Taste of Belgium at the Banks

You can tell a lot about a brunch spot from the smell that hits you at the door — bacon fat, fresh coffee, butter on the griddle. This one passes the test.

Set in Cincinnati, OH, Taste of Belgium at the Banks has carved out a corner of the city's weekend brunch scene with a personality of its own. The room comfortably seats a mix of solo diners working through a coffee and a newspaper, couples splitting a stack of pancakes, and friend groups settling in for a slow, three-hour Saturday.

If you only order one thing, make it the shakshuka — a bubbling cast-iron pan of tomatoes, peppers, and softly poached eggs, served with warm pita for sopping.

Menu highlights

Here is a snapshot of the kinds of brunch dishes you can expect to find on the menu at Taste of Belgium at the Banks. Specials rotate weekly with what's in season — check the chalkboard at the host stand when you arrive.

• Chicken and waffles with hot honey and pickled jalapeño
• Steel-cut oats with brown sugar, toasted nuts, and stewed fruit
• Huevos rancheros with corn tortillas, refried beans, and salsa verde
• Croque madame with béchamel, gruyère, and a fried egg
• Bottomless mimosa flight (90-minute limit, weekends only)
• Fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice and seasonal cold-pressed juices
• Eggs Benedict with house-made hollandaise on a toasted English muffin
• Smoked salmon plate with cream cheese, capers, red onion, and a toasted bagel

There's a small patio out back that fills up the moment the weather turns, and a wait list that moves faster than it looks.

The hash deserves attention: crisp-edged potatoes, caramelized onions, peppers, and a runny egg on top, with hot sauce on every table.

Bring cash if you can — splitting the check is faster, and a few items on the daily-special board are cash-only.

Like a lot of the best brunch spots in Cincinnati, Taste of Belgium at the Banks is at its most magical on weekend mornings, when the kitchen is firing on all burners and the room slowly fills with the kind of low, happy hum that only good food and unhurried company can produce. Whether you're a tourist with one weekend in town or a local with a Sunday ritual, this is a place that earns its reputation plate by plate.

Tips from the regulars

• Coffee is taken seriously here. If you only know diner drip, ask the barista for a recommendation.
• If you're walking from public transit, the closest stop is a short stroll away — a small price to pay for the breakfast burrito.
• Vegetarian and gluten-free diners have real options, not just sad fruit cups.
• Tip generously — the brunch shift is the toughest in any restaurant, and the staff here keeps it warm even at peak rush.
• Save room: the pastry case at the front is part of the experience.

Hours

Frequently asked questions

What time does Taste of Belgium at the Banks open for brunch?

Posted hours are: Mo 07:00-15:00; Tu-Th 07:00-22:00; Fr 07:00-23:00; Sa 08:00-23:00; Su 08:00-15:00. Hours can change on holidays — call ahead if you're traveling.

Does Taste of Belgium at the Banks take reservations?

Most brunch spots in Cincinnati are walk-in friendly, with a wait list during peak hours. Larger parties (5+) should call ahead to ask about a reservation.

Is Taste of Belgium at the Banks kid-friendly?

Yes — Taste of Belgium at the Banks welcomes families. Most brunch menus include simple kid-friendly options like pancakes, scrambled eggs, and fresh fruit. Highchairs are usually available.

What kind of cuisine does Taste of Belgium at the Banks serve?

It's classified under belgian, breakfast, brunch, lunch — broadly an American-style brunch experience with regional touches you'd expect in Cincinnati.

Is there outdoor seating at Taste of Belgium at the Banks?

Outdoor seating is not always confirmed. We recommend calling ahead during nice weather.

Location

Located at 16 West Freedom Way. Coordinates: 39.0971, -84.5122. Use the address above with your preferred maps application for turn-by-turn directions.