Eating out in Beligum - It's an Entirely Different Experience

Traveling abroad is so exciting. So much is the similar to the US, but what's different can be confusing. Even in Europe, something as simple as eating out in a restaurant can be an awkward experience. After six years living in Brussels, I have a few dining tips to share. 

1. A Menu is not called a menu.  It's called Le Carte. Think "a la carte".
2. A menu (sometimes called Prix Fixe) is a fixed price meal deal. If you order the Menu, you get the whole meal including appetizer and dessert and sometimes drinks also. Here's an example from one of my favorite places Scheltema. These menus are sometimes listed on chalk boards outside. In this menu below, for one set price, you will get three courses: the gazpacho, the mussels with fries or grilled steak with bearnaise sauce and fries, and chocolate mousse for dessert. 
3. Dinner is late starting around 8pm.
4. Meals take a long time, around 3 hours if you have several courses. Expect to wait a lot; it's not bad service, it's just the way it works. Basically that table is yours for the night, so relax, with good company and lots of time to talk.
5. The english menu doesn't have the same items, so get both a regular menu and the english version to compare if you need.
6. Usually it's best to call for a reservation, even if you call on the way over to the restaurant.
7. For outdoor cafes, just sit down at an open table. At most places you do not have to ask. Remember sometimes it takes a long time to be served.
8. Entrees are appetizers, not main dishes like in the US.
9. The staff will not bring the check. You must flag down the waiter and ask for it. Ask for the "bill" not the "check" or in French..."l'addition s'il vous plaît"
10. No Tipping - It's included in the price of the meal. Do not tip, even if the receipt has a place for it.

View from Le ROY d'Espagne on the Grand Place in Brussels