kotas-Esprit Nordique

The Maqua family’s charming hotel has been welcoming guests in the Ardennes since 1900. Today the fifth generation is at the helm of this inn that steadfastly upholds the region’s tradition of hospitality. The peaceful guestrooms overlook the rolling countryside, while in the restaurant, the accent is on hearty French favourites, albeit tailored to today’s tastebuds. The chef might jazz up scallops with an Asian slant but may also suggest terrine of foie gras or breast of pheasant, served medium rare and flanked by a creamy Pineau des Charentes and foie gras sauce. Its eater friendly prices ar

Jean Vrijdaghs and Sébastien Hankard have added a youthful buzz to this illustrious restaurant, that had at least one Michelin star from 1963 to 2011. The restaurant and guestrooms have been restored to their former glory thanks to a contemporary makeover. Premium ingredients like Brittany lobster and local game are flanked by veg from the restaurant’s garden, with a flawless attention to detail and an abundance of veteran technique to shine the spotlight on the ingredient. The duo of chefs draws inspiration from purebred classical recipes, to which they add a contemporary twist. A hint of aci

A meal in this attractive eatery, amusingly adorned with a collection of hens, followed by a restful night in one of the guestrooms of the bustling country inn, are just the ticket to get better acquainted with the picturesque Semois valley. The chef is an unabashed fan of tradition and his region, as the menu demonstrates. How about Clamart pigeon in a gutsy gravy made from the bones? Or what about a fresh salad of lobster tail paired with velvety foie gras, grey shrimp and a herby dressing? Blatantly and indulgently generous to the delight of lovers of down to earth, rustic fare. You can’t g

Fanny and Jérôme bend over backwards to nurture the warm cosy vibe of their establishment, which also offers a few convenient guestrooms. Fanny’s indefectible good cheer and Jérôme’s infectious enthusiasm in his open kitchen set the stage for this culinary performance. The chef shines the spotlight on regional and local producers, with a weakness for veggies. He adds a modern twist to recipes that pay tribute to the region’s traditions and generous character. For example, he might pair slowly cooked lobster with cucumber perfumed in sesame seeds, a buttery sauce of subtle wasabi nuances and a

Welcome to Our, a picturesque Ardennes village nestling in peaceful countryside, that has become a beacon for savvy gourmets thanks to Maxime Collard. He has forged his own style back in his homeland, turning an old farmstead into a stylish, fashionable restaurant, whose many windows and mirrors seem to invite the countryside indoors. The establishment offers accommodation in the area to enhance the pleasure of a meal here. Chef Collard steers clear of showing off his extensive technical background, preferring to highlight the essence of a few premium ingredients, local whenever possible. Exam

The sleepy village of Lacuisine makes the perfect base camp to explore the Ardennes. Don’t miss Ronny and Christel’s stylish establishment which combines a friendly vibe with modern comforts. The chef cooks regional produce, most of which from scratch, with lashings of generosity. For example, you may taste a terrine of foie gras with smoked duck magret or a fillet of plaice with a pastis-flavoured jus. The enticing range of set menus means that there is something to suit every palate. Even better, stay overnight and jump into the pool before or after breakfast next morning.

Frank and Caty have refurbished this farm which is almost on the doorstop of the Trappist abbey that brews the legendary Chimay beer. Wholesome family favourites continue to dominate the menu of this welcoming farmstead. Examples include Bigorre black pig: cutlets in a gutsy BBQ sauce, fork-tender cheeks and croquettes of leg, flanked by a velvety potato mousseline and a big-boned pork gravy. As well as championing premium produce like sole and calf’s sweetbread, the chef manages to keep his prices sensible. An enticing mix of authenticity and generosity depicts this country inn.