Hoveke Paddebroek

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.

A restored farm-castle near Bergenvaart, whose rustic characterful charm sets the scene of the stylish interior, without forgetting the idyllic terrace overlooking sheep grazing in the meadow. Sheer bliss! Chef Verlande rustles up an enticing lunchtime lineup that changes daily and a varied à la carte offering. You will immediately be struck by his passion for premium produce, such as lobster, turbot and hare, to which he adds his inimitable hallmark. Take his scallops gratineed with cheese and paired with wild garlic, a velvety poultry cream and creamy unctuous asparagus. Le Flore allows the

Welcome to a page of history of Western Flanders. An authentic red and green colour scheme, a huge fireplace and period floors set the scene in this 18C edifice: for example, the aperitif is served near the old livestock weighbridge. Take a seat and soak up this magnificent setting, as Emily and Bart enthusiastically reveal their love for their work, characterised by a focus on local produce, a new spin on time-honoured recipes and a delicate, creative touch. They are committed to using traditional cooking techniques as evidenced in the medium-rare duck fillet, grilled on the bone, accompanied

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

This family bistro overflows in good humour, as Jelle in the kitchen and Magali in the dining room are still regularly helped out by the restaurant’s founders, Frans and Ria, further upholding their eatery’s legacy. The menu pays a genuine tribute to family cooking, to the delight of foodies everywhere. Cognac and tomato delicately underscore North Sea fish soup, while beer highlights the intensity of rabbit in prunes: the classics have no secrets for the chef, who is determined to keep the prices sensible. Hearty, wholesome, country cooking at its best depicts this mum and dad!