Villa Helena

Restaurants nearby

• EssenCiel★ Michelin Established in a grand town house, EssenCiel is the lovingly created brainchild of youthful Niels Brants and Romina Charels. A smart contemporary style, mingling purity and elegance without losing sight of their casual hallmark vibe, sets the scene. A seat on the patio near the vegetable garden is heavenly