of Blankenberge
Blankenberge still carries its past as a fishing town, and you can taste it: the local cuisine leans on the fresh catch of the North Sea, complemented by a few genuinely Blankenberge specialities.
- Fresh from the North Sea: as an old fishing town, the day's fresh catch takes centre stage here, from grey shrimp and mussels to fried plaice and other North Sea fish, served in the classic way in the many fish restaurants along the promenade.
- Beer brewed on home ground: in the town, Brouwerij B brews artisanal beers with a distinctly local character, founded by two brothers descended from Blankenberge fishermen, with a beer that is even recognised as a West Flemish regional product.
- Something sweet to take away: classic to a day at the coast are the sweet treats you can pick up right on the promenade, from a fresh giant waffle with cream to an artisanal ice cream, perfect for a stroll along the beach.
Restaurants
For many people, not having to cook is one of the greatest luxuries of a holiday, and the Belgian coast offers plenty of opportunity for it.
- For every occasion: settle in at a pancake house, a brasserie, a restaurant or a cosy bistro. From a quick portion of chips or a waffle to a carefully prepared multi-course dinner, in Blankenberge there's something in every price range.
- Specialities of the coast: be sure to try the regional classics such as mussels, the fine Flemish grey shrimp (delicious in a shrimp croquette), fresh North Sea fish and the many local beers.
- Current opening times: for an overview with details and opening hours for each restaurant in Blankenberge, see Resto.
As one of the busiest and most family-friendly seaside towns on the coast, Blankenberge has a decidedly easy-going and convivial dining scene. With hundreds of eateries, from simple bistros to roomy brasseries with a sea view, there's a spot here for every group and every budget.
- Fish in the leading role: as a coastal town the menu revolves around fresh North Sea fish and seafood, from mussels and chips to a lavish seafood platter, served in the many fish restaurants and brasseries along the promenade and around the harbour.
- The world on your plate: alongside the classic French-Belgian kitchen, Blankenberge has plenty of international addresses, from Italian and Thai to Moroccan and Mexican, so there really is something for every taste.
- Something sweet on the promenade: a day in Blankenberge isn't complete without a classic from the seafront, from a giant waffle with cream to an ice cream or a fresh portion of Belgian chips, perfect to enjoy as you stroll along the beach.
- Relaxed and unpretentious: the atmosphere is easy-going and lively, with terraces that fill up in summer and where, after a day on the beach, you can simply settle in for a bite, a drink or a full dinner.
Terraces
Thirsty after a warm day, tired from an outing, or simply fancy a drink? In the centre of Blankenberge you can stop by all day long.
- For every thirst: all day long they pour soft drinks, beer, cocktails and more, exactly as you fancy.
- The right spot: settle down at one of the many convivial terraces or cafés in the centre, out in the sun, in the shade or sheltered from the wind.
- Convivial into the night: at the bar or around the table, with friends or to meet new people, enjoy the atmosphere and let yourself be spoilt into the small hours.
Nightlife
Blankenberge is a true nightlife town, with a buzzing scene centred on the casino and within walking distance of the sea.
- Around the Casinostraat: just behind the casino lie several late-night cafés, and in the surrounding Casinostraat you'll find dozens of pubs, from traditional English pubs and tourist brasseries to rock cafés.
- Everything within walking distance: the sea and all these cafés lie less than five minutes' walk apart, so here, especially in summer, you drift effortlessly from one spot to the next.
- Try your luck: for an evening with a little more glamour, head to the Casino of Blankenberge, with gaming tables, slots and a restaurant with a sea view.
- The promenade in summer: in high season the conviviality carries on late on the many terraces and beach bars along the Zeedijk.
