Hotel De Loft

This 1760’s edifice, graced in period floors and wardrobes, is now the venue of a friendly bistro serving traditional fare to the joy of discerning gourmets. The appetising menu of starters to share displays a more modern twist with Asian influences. We recommend the crispy sweetbread 'fine champagne' – the house signature dish. Go there your eyes closed.

OMG! Not only is the view over the polders from the terrace jaw-dropping, the bright interior of this former 17C cloister is equally exquisite. You can expect an appealing lineup of bistro staples, with the odd exotic touch, from which diners are invited to compose their own two- or three-course menu. Fresh shrimp fritters, a coq au vin in a heroically wondrous sauce or lemon sole that is subtly underscored by an emulsion of green herbs: such are some of the authentic dishes, blessedly free of superfluous fancy frills you may taste here.

The charm of this old fisherman’s cottage with a red tiled floor, low raftered ceiling and a cheerful vibe never fails to weave its magic spell. It provides the perfect foil to sample pedigree Belgian fare in which fish and the seasons take the limelight. Iain Wittevrongel demonstrates that he knows how to source top-drawer ingredients and is a dab hand at mixing authenticity with innovative ideas. Pheasant à la brabançonne cooked whole or sole poached in hand-shelled shrimps with mashed potato and a butter and Riesling sauce to die for: the chef doesn’t take short cuts to ensure that you are