Charming urban retreat 15 Minutes from Central Station

A meal by Gert De Mangeleer and sommelier Joachim Bouden is in a class of its own, starting with the swish Botanic Sanctuary Hotel, which immerses you in a world unlike any other. Concrete and muted shades of grey set the scene in the intimate restaurant which boasts a stunning architectural backdrop. In a bid to maintain the element of surprise, the establishment asks guests not to post photos on social media, so we won’t dwell on the amazing chef’s table where diners are invited to admire his work first hand either. Suffice it to say that chef De Mangeleer’s distinctive signature and love af

Entering the glorious Bistrot du Nord is like stepping into a time capsule from a bygone era. Once over the threshold, you are greeted by colourful vintage floor tiles, wall mirrors and wainscoting that set the scene in this quintessential bistro of yesteryear, providing the perfect foil to equally nostalgic nosh. Veteran chef Michaël Rewers crafts hearty classical recipes in a knockout à la carte lineup and a more accessible set menu. He admits to a weakness for meat and tripe in dishes that require consummate technique, an area in which he excels. An example: ox tongue slowly confit in its j

Serenity and contemporary class set the scene at Fine Fleur, one of the first-class eateries that has found refuge in the swanky Botanic Sanctuary Hotel. Admire the kitchen team at work behind smoked glass as you are pampered by the enthusiastic youthful front-of-house team. Nothing is left to chance from the inspired wine-food pairings to the chefs who pop out to present their handiwork. We warrant you will fall under the spell of Fine Fleur and the delicate fine dining vision of Jacob Jan Boerma and Thomas Diepersloot. Exceptional ingredients are flanked by gutsy sauces, a dash of Dutch dari

Zilte strives to offer a global emotional experience, starting with the view of the city skyline from the top floor of the Museum aan de Stroom. The understated designer interior is elegant and cosy, offset by the chef’s old record player which adds a nostalgic jazzy note. Everything is spot on from the gracious welcome and the wine waiter’s savvy tips to the sweet treats served with coffee. Viki Geunes has stripped his restaurant of everything but the essentials, starting with outstanding quality ingredients as he harnesses his creative flair to make each dish a masterpiece of excellence. For

Venture over the threshold of this seemingly nondescript house and you will find yourself in a cheerful eatery with a few counter seats and a table that will embark on a fascinating culinary adventure. The chefs roll out a single set menu of some fifteen dishes with a strong seasonal focus, courtesy of playful, exuberant recipes. Examples include king trumpet mushrooms rolled in chicken breadcrumbs and deep-fried, served with a sabayon of fresh garden herbs. The open-minded kitchen team enjoys playing with textures and your gracious hostess will ply you with insightful suggestions (alcoholic a

The industrial loft vibe of the hip, urban Butcher’s son eatery blends seamlessly into De Koninck brewery, in which it is located. The premises are also home to a bakery, a chocolate artisan and to the De Laet & Van Haver butcher’s shop, the main suppliers of Bert Jan Michielsen (who worked there when he was young). True to his heritage, chef Michielsen’s open kitchen showcases his ongoing passion for red meat, while also taking family favourites to a whole new level thanks to lashings of talent, sprinkled with modern twists. He avows a weakness for surf-turf dishes, like a ballotine of pig’s

Sichuan cuisine is renowned for its hot spices, pungent herbs, rich oils and wok hei preparations and the chef here deftly mixes all these components. Traditional fish soup is prepared with a rich stock and marinated Chinese cabbage, while pork belly and pork neck are braised and cooked in chili and fermented black beans: comfort food so good we warrant you will be wiping your plate squeaky clean. Close your eyes and the bustling ambience of this down-to-earth eatery may well transport you straight to Chengdu. The endless menu is truly mind-blowing. The quintessence of a Bib Gourmand!