A Taste of Belgium: Restaurant Review
Are you craving a taste of Europe without leaving town? Look no further than Taste of Belgium, a local southwest Ohio gem that transports your taste buds straight to the heart of Brussels. This charming bistro offers a delightful array of Belgian classics, each dish bursting with flavor and prepared with fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Savory Delights
Our recent visit to Taste of Belgium in Dayton was a culinary adventure we won’t soon forget. We dove headfirst into their legendary Chicken & Waffles, a symphony of flavors that danced on our taste buds.
The crispy, golden, Liege waffles were the perfect complement to the lightly breaded and fried chicken breast, topped with a drizzle of Ohio Maple syrup and hot sauce for a sweet and spicy kick. It’s a timeless dish executed to perfection and a must-try for any first-time visitor.
But Taste of Belgium offers so much more than just waffles. Their menu which changes throughout the day boasts a variety of savory and sweet options that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.
Crepes and Handhelds
For crepe enthusiasts, Taste of Belgium offers a selection that is both classic and creative, sweet and savory. We’ve had the pleasure of trying the Ham & Gruyère and Mushroom varieties, and both were exceptional. These buckwheat crepes are tender, slightly chewy, with crisp edges. The nutty, earthy flavor is rich and complex, making every bite a pure indulgence. The ample fillings are rich and flavorful.
Their handhelds (sandwiches) are popular at lunch. The Grilled Ham and Cheese Sandwich made with Parmesan butter, ham, Gruyère cheese, arugula, lemon vinaigrette, shredded carrots, and Sirop de Liège on artisan sourdough served with Frites, Belgian Fries is a great choice.
Mussels
Belgium is renowned for its delectable cuisine, and one dish that stands out is its mussels. These bivalves are a national treasure, often served in a variety of flavorful sauces. At Taste of Belgium, you can enjoy them in four ways:
Provençale, Marinière, Chorizo, Pesto Cream.
Sweet Endings – Liège Waffles
A visit to Taste of Belgium wouldn’t be complete without indulging in one of their iconic Liège waffles. We’ve tried many of their delicious offerings, from the classic plain waffle to decadent chocolate creations.
For a truly indulgent dessert, don’t miss the Over the Top Waffle, topped with a medley of blueberries, strawberries, whipped cream, and tangy lemon curd. If you’re visiting in the fall, be sure to try the Cinnamon Apple-topped Waffle—it’s our personal favorite!
Each waffle is a work of culinary art, with a perfectly crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior. The sweetness is just right, making it the ideal way to end a satisfying meal.
Taste of Belgium Happy Hour: 1/2 Price Apps
If the Sharables on the menu look appealing to you, be sure to stop by during Happy Hour, Wednesday through Sunday from 3 pm – 6 pm. Sit in the bar to enjoy $6 draft beers, $6 house wines, $4 well drinks, and half-price appetizers.
Don’t miss out on the must-try Bier Cheese and Pretzels. This indulgent dish features a generous bowl of creamy, raspberry lambic beer cheese served with buttery pretzel knots. Be sure to opt for the extra pretzels—you won’t regret it!
For a hearty and flavorful meal, try the Carbonnades Poutine. This dish is packed with beef braised in TOB Tripel beer, shaved radishes, pickled onions, Cheddar curds, and crispy fries. It’s a truly delicious combination.
The Belgium Meatballs are a versatile appetizer that can be topped with either Belgian sauce or Marinara sauce. We tried and loved them both! The Belgian sauce is sweet and tangy, while the Marinara is fresh and full of chunky tomatoes, garlic, and basil.
For a vegetarian twist, their Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta (not pictured) are a revelation. The pancetta adds a salty, savory element that perfectly complements the slightly sweet Brussels sprouts, all tied together with a delicious mustard and capers-infused sherry vinaigrette.
Taste of Belgium Locations
Taste of Belgium has a strong presence in southwest Ohio, with a total of nine locations. Six of these restaurants are in the Cincinnati area, while two are located in the Dayton area. The newest addition to the Taste of Belgium family is in Crestview Hills, Kentucky.
We’ve been fortunate to have dined at all but two of these locations and are so happy they have opened one within 10 minutes of our house. We can now get our Belgium food fix anytime we like!
A Must-Visit for Foodies
Taste of Belgium is a haven for anyone who appreciates delicious food, warm hospitality, and a charming atmosphere. Whether you’re a local resident or just visiting the greater Cincinnati area this restaurant is a must-visit.
