Hotel Kasteelhof 'T Hooghe

The high-flying talents of Michael Vanderhaeghe and his father Franky set the scene in this temple to fine dining. Knockout sauces and a superlative range of local produce such as hop shoots and Steenvoorde pigeon bear witness to the know-how of this hostelry, that has been a culinary landmark for going on 25 years. Original touches and exotic techniques ensure that the menu continues to evolve and progress. How about slowly cooked free-range chicken coated in a hazelnut sauce and a spicy Flanders cheese, paired with a frothy kohlrabi mousse rich in earthy notes. You will also be surprised by

Your host, an enthusiastic champion of natural and organic wines, was a butcher in a former life. In the company of his partner, they have embarked on a new adventure in the shape of a cosy, trendy eatery. She woos diners with fresh cuisine, jazzed up with international seasonings and brimming with flavour in dishes – with or without meat! If you opt for the surprise menu, you will be delighted by her knack for playing with contrasts. An example: lamb cooked two ways – one spicy in pita bread, the other with lamb’s tongues cooked slowly in a tomato coulis and a madeira-laced gravy. Crisp, unde

Take a seat in this modern, elegant restaurant by the ramparts and you may hear the moving ‘Last Post’ ceremony that takes place at the nearby Menin Gate every evening at 8pm… Local Westhoek delicacies, cooked creatively and playfully, are rich in the distinctive, crisp flavours that depict the spontaneous, market-fresh cuisine of chef Jeroen. Gracious Séverine can be relied upon for her insightful wine-food pairing tips. Book a room at the B&B, ideal to explore the fascinating heritage of Ypres.

Inconspicuously located on the historic Grand Place, this cosy restaurant has a somewhat mysterious feel to it. At the helm, an experienced duo showcase their talents. Sommelier Carl Couvreur bowls diners over with his astute recommendations, while chef Jonathan Devogel delivers haute cuisine in which intricate sauces and influences from around the globe bring the flavours to life. Though his creations can be elaborate, they are ultimately defined by their boldness. Think marinated weever as the main ingredient in an aromatic dish with fig and celery in various guises. The short menu never fai

Maria and Michel welcome guests to their gourmet establishment as if they were old friends of the family. Maria tends to your every need in the dining room, while Michel crafts what appears to be classical fare, yet with a subtle modern spin. Examples range from old-school grilled white pudding and traditional sole meunière with fresh fries to scallops served with curry-flavoured beurre blanc. Soul-warming food that has kept up with the times. At Béus, which loosely translates as “our home” in the local lingo, flavour is the overriding goal every time.

Klaver is proof that high-flying cuisine need not be incompatible with a friendly vibe. In this vein and in keeping with the establishment’s playful character, chef Korneel Verhulst often kicks off your meal with piping hot French fries and a spicy caper-spiked mayonnaise. The youthful chef shines the spotlight on first-class produce, with the odd Japanese lilt and a clear fondness for textbook Gallic classics. An example: a rich, creamy foyot sauce adds depth and peps to juicy guinea fowl, while your coffee may well be flanked by a small pancake, in tribute to the region. Klaver adds a brand-

You will instantly feel at home in this minimalist venture, two steps from the French border and founded by self-taught chefs, Slava and Antoine. The irresistible duo bowls us over - his passion and food-wine pairings and her delicate culinary flair and generous helpings. Slava’s meticulous attention to detail results in balanced dishes that combine fresh, acidic, spicy and many other subtle flavours. The ingredient takes pride of place in each carefully thought-out dish, whether it be asparagus that is enhanced in a ceviche, or lamb fillets underscored by an emulsion of beer and meat juices.