Imagine, you are stepping into a warm energetic modern neighborhood brasserie, catching the smell of freshly brewed coffee mixed with the tempting scent of golden, crispy waffles. You are surrounded by an atmosphere that evokes the essence of contemporary Belgian dining. More than a restaurant, it’s a community hub where you can experience the melting pot of Belgium in Cincinnati.
We’re not your typical Belgian eatery. At Taste of Belgium, we take the rich culinary heritage of Belgium and give it a fresh, innovative twist. Just like Belgium is a cultural melting pot, our cuisine reflects the local tastes and ingredients of Cincinnati.
We Americanize Belgian classics—like turning carbonnades à la flamande into carbonnades poutine—and Belgianize American favorites, such as transforming the iconic chicken and waffles into our signature authentic Liège-style waffles & chicken, This fusion of flavors has made us a pioneer in reimagining the Belgian dining experience.
Understanding the Modern Belgian Neighborhood Brasserie
So, what is a brasserie? It is an informal yet classy restaurant that originated in France and spread to most parts of Europe. We, at TOB, think the Belgians did it the best of course. What’s interesting is that ‘brasserie’ literally means ‘brewery’ in French. Essentially, we like to brew good beer and serve big portions of food. While cafés focus on lighter fare, Belgian brasseries stand out for their robust food offerings and their seamless pairing of cuisine with world-class beers.
At first, brasseries were humble local establishments that offered good food to locals in a friendly atmosphere. The modern Belgian neighborhood brasseries take that a step further. They use high-quality ingredients in their seasonally prepared menus. They have an ambiance that is community-oriented. They have a warmth that makes them one of the best places to eat among locals and visitors.
Belgian brasseries have always celebrated good food and great beer. True to this tradition, each of our locations features 24 to 54 beers on draft, focusing on Belgian brews, including exclusive imports brewed just for us in Belgium. Whether you’re here for brunch, dinner, or drinks, our brasserie embodies the best of both worlds: traditional inspiration and modern innovation.
Taste of Belgium: How Do We Bring Belgium to Cincinnati?
At Taste of Belgium, our mission isn’t only about authenticity—it’s reinvention. We like to think of ourselves as Belgium 2.0, where we take everything Belgium has to offer and make it approachable for Cincinnatians. Our menu blends the essence of Belgian cuisine with the flavors of America, creating dishes that feel familiar yet exciting. Nestled in the heart of Cincinnati, we’ve designed a space where charm meets contemporary style, creating an inviting atmosphere for everyone who walks through our doors.
Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite to go or settling in to relax, you’ll find that our warm decor, friendly staff, and feel-good music make every visit a comforting experience. We’re here to make sure you enjoy not just your food, but your entire time with us.
A Peek into Belgian Cuisine and its Diverse Tastes
Belgian cuisine is a unique tapestry woven from centuries of historical influences, a reflection of Belgium’s position at the crossroads of Europe. Due to its location, Belgium has been repeatedly invaded and occupied by neighboring countries, including France, Spain, the Netherlands, and Germany. These interactions left indelible marks on its culinary landscape, making Belgian food a rich blend of flavors, techniques, and traditions.
However, Belgium’s culinary identity differs from France’s because Antwerp (a major city in Belgium) was for a long time the world’s largest port, the place where many trade routes, including the Silk Road, met. This meant that Belgium was exposed to many spices such as nutmeg, ginger, cinnamon, and cardamom, which are used more liberally in Belgian dishes than in our neighbor, France.
Traditional Belgian national dishes and their origins
- Waffles: In Belgium, you won’t find “Belgian waffles”—we simply don’t call them that! Instead, we identify our waffles by the city where they originate. The two most famous varieties are the Brussels waffle and the Liège waffle. At Taste of Belgium, we proudly serve the Liège waffle, which has a rich history and a unique flavor that sets it apart from the fluffier Brussels waffle.
The Liège waffle traces its origins back to the 18th century at the court of the Prince-Bishop of Liège. Legend has it that the prince-bishop, with a craving for something sweet, asked his chef to create a special pastry. The result was the now-famous Liège waffle, made with a dense dough and studded with chunks of beet sugar. As these sugar crystals melt during cooking, they caramelize and form a delicious, chewy exterior with a golden, sweet crust. Unlike its lighter Brussels cousin, the Liège waffle is rich enough to be enjoyed on its own, with no toppings needed.
