La Carte Postale

A ‘bacôve’ is a large flat-bottomed boat used by the vegetable growers of the marshes of St Omer to transport their crops. It is emblematic of Camille Delcroix’ inspiration (Top Chef 2018 winner) and of his soothing, nature-inspired restaurant. He crafts razor-sharp menus, inspired by first-rate locally sourced produce in a surf ‘n turf vein. The chef’s preoccupation with presentation shines through, both in the choice of tableware as in the colours and graphics of each plate. Finally, Carla and her smiling team bend over backwards to make you feel at home.

Dunkirk-born Charles Bruneval completed stints at some top establishments before opening this restaurant, the name of which pays tribute to his grandmother. In an unpretentious setting, he cooks up traditional, hearty and meticulous fare: skate wings à la grenobloise, pâté en croûte, shrimp croquettes. Precise cooking and rich sauces – every bite reveals the touch of a seasoned chef.

Poised between Steenvoorde and Saint-Omer in the heart of Flanders, Cassel is a darling of a brick-built village. A small village for a tiny restaurant. Housed in a beautiful 18C abode with space for just 20 diners, it is run by owners who are truly passionate about fine cuisine. Chef Eugène Hobraiche meticulously crafts contemporary cuisine that goes hand in hand with seasonal produce, using local fruit and vegetables, as well as fish from Dunkirk's market: salmon confit with Sichuan pepper, textures of cabbage and shiitake dashi; roasted pollack, mustard and multi-coloured carrot gnocchi. To

Stéphane Buyens and Ellen Dulst have traded in their renowned Le Fox Hostelry for this enchanting seaside villa. The enthusiastic couple invites diners into a warm interior, whose welcoming portrait boasts a surfeit of refined details, among which parquet floors, a period fireplace and a terrace flanked by a lush green dune. Every day the couple demonstrates their impressive knowhow as Ellen supervises the seamless front of house operations and Stéphane crafts a suave classical score with a penchant for fish and seafood.Some of their must-try signature dishes include shrimp fritters, omelette

At Hendrik Dierendonck’s establishment, the meat comes straight from the butchers to the plate – in fact, Carcasse is literally the extension of his butcher’s shop in Saint Idesbald. The hip interior provides the perfect foil to this raw rugged vibe. Against a backdrop of gently strumming guitars, the star of the show is red meat. A glazed ageing cabinet takes pride of place in the centre, while runners on the ceiling bear witness to a bygone era when the carcasses were shunted overhead. A long communal table invites diners to share this experience. The exceptional cuts of meat of this renowne

Tucked away in the lush green countryside, this 19C former farm is now an exquisite gourmet establishment. A huge, paved courtyard is framed by historic stone buildings dripping in character, the outhouses of which have been converted into cosy guestrooms. The inviting, airy dining room sports a glazed façade and a warm vibe courtesy of a log-burning fireplace. The establishment’s sensibly priced food is indulgent, wholesome and deftly crafted with local produce and showcased in a well-balanced, authentic menu.

The chef, Matthieu Colin, puts the experience he gained in Michelin-starred establishments to good use. In a lovely contemporary interior, he continues to pay tribute to local fishing, but also brings local produce into creative dishes that thrive on originality: cod with seafood condiments, grapefruit, crozets, spiced fennel. Friendly and efficient service.