LOWER TOWN. It's somehow fitting for such a chic restaurant to be located in the city's fashion district. Bonsoir Clara serves eclectic cuisine that ranges from traditional Belgian to Italian to Asian. As a result, it's a great spot to bring a group for dinner. Typical entrees include caramelized duck, broiled fresh fish, and roasted lamb. Be sure to take in the restaurant's back wall, which is fashioned from squares of colored glass. Smart-casual to stylish attire. Reservations necessary.

LOWER TOWN. Reserve a table two or three months in advance if you hope to dine at Brussels' most famous French restaurant on a Friday or Saturday night. If time's tight, consider a lunchtime reservation, when the restaurant is less busy. Chef-owner Pierre Wynants takes great pride in his restaurant's three-star Michelin rating. He maintains it with culinary surprises like saut�ed lobster with truffles or memorable roasted lamb. Only one item is always available ­ Wynants's house special, filet of sole with white wine mousse and shrimp. Meals may be ordered as set courses or � la carte. Reservations essential. Dressy attire.

LOWER TOWN. Located in beautiful Galeries Royales St-Hubert, this traditional French bistro has ambiance to spare. Cozy, marble-topped tables are nestled close, and the floor is freshly sanded each morning. The food is a bit more sophisticated. Grilled sweetbreads are served with zucchini gratin, and scallop and prawn stew is topped with a spicy sauce. Budget-conscious diners should consider the always-excellent plat du jour, which is significantly less expensive than ordering an entire meal à la carte. Though the wine list is extensive, the restaurant specializes in beaujolais varietals. Smart-casual to stylish attire. Reservations accepted.

LOWER TOWN. This spot has been a citywide favorite since it opened in the early 1900s. The dramatic Art Nouveau decor ­ including stained-glass scenes depicting Shakespeare's famous character, Falstaff ­ remains virtually unchanged. Drop in for a lunch of piping-hot French onion soup, a crispy croque monsieur, a slice of vegetarian quiche, or a fresh omelet. Falstaff also serves affordable light suppers, including hearty Nicoise salads, rabbit stewed in beer, or the national dish, moules et frites (mussels and fries.) Homemade chocolate mousse and fruit tartes are the perfect way to top off a meal. Casual to smart-casual attire. Reservations accepted.

LOWER TOWN. Authentic Belgian beer cuisine is the specialty at this classic cafe, which was originally a stagecoach inn built in the mid-1700s. The simple tiled floor and plain tables suit the country cuisine. Rabbit stewed in beer and a sausage hotpot are among the house specialties. More than 100 artisanal beers are available ­ the owner can help you choose a few to suit your palate and complement your meal. Casual to smart-casual attire. Reservations accepted.