The best breakfast I had in Brussels was at Le pain quotidien. I believe it is a chain of restaurants, having heard of one by the same name in New Yok city. Two people can stuff their faces for 15 EUR. The breads are incredible, a very wide selection. The capuccino is not the best I have had, but it is still worth getting. They have a nice selection of organic fruit juices, whic are tasty enough, though not the best I tasted either. On a side note, the bathroom was impeccable.

Apparently modeled after a UK chain, probably Pret-a-Manger, Exki is the most convenient restaurant I found in Brussels. It offers very high quality foods, for a very good price. Note that the prices to eat in and out are different. Their coffee is nice as well. Eating in, a smoked salmon baguette costs 3.95 EUR and an iced tea 1.75. I had another lunch which included a large salad, juice, coffee and piece of cheese cake (speculos cheese cake: delicious), and it came to 11 or 12 EUR.

The setting is beautiful, walls are covered with purple velvet matching the velvet and orange sofas. The cocktails card is good. Having a drink here is OK, but our diner experience was awful. Waiters are not smilling at all, service is very very slow. I'd say the restaurant is not really worth.

A good address if you don't want to spend to much but want a decent meal. This tea-room serves good meals for lunch time. I tasted the tagliatelles with gorgonzola and artichokes (delicious) and a tarte tatin (sort of apple pie). Very good and quick. Nice spot too.

On y mange tres bien, dans un decor sympa, dans une ancienne quincaillerie comme son nom l'indique. Le menu est varie, des plats originaux (et saisonniers : gibier). Bonne carte des vins. NB : pas de fruits de mer le dimanche.

Belgium seems to be a country of happy, "above average" ratings. It's pretty safe, fairly cultured, quite central, and kind of pretty. But if there is one aspect of this place that soars into the azure skies of excellence, it's the beer. Belgian beer rivals French wine in the sophistication of the pallet and the diversity of styles. You've got Gueuze, Lambics, Fruit Lambics, White Beers, Brown Beers, Trappists, Abbeys, Lagers, and so on. And it all seems to be good. And it all seems to be pretty cheap, at least when comparing it to beers bought with American currency. It makes a night of beer swilling and dancing seem almost...cultured.

For excellent chocolates, I would have to recommend Neuhaus. They have several shops around Brussels. You can buy prepackaged gift boxes or make your own assortment. Make sure to ask for the pamphlet which has a color photo of each chocolate and a description in several languages.

When in Brussels, you're missing Italy step into Riscimento, an Italian restaurant in the Louise area. The staff is completely Italian serving authentic Italian dishes. In fact, once you step inside you'll forget you're in northen Europe. The food is really great and the house wine is excellent.

Off of metro stop Annesseens, in the older part of Brussels is nestled one of the best authentic Belgian restaurants. L'etoile d'or has a limited menu. They only serve what they have fresh and is in season, so the menu changes all the time. In fact the entrees are listed on a chalkboard in the center of the restaurant. Don't worry about your French pronunciation (they give you slates and chalk to write down your order). The food and atmosphere are excellent, and if you know some French the waiter will tell you about the Belgianness of the entrees.