€€€Classic Cuisine, Meats and Grills
La Traverse is the quintessence of a contemporary brasserie, sporting a warm, welcoming interior and a menu that mingles Flemish classics with more up-to-date dishes, of which shrimp fritters and braised pork cheeks or dimsum and cauliflower steak are just a few examples. We recommend the matured beef, cooked to perfection in a Josper oven. On Saturday evenings, La Traverse offers a menu of varied dishes to share and a platter of cured meats to nibble on.
TripAdvisor review sample · 3.5/5 · 80 reviews
La Traverse in Merelbeke specializes in classic cuisine and grilled meats. Food quality receives mixed reviews; while some praise the lobster, sea sole, and steaks, others report issues with salinity, temperature, and freshness. Service is generally professional and warm, though pacing can be inconsistent. The ambiance is cozy with an open kitchen and terrace, albeit somewhat dimly lit. Value is a frequent point of contention, with many finding prices high relative to portions. Additionally, weekend bookings may require fixed menus rather than à la carte selection. It offers a stylish dining experience but demands careful consideration of budget and expectations.
Suitable for diners seeking classic refined cuisine with a flexible budget, who should verify menu options in advance.
€€€Modern French
Satisfied customers are the raison d’être of this stylish villa, where you are graciously greeted by Nathalie before taking a seat in the elegant dining room. Veteran chef Kurt Verhaege aims to work with fresh, seasonal produce. He boasts a classical training and his textbook perfect champagne sauce is a model of French culinary technique, as are his main courses and side dishes, which also feature a subtle international slant. Delicious eater-friendly prices.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.4/5 · 80 reviews
Located in Merelbeke, De Blauwe Artisjok offers modern French cuisine. Reviews frequently praise the high-quality, refined food and elegant presentation, noting its suitability for gluten-free diets. Service is generally described as warm, professional, and attentive, making it popular for events like wedding lunches. The atmosphere is cozy and pleasant. However, negative feedback highlights issues with value, citing small portions and high prices. Some guests reported unacceptable reservation handling, billing errors, and isolated hygiene concerns. While the culinary experience is often excellent, inconsistencies in portion sizes and operational details may affect overall satisfaction.
Suitable for diners seeking refined French cuisine and attentive service, but verify reservation policies and portion expectations beforehand.
€€€€italian
Louis Verstrepen’s sleek HQ lies on the outskirts of Gent, near the E17 highway, in the Courtyard by Marriott Ghent hotel. The chef of the Michelin starred Da Mimmo establishment has put together an on-the-ball team capable of blending Tuscan finesse and authenticity with bucket loads of creativity. An example: creamy risotto with red beetroot and subtle strains of tarragon underscored by a rich, powerful bagna cauda and sea urchin for an added dollop of umami. The enticing set, à la carte and lunchtime menus are all emblematic of the soul of la cucina italiana!
🕐 Mo-Fr 12:00-14:30, 18:00-21:30; Sa 18:00-21:30; Su 12:00-16:00