Getting Seated in Brussels Restaurants

It is not different from what I've experienced in America. Depending on the restaurant they will either first ask if you have a reservation (and if you don't then they will tell you either you have to wait or they can't accommodate you) or they will seat you at a table. Brussels is a multilingual business town, the European Union headquarters is based there.

Note that there is a small, specific touristy area in Brussels that used to have a problem with dishonest restaurants that brought and charged for plates without the food being ordered. It was known for the charming touts on the sidewalk, inviting every passer-by in. It's the very attractive Rue des Bouchers.

Fact Check: I have not been there in 15 years, so I don't know if it is still that way today.

There is no standard, but one should assume they will seat you. I never just walk in and grab a table in a restaurant, without some type of interaction with the staff. Simply walk in, catch the eye of someone, either they will approach, or call someone else to deal with you, or motion to take any table.

Agree with Paul. In Belgium it’s common first to greet the restaurant keeper or one of the waiters. It's not only polite, but also practical as they know there are new guests. In case there are many guests it’s best asking if there is a table free. You get a sense the way they respond if you are free to sit where you want or not. Reserved tables have signs with “gereserveerd”, “reservée” or "reserved" in Brussels is possible too.

If nice means high end it’s well possible most are fully booked, so best is making a phone call in advance.

Anywhere I travel, I wait at the hostess desk for guidance. Unless it is a fast food joint, I never seat myself anywhere.

As others have pointed out, it is best to check with restaurant staff so they can begin your service and find an appropriate table. Also, would you seat yourself in a “nice” restaurant in North America?

My advice is to make reservations so you get to eat where you want. For some of my favorite spots, seating is limited and time in these locales is precious and so having reservations might be the difference between having an opportunity to eat somewhere and not. Fortunately, making reservations is very easy these days.

Thank you so much to all who responded and I'm thankful you all agree with one another. We have visited some countries where if you don't seat yourself, you'll wait all night for a staffer to come up and ask "Hello, what are you waiting for? Why haven't you sat down yet?" LOL. I don't want to be that rube.