La Demeure Avesnoise

Les Gourmands is run by foodies for foodies. The charming authentic interior is ideally suited to the classical fare of Didier Bernard, assisted by Lydia Glacé, who is in charge of the decadent desserts. The gifted duo, who were awarded their first Michelin star in 1996, are committed body and soul to celebrating premium produce. You may taste Burgaud duck, respectfully and delicately cooked to medium rare, flanked by a spicy duck gravy that is divinely paired with orange marmalade or a big-boned duck shepherd’s pie oozing with buttery flavours. Les Gourmands excels in the art of adding a cont

While the impressive Chant d’Éole wine estate is particularly famous for its excellent sparkling wines, it offers much more than that. Namely a luxurious rooftop restaurant, where an ornamental gold-leafed tree and a glazed wine cellar immediately catch the eye. On your way into the restaurant, you will see the estate’s wines maturing in barrels. The wine list, which stars a few Belgian vintages, is perfectly paired with Benjamin Laborie’s cuisine. Laborie takes a fresh, new look at pedigree French recipes, founded on just a few ingredients that he savvily melds together. Flawlessly fresh fill

In this 19C château built in the brick and white stone that is typical in northern France, the spruce and welcoming decor charms with its blend of old and new: first, a cosy bar that leads on to a dining room flooded with light from the windows on two sides, and giving onto a wooded park. The à la carte menu features carefully selected ingredients and precise, flavourful cuisine, cooked to perfection. A whole lobster, shelled and roasted, is served pearly white in the middle: the tail firm and flavourful, the claws tender, with crunchy or melt-in-the-mouth vegetables, a fragrant sauce with her

The Corman brothers have been at the helm of this vintage looking restaurant for over 25 years. In the Absinthe bistro, the accent is on soul-warming fare such as Chimay-flavoured cheese fritters, duck cassoulet and veal stew. We also recommend the Bib Gourmand menu that is more polished, but equally Gallic in leaning. For example, the chef might pair salmon marinated in herbs with different textures of red beetroot, green apple, a gherkin mousse and a few dabs of balsamic vinegar. This delicate feast can be washed down with one of the fine bottles that come from the next-door wine shop. To fi

This characterful establishment in the picturesque village of Thuillies has become a beacon for all self-respecting fans of traditional nosh. A soundtrack of French ballads, an attractive wooden counter and vintage posters on the walls set the nostalgic scene indoors. The menu stars a patriotic lineup of Belgian staples including vol-au-vent of crunchy sweetbread and fresh fries, juicy kidneys and a dessert of French toast that is the ultimate comfort food. Wholehearted, much-loved family cooking oozing in bountiful generosity and fantastic flavours. We recommend the specials chalked up on the

Over 500 beers, an enticing menu and bargain prices: fans of old school cooking flock to this bustling bolthole in droves. Your first job on arriving will be to scan the establishment’s newspaper to get a proper feel for the place. Rather than fussy frills, you can expect hearty grub oozing in nostalgia: fritters stuffed in vol-au-vent; herring rollmops with house-made French fries; Belgium’s version of steak tartare and chips (with mayonnaise and horse meat)… or eels à la St Feuillien. La Marelle Café is a goldmine of vintage generous recipes.

Sophie in the dining room and Steven in the kitchen are at the helm of Bagù and are responsible for its enchanting home-from-home vibe. Bistronomic fare with a French accent sets the culinary scene, albeit with the odd Italian twang from time to time. A succulent crunchy fritter and unctuous vol-au-vent of pork might be jazzed up with a puntarella (type of chicory) salad, seasoned with anchovy vinegar. The chef has a knack for blending rich, refined flavours without falling into the trap of superfluous complexity. Create your own menu from the à la carte lineup – you won’t be disappointed!