The secret to its unique flavor lies in the use of beet sugar, which became a key ingredient in Belgian cuisine due to the country’s abundant sugar beet production. This local ingredient, combined with the culinary influence of Liège’s nobility, helped create a waffle that’s as much a part of Belgian history as it is of our daily cuisine today. The Liège waffle remains a beloved street food and an essential part of any Belgian brasserie menu, continuing to delight with its perfect balance of rustic ingredients and refined sweetness.
Belgium has always been a culinary “sponge,” absorbing influences from neighboring countries and immigrant communities, and Taste of Belgium continues this tradition by blending Belgian classics with American flavors. By playing with local ingredients and familiar flavors, we’ve created something truly unique that reflects both our roots and the tastes of our American audience.
One perfect example of this is how we’ve reimagined the Liège waffle. In Belgium, the Liège waffle is traditionally eaten with sweet toppings like sugar, whipped cream, or fruit. But for nearly two decades (we’re about 17 years old), we’ve been experimenting with savory variations, offering creative twists like our famous waffle & chicken. This adaptation blends the dense, caramelized Liège waffle with local flavors and ingredients, turning a classic Belgian treat into a savory delight.
At Taste of Belgium, we highlight the following choices-
Our Waffle Benedict includes grilled ham, a sunny-side egg, and rich Hollandaise sauce come together on a crisp waffle, with a touch of fresh arugula to balance the richness.
Then there’s our famous Waffle & Chicken. We start with an all-natural chicken breast that we marinate overnight in buttermilk and hot sauce and pair it with our traditional waffle. A drizzle of Ohio maple syrup and a hint of hot sauce bring the sweet and spicy flavors together perfectly. It’s all served with a garnish salad of shredded carrot, cucumber, and crumbled blue cheese, tossed in a lemon vinaigrette.
For those who crave something a bit more savory, our Waffle & Lox is a perfect fusion of Belgian tradition and American brunch culture. It features our signature waffle, paired with smoked salmon and topped with capers, red onions, and fresh dill, adding brightness and a touch of acidity to the dish. A smear of tangy cream cheese ties everything together, offering a satisfying contrast to the waffle’s sweetness. This playful dish is a prime example of how we Belgianize American favorites.
- Mussels: Mussels are a cornerstone of traditional Belgian cuisine, typically steamed in white wine with garlic and herbs, always accompanied by crispy frites. At Taste of Belgium, we elevate this classic dish with unique variations. Our Provençale Mussels are a standout, blending savory onions, garlic, tomatoes, and white wine. This recipe transports you straight to the Mediterranean, with the bright, fresh flavors perfectly complementing the tender mussels.
For those seeking something more rooted in Belgian tradition, our Marinière Mussels are the ideal choice. We steam them with carrots, celery, onions, and white wine to create a delicate, aromatic broth that’s both light and satisfying. Each dish highlights how versatile mussels can be, serving as a flavorful canvas for culinary inspirations.
Our customers are at the heart of everything we do, and their kind words inspire us to keep serving up our best every day. Here’s a glimpse into what the place means to those who make our restaurant a part of their lives.
“I had brunch at Taste of Belgium. The atmosphere is bright, hip, and comfortable. Loved the menu. I ordered a breakfast plate with scrambled eggs, pork sausage links, breakfast potatoes, and a Belgium waffle as my “bread.” Yum! Everything was tasty and perfectly prepared. Elyse is a very personable server, welcoming and helpful. She made my experience very satisfying. I will be back again when I’m in OTR, Cincinnati!” -A customer review on TripAdvisor
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Location and Contact Details
Taste of Belgium has become a part of the Cincinnati community with several locations throughout the city. Each spot—whether in historic Over-The-Rhine (OTR), Rookwood, The Banks, or Findlay Market —brings a bit of Belgium to its neighborhood. While each location has its own hours and contact details, they all share the same commitment to serving delicious, authentic Belgian cuisine (often with a twist) in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
