HCR De Tukker

Eric van Bochove's honest and ingredient-driven cuisine showcases exceptional local produce such as Eastern Scheldt lobster and Zeeland lamb. His style is anchored in tradition, yet enlivened by contemporary touches. Think weever in mandarin oil with fennel foam, or briny oyster invigorated by the fruity sparkle of raspberry granita – this chef reimagines the familiar with bold creativity. The charming hostess extends heartfelt hospitality, ensuring a relaxed dining experience whether you are in the stylish interior, with its warm colours and thoughtful design, or out on the inviting terrace.

It is crystal clear that Boris and Maurice have worked together before (at Bodo). Their friendly neighbourhood eatery with a long counter offers tasty bistro fare with a twist. For example, you may start with deep-fried bites of sole and tartare sauce, followed by a juicy breast of chicken and a masterful Archiduc sauce (mushrooms and cream), finishing with a chocolate mousse. The French wine list adds the final flourish to this appetising banquet.

Jan Audenaert believes in simplicity before all else, mixing vegetables and exotic herbs to compose stunningly presented dishes. His creativity shines through in the detail he lavishes on the side dishes, illustrated by his upside-down pumpkin pie which is served with a gutsy breast of pheasant. Nothing leaves his kitchen that hasn’t been endlessly pondered and puzzled over. We recommend his lunchtime menus. The minimalist interior of this restored presbytery suits this culinary offering down to a T!

The former presbytery of Stekene is in a class of its own, boasting a sleek, trendy cocktail bar, four luxurious guestrooms and a classy contemporary restaurant leading into a manicured garden. Brothers Timothy and Bodi de Munck bend over backwards to pamper their guests. Their passion for Asia is reflected in the extensive à la carte and Omakase menus and in the beverage list. Gallic flavours with subtle Japanese nuances set the scene, exemplified by a delicious ponzu-flavoured sauce that delicately underscores fish or Anjou pigeon, cooked rare, flanked by morel mushrooms and a gravy so rich

OX’E is a high-flying fine dining establishment whose subtle Art deco interior is both romantic and welcoming. Chef Goeman sets the pace with a classical repertory that shines the spotlight on matured meat. From house-made shrimp fritters to a fork-tender Txogitxu ribeye steak with a made-to-order béarnaise sauce, everything smacks of indulgent, nostalgic flavours. The culinary score is perfectly paired with wines from South-Africa, France and Italy and the cheerful, bouncy front-of-house team runs the show with great brio.

Tucked away behind a tennis and padel club, VOS, bathed in natural light, sports a wall garden and a warm ambience. Chef Stijn and his youthful team craft a set menu that is in tune with the seasons and founded on Franco-Belgian classics. The kitchen’s hallmark is creative, playful cuisine depicted by fresh notes and grilled dishes. The grilled ribeye steak is coated with a punchy veal gravy that is just the right consistency and emblematic of the chef’s know-how. The lunchtime formula ticks all the boxes!

Commotie radiates a sense of zen-like tranquillity. The verdant surroundings and minimalist Japanese decor create a harmonious whole and the terrace is an oasis of alfresco calm, until the arrival of the food interrupts your quiet contemplation. Chef Thomas expresses his originality through fermentation, vegetables, tart flavours, barbecue notes and intense sauces... His inventiveness is captivating, and his nose-to-tail vision is an inspiration. An example of his fascinating approach is monkfish in seaweed, lacquered in butter before being seared over an open flame. He further underscores the