Rate Your Personal Experience at Belga Café:
You might best know him as a contestant on Season 10 of Top Chef Seattle, but nine years ago Chef Bart Vandaele transformed an old garage near a video store that was more XXX unmentionables than family-friendly into Belga Café, the District’s original Belgian restaurant. Walking down Barracks Row, one finds themselves bombarded with restaurant options, except for this slightly hidden gem found behind patio umbrellas and sandwiched between businesses each vying for the next passer-by. Belga Café, transports its guests the moment they walk through the door. From the classy tables and chairs, to the single exposed brick wall, the sparkling bar, semi-open kitchen, and the decorations, Vandaele’s creativity is full of character and his vision is as unique, as it is inviting.
Vandaele’s passion for Belga is in every aspect of the restaurant. Vandaele works alongside his team to curate the drink menu, and is the mastermind behind much of the interior design and structure. Maintaining that he has stayed true to himself and avoiding fads, his strong focus on the inter-connectivity between every person and function required of owning a restaurant has led to his successes and his recently opened B Too.
Vandaele infuses the love of his heritage directly into the food he creates. Embracing the typical flavors found on the streets of Brussels, including mussels, waffles, and frites, the chef also provides diners with the opportunity to explore and delve further into the more exotic flavors of his homeland.
Breaking away from the cliché Taco Tuesday, Vandaele chose to do something that fit his culinary heritage and introduced Mussel Tuesday. Guests can select any mussel pot for only $15.95 during this once-a-week treat. Choices include Mussels “Diabolique”, “Green”, “Marniere”, “Truffles en Prei”, and the “Hoegaarden” (pictured) among others. When visiting Belga one mustn’t forgo one of the many available waffle creations. The “Wafel Met Krab” (pictured); a crab stuffed waffle with mussels, green pea pure, lemon foam, and saffron sauce is a savory interpretation of a sweet breakfast. There is of course “The Belgium Tradition” found on the dessert menu: a vanilla waffle, warm bittersweet chocolate sauce, and vanilla ice cream for those sweet-waffle purists. The extensive beer list featuring Belga’s special beer cocktails as well as several popular Belgian brews ties the entire dining experience together.
Tomorrow, October 24 at 6:30pm, Belga Café is hosting a 9th Anniversary Wine Dinner in celebration. Guests will enjoy six courses and exceptional wine pairings for each. To make a reservation call 202-544-0100.
Belga Café
514, 8th Street, SE
Washington, DC 20003
- 8lbs - Mussels (PEI)
- 60gr - Parsley
- 120gr - Butter
- 40gr - Garlic
- 280gr - Onion
- 280gr - Celery
- 280gr - Bacon Bits
- 2 Bottles - Hoegaarden Beer
- Salt & Pepper to Taste
- Place the butter, garlic, bacon bits, onions, celery and beer in a pot with a tight lid. Bring to a boil.
- Add mussels, season with salt and pepper, shake well to incorporate all ingredients. (Approximately 8-12 minutes.)
- Finish with parsley.
- Shake up the dish before serving.

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The photos are breathtaking. I want to eat my computer screen. Will definitely check it out when I’m in town! I love to hear a start-up success story.
Your photos are stunning, Rebekah! Everything looks amazing, but I would definitely love to try The Belgium Tradition. With my sweet tooth, that’s right up my alley! I’ll have to bookmark this for the next time I’m in DC!
How cool is it that you got to meet someone so cool that has been on TV! I love the recipe you shared–my husband would really love it because it contains one of his favorite beers!
Ok, that is it! I’m definitely going to have to come visit you like ASAP! The first stop will be have to be Belga Cafe! Everything looks so amazing and I could only imagine how great it is! Thanks for sharing the recipe, I’m looking forward to trying it soon!
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