Eat in Sint-Anna, Bruges

Bistro Refter ★ 4.4

Bistro Refter in Bruges is Geert Van Hecke's contemporary bistro on Molenmeers, the relaxed counterpart to his fine-dining room. Good food at fair prices.

Signature: Daily bistro menu, Regional plates

Order: The daily three-course menu; it is the value way into Van Hecke's cooking.

Tip: Book ahead, the dining room fills fast at lunch. It sits near the Sint-Anna quarter.

Onslow ★ 4.3

Onslow in Bruges sits in the quiet Sint-Anna district on Jeruzalemstraat, where chef Lieven Vynck cooks a tight, modern seasonal menu in a small room.

Signature: Seasonal market menu, Modern Belgian plates

Order: The market menu of the day; the card is short and changes with what is good.

Tip: A residential setting tourists rarely reach. Book ahead, it seats few.

l'Estaminet ★ 4.1

l'Estaminet by the Astridpark in Bruges is a local brown cafe with an old wooden interior, carefully pulled beers and a famous plate of spaghetti.

Signature drink: Well-pulled beers, bar snacks

Food: Spaghetti and bar plates

Tip: The park terrace is the spot in summer. Cash works fastest; the spaghetti is the order.

Café Vlissinghe ★ 4.4

Why locals love it: The oldest pub in Bruges, pouring since 1515, sits down a quiet Sint-Anna side street most visitors never reach despite its age.

Tip: Order a Belgian beer in the garden in summer or by the stove in winter. Cash is quickest. Closed Mondays.

Onslow ★ 4.3

Why locals love it: A small modern kitchen in the residential Sint-Anna quarter on Jeruzalemstraat, well off the tourist circuit that clogs the centre.

Tip: Book ahead, the room seats few. Chef Lieven Vynck cooks a short, changing market menu.

Sanseveria Bagelsalon ★ 4.1

Sanseveria on Predikherenstraat in Bruges is a relaxed bagel salon for a light brunch, with filled bagels, salads and gluten-free options in a leafy room.

Order: A filled bagel with a coffee; gluten-free bagels are available.

Tip: A lighter, quicker brunch than the full-plate rooms. Good for gluten-free eaters.