Le Cerf d'Or

Jean Vrijdaghs and Sébastien Hankard have added a youthful buzz to this illustrious restaurant, that had at least one Michelin star from 1963 to 2011. The restaurant and guestrooms have been restored to their former glory thanks to a contemporary makeover. Premium ingredients like Brittany lobster and local game are flanked by veg from the restaurant’s garden, with a flawless attention to detail and an abundance of veteran technique to shine the spotlight on the ingredient. The duo of chefs draws inspiration from purebred classical recipes, to which they add a contemporary twist. A hint of aci

The Maqua family’s charming hotel has been welcoming guests in the Ardennes since 1900. Today the fifth generation is at the helm of this inn that steadfastly upholds the region’s tradition of hospitality. The peaceful guestrooms overlook the rolling countryside, while in the restaurant, the accent is on hearty French favourites, albeit tailored to today’s tastebuds. The chef might jazz up scallops with an Asian slant but may also suggest terrine of foie gras or breast of pheasant, served medium rare and flanked by a creamy Pineau des Charentes and foie gras sauce. Its eater friendly prices ar

In this tasteful townhouse, Alain and Céline further confirm their excellent reputation acquired at the Rosa restaurant. Céline caters to diners’ every whim in the dining room, while Alain deploys his talents in a traditional French repertory.

Grandiose is a truly apt description of the Waillimont Estate, whose lakeside lodges paint an idyllic picture for a country getaway. The restaurant is housed in the splendid stone villa-cum-ranch boasts classy living rooms, a wood-burning fire and works of art. Chef Jordan Boreux, a craftsman of flavours, lavishly shines the spotlight on regional produce in his surprise menu. You may start with wafer-thin slices of smoked ham from the Rochehaut estate’s farm, before sampling a carpaccio of beef with a subtle peanut cream, parmesan, fried curly kale and a sprinkling of edible flowers. The chef’

This log cabin built entirely out of wood stands in quiet countryside amidst forest and woodland. The bucolic scene is set for Olivia, the exuberant lady of the house and chef Adrien to get to work and demonstrate how their shared love of nature has shaped their mindset. Genuine ambassadors of their local producers, they take real pleasure in showcasing outstanding produce. Chef Adrien may skin a perfectly ripe tomato, for example, before filling it with whipped cream jazzed up with horseradish, all of which to accompany velvety gazpacho and roast buckwheat. A fresh seasonal menu packed in rus

A longstanding Ardennes institution, this plush 1890 property is enjoying a new lease of life courtesy of two young brothers-cum-partners. The deftly plated dishes slalom between tradition and modernity: pressed foie gras laced in old rum, veal sweetbread, Rossini tournedos steak, turbot and risotto of fregola sarda… Gloriously peaceful patio to the rear.