De Groote Waere

Unconventional Willem Hiele has set up shop in this architectural behemoth designed by Jacques Moeschal. Polders dominate De Keignaert nature reserve and are also a major feature of this imposing brutalist edifice. The 1960s-70s design further accentuates the minimalist character of this former private residence, in which chef Hiele invites you to sample his favourite dishes. He translates the harsh character of the sea and the countryside into dishes that bear his highly personal and delicate hallmark. Intense sauces, vinaigrettes, a smoky live fire focus (a charcoal fire always burns outdoor

In their brick villa, Tim Boury and Inge Waeles have clearly puzzled, pondered and finetuned each detail from the attentive service and felicitous food-wine pairings to the fashionably stylish interior and the gorgeous patio and bar. The buzzy casual vibe is ample proof that perfection is not necessarily starched and stuffy. Chef Boury’s painstaking recipes mingle classicism with creative peps and he cannot be equalled for his ability to enhance exceptional ingredients, particularly those from his region whose praises he frequently sings. His cuisine attains a pinnacle of high-flying virtuosit

As chef Puype casts his culinary spell with top-drawer produce such as asparagus or loin of veal, you know you’re in for a magical bistronomic treat. Examples include a ceviche of rockfish with creamy goat’s cheese to offset the acidity and a crunchy medley of finely diced celery and carrots. Recognisable food crafted with flair thanks to gutsy sauces and intelligently balanced generous flavours. A word of advice: Pieter and Virginie’s friendly eatery is ideal for family get togethers.

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

Fans of time-honoured brasserie classics served in generous portions are in seventh heaven here. Chef Gouwy specialises in indulgent, flavoursome fare free of fancy frills. An example: seafood vol-au-vent, stuffed with mussels, shrimp and juicy fish, served with crunchy veggies and a silky béchamel sauce. A down-to-earth friendly vibe reigns in this eatery. The elegant, gilded bicycle that stands next to the kitchen, the chef’s own handiwork, will convince you of his deft craftsmanship. ‘Good food, good people, good times’ is the house rule!

Highly polished silverware, a fantastic collection of bottles and knickknacks set the quirky, antique dealer interior of Olijfboom, so you won’t be surprised to learn that the chef is a keen collector of vintage chinaware. However, his main talent is regaling us with old-school cooking. In keeping with tradition, he unfussily enhances the ingredient which he serves generously, focusing on the flavour. An impressive wine list completes this fine dining experience.

Bassud is the story of Michèlle and Jan, set in an attractive vintage Scandinavian décor. Chef Jan serves minimalist, no-nonsense dishes, using locally sourced produce and jazzed up by subtle twists, such as fermented ingredients or smoked charcoal oven flavours.