At Taste of Belgium, dinner is a celebration of flavor, tradition, and craft. Our menu brings together hearty Belgian classics with carefully selected Belgian beers that elevate every bite. This is where culinary heritage meets Cincinnati dining, creating an experience that lingers long after the last sip.
Belgian beers date back many centuries and are world-famous for their elaborate taste, character, and craft. So, to start with, those that are not only tasty but also chef-driven, scratch-prepared dishes from our kitchen-brewing magic.
Whether you’re a seasoned beer lover or curious sipper, this is your guide to pairing our Belgian brews with the dishes they were made to complement.
What Makes Belgian Beer So Legendary?
There’s a reason Belgian beer is considered a world-class contender not only for its taste (although that’s certainly a big chunk of it). It is also due to the fine craftsmanship exhibited in each bottle.
The art of natural fermentation developed by Belgian brewers nowadays uses wild & unusual yeast strains that generate fruity, spicy, or sometimes downright funky profiles. The beers are generally unfiltered, bottle-conditioned, and deeply respect an ancient brewing culture.
Plus, variety is unparalleled. From golden blondes and assertive tripels to sour wines and velvety strong ales, every palate has one Belgian beer to match and complement its plate.
Best Dishes for a Belgian Beer-Paired Dinner in Cincinnati
The menu at TOB isn’t limited to brunch. Its hearty offerings pair perfectly with a brew. And if there’s a Belgian beer dinner in Cincinnati, these are the pairings we’re always eager to recommend.
Steak & Egg + St. Bernardus Abt 12
A dish with bold flavors like our Steak & Egg (yes, it’s on the dinner menu!) requires a beer that matches it in depth. The St. Bernardus Abt 12, a dark quadrupel, is laden with notes of caramel and raisin that bring out the intensity of the steak while pudging the fertile yolk to a velvety finish.
Belgian Burger + TOB IPA
Inevitably fitting for TOB, the IPA complements the Belgian Burger, which is made with sharp cheddar and arugula on a house-ground beef patty. The citrusy hop burst disrupts the richness in a wonderful, fresh, bitter contrast that makes every mouthful sing.
Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta + Duvel 6.66
Duvel 6.66 is a golden ale that bears along with it a mild bitterness and fruity aroma. What goes with the smoky-sweet umami of Brussels Sprouts and Pancetta is heightening it with a clean, crisp finish.
Beer Cheese & Pretzels + Cherry Chouffe
This sweet and savory pairing is just plain fun. The malty saltiness of our house pretzels gets a juicy counterpoint from Cherry Chouffe’s red fruit notes. It’s like bar food gone gourmet.
Ham & Brie Ciabatta + Kwaremont Golden Ale
The fine, buttery, salted brie and ham on ciabatta meet their match in the moderate bitterness of Kwaremont. It’s a light, filling dinner-luncheon dish, especially when you put a chilled golden ale on it.
For the True Beer Lovers: Build Your Own Belgian Flight
Why settle for one? TOB offers carefully curated Belgian beer flights, giving you a parameter to roam and explore the full range of styles and flavors. It would suit anyone wishing to really get past the basics and further into what makes Belgian brewing tick.
- Belgian 101 Flight
Baptist Wit, Duvel 6.66, Kwaremont, TOB IPA
This beginner flight takes you through some typical Belgian-style blondes, wits, and IPAs, all good as first mixers for your palate. - Belgian 201 Flight
Rodenbach, TOB Tripel, St. Bernardus Abt 12, Val Dieu 800
Deeply entrenched dark ales, sours, and complex tripels. For the true beer lover willing to spend a lifetime sipping on tradition through the ages.
From Hops to Highballs: For the Non-Beer Drinker at the Table
Not everybody sitting at your table needs to be a beer geek to enjoy an evening at Taste of Belgium. We designed the drink menu to cover all bases so that your friend who is into wine, your partner considering a sober 30, or you, just not feeling hops today, are able to find a fitting libation.
Here are a few of our favorite choices that might give any Belgian beer a run for its money:
- Queen City-Rita: Our post-modern margarita. The guava enters into a playful dalliance with the tequila and lime, teasing the palate with brightness and an air of tropical unexpectedness.
- Espresso Martini: Your dessert in a glass. Rich and luscious in texture, this much-loved concoction is a sumptuous coffee after dinner and a dessert all in one. Velvety smooth vodka, espresso, along a splash of liqueur always make for a fun drink.
- NA Chouffe: The sober-curious and designated drivers will offer the taste of tradition with none of the buzz from the non-alcoholic Belgian. Full in flavor and aroma, it stands as the ultimate excuse for skipping alcohol and yet indulging in flavor.
- Rainy Days Mocktail: A fantastic blueberry-lemon mixture with a splash of fizz for anyone needing a mood-lifter without the booze. Fruity, tart, and uplifting.
We love Belgian beer, but also like to make sure everyone has a seat at the table. Shall you venture into craft beer or stick to spirits and fully canvass the alcohol-free grid? There is a perfectly poured option for you.
Dinner in Cincinnati should never feel limiting. It should feel like you.
Where to Experience the Best Belgian Beer Dinner in Cincinnati
We created a place at Taste of Belgium where food, drink, and people interact. Whether you want it to be a simple hangout on a weeknight, date night, or dinner night with friends who take their beer seriously or do not take it seriously at all, you have the option.
Our bistros across Cincinnati are welcoming and European-style, with a cozy atmosphere and chef-driven dishes and pours that call for more visits. There’s always something interesting to explore as we cycle through seasonal specials and limited-edition beers.
Come dine in Cincinnati and experience the Belgian-style beer life!
FAQs
What food goes well with Belgian beer?
Everything from savory meat and rich cheeses to spicy dishes and chocolate desserts! The intensity generated by the food needs to match or complement the flavors. This is our specialty at TOB.
Where can I find Belgian craft beer in Cincinnati?
Right here at Taste of Belgium! We have gathered a wide array of Belgian beers, from familiar classics to the rarely available.
Can I get a beer flight at Taste of Belgium?
Of course. Pick between Belgian 101 and Belgian 201, or allow us to custom-build one just for you.
Is Belgian beer stronger than regular beer?
Often, yes. Most Belgian styles, especially tripels and quadrupels, have strong ABVs, and they are filled with a complex flavor far beyond the reach of your average lager or pilsner.
