There is something magical about Sunday Brunch in Cincinnati. The leisurely time, the group of friends and family, and the promise of delicious food create the ideal way to begin a day of rest. In our bustling city, we’ve taken and transformed the Belgian-inspired brunch tradition into something uniquely Cincinnati. At Taste of Belgium, we have been leaders in this culinary evolution, bringing a new spin on classic Belgian flavors that are now a staple in our city’s Sunday brunch.
When we consider brunch in Cincinnati, we consider community. Our tables turn into gathering spots where stories are exchanged, friendships are deepened, and new traditions are formed. Belgian brunch adds something to this experience–a perfect combination of sweet and savory that fulfills every desire and creates lasting memories for everyone involved.
In this guide, we will delve into what exactly Belgian-style brunch is, the best places to get it in Cincinnati, must-try dishes, ideal pairings, and insider tricks for maximizing your Sunday brunch experience. Join us as we discover why this tradition has won over our hearts and taste buds!
The Belgian Brunch Experience: What Sets It Apart?
Belgian brunch tradition has ancient roots in the European way, but has become all its own over time. While the idea of brunch itself did come from England in the latter part of the 19th century, Belgians put their special touch that sets their variety apart from your average American eatery.
The past of Belgian food is an interesting mixture of influence from neighboring countries such as France, Germany, and the Netherlands, yet it has its own distinctive flair. Traditional Belgian brunch features fresh, high-quality ingredients carefully prepared with attention to detail. There is respect for traditions, but also room for innovation.
What distinguishes the Belgian brunch is the focus on the Liège waffle, not to be confused with Belgian waffles elsewhere. These are made with a brioche-like dough and pearl sugar, which caramelizes during cooking to create sweet pockets and a crunchy outer shell. The result is a waffle that is both substantial and decadent, able to stand alone or serve as a foundation for both sweet and savory toppings.
Aside from waffles, there are also other Belgian brunch specialties like crêpes(both sweet and savory), frites(twice-fried, Belgian-style fries), and a range of eggs and proteins that exhibit a cross-cultural European influence. It creates a dining experience that feels both familiar and different from the standard American brunch experience.
Where to Find the Best Belgian Brunch in Cincinnati?
For a Belgian brunch in the Queen City, Taste of Belgium is Cincinnati’s top choice. Our community-based model has been appealing to locals who enjoy our creative spin on Belgian favorites. We’ve made old favorites new crowd-pleasers without sacrificing what makes them so unique.
We’re honored to serve our Cincinnati community from several locations throughout the city. Wherever you are downtown at The Banks with its riverfront vibe, in the historic Over The Rhine (OTR) district, or at our Rookwood location, you’ll discover the same commitment to quality and community at every TOB restaurant.
The ambiance at our locations offers the ideal blend of relaxed comfort and European-style inspiration. The inviting glow of lighting, shared-sized tables, and the warm scent of fresh Liège waffles all provide for an experience that invites you to relax and enjoy. On weekends during our brunch service time, expect a healthy buzz of excitement and joy as friends and families gather to share great food and conversation.
Must-Try Dishes at Taste of Belgium
The highlight of our brunch in Cincinnati adventure is surely our signature Liège waffle. While the light, deep-pocketed Belgian waffles enjoyed elsewhere are good, our Liège-style waffles are heavier with a brioche-like texture and topped with caramelized pearl sugar for sweet explosion bursts. All waffles are freshly made in-house, which speaks volumes about our dedication to scratch kitchen and no frozen identity.
For those looking to try these waffles in all their splendor, our Waffle Flight presents four of these mini versions—S’mores, lemon curd and lavender sugar, strawberries and cream, and banana and Nutella. It’s the ideal way to get a taste of the diversity of Liège waffles, a favorite among first-timers.
Our menu reimagines traditional brunch fare with Belgian flair. Our MCWaffle takes the breakfast sandwich to the next level with egg, bacon, and Gruyère cheese on our Liège waffle, topped with Ohio maple syrup. To experience something utterly distinctive, have the BELTUCKY Hot Brown with roasted turkey, candied bacon, tomato, and cheddar sauce on a waffle—a Belgian twist on a Kentucky favorite.
Our Waffle & Chicken is a customer favorite and comes in Classic, Nashville, and Korean variations. The Classic is served with our Liège waffle, crispy chicken, Ohio maple syrup, hot sauce, and blue cheese salad. Seasonal features that change throughout the year highlight seasonal ingredients at their best.
For those looking for savory alternatives to waffles, we suggest Carbonnades Poutine—a Belgian comfort dish with our TOB Tripel beer-braised beef, frites, pickled red onion, Urban Stead cheese curds, and sunny-side egg. Another one-of-a-kind offering is our Birria Waffle A Cheval, a fusion of Belgian beer-braised beef with Mexican spice, red onion, avocado, cilantro, and fried egg.
Pairing Your Belgian Brunch: Best Drinks to Complement Your Meal
No Belgian brunch would be complete without the ultimate drink pairing. For a traditional brunch cocktail with a Belgian flair, our Belgian Mule mixes Genever (an old-fashioned Belgian spirit akin to gin), lime juice, and ginger beer. The Basil Smash, made with house-made lemon basil vodka, Aperol, and peach, provides a cooling complement to some of our more intense offerings.
Our coffee enthusiasts will enjoy our list of espresso beverages, including our Espresso Martini, which can be savored morning, noon, or evening—just like our menu items! For a spicy hot drink with a kick, the Acer Chai pairs a classic chai latte with maple bourbon.
Non-alcoholic choices are our Free Spirit menu with innovative mocktails such as Wildest Dreams (lavender and lemonade) and Beach Vibes (mango, pineapple, orange juice, and Sprite) for those wishing for the brunch atmosphere without the booze.
Check our complete menu here.
Why Sunday Brunch is a Tradition Worth Savoring
Sunday brunch has grown from a basic meal to a significant cultural practice. It is a break in our hectic lives—a moment to unwind, bond, and feed body and soul. In a culture of rushing and doing several things at once, brunch helps us be present and appreciate the here and now.
At Taste of Belgium, we’ve witnessed the way food unites people. Our tables are filled with first dates, family gatherings, friend reunions, and all sorts of in-between occasions. The social aspect of brunch provides an opportunity for rich conversation and shared moments that foster stronger relationships.
Planning the Perfect Belgian Brunch in Cincinnati
One of the best things about Taste of Belgium is that we serve our breakfast dishes throughout the day, so there’s no rush! If you like a more laid-back environment, try coming in during off-peak hours.
To beat the brunch rush, reserve when you can, particularly for groups of four or more. For those who like to enjoy a Belgian brunch in the comfort of their homes, we have catering and takeout services. Our takeout orders are thoughtfully packaged so that your Liège waffles and other favorites arrive in top condition. For big groups, our catering staff can assist you in preparing a memorable spread that brings the TOB experience home.
Experience the Best of Belgian Brunch in Cincinnati
Taste of Belgium brings top-quality Belgian-inspired brunch to Cincinnati. It’s a brand based on tradition but evolving. We offer great food from the Liège waffle to modern twists on the classics. Order now online and join our community of foodies who have made Brunch at Taste of Belgium a part of their weekly tradition.
We can’t wait to welcome you!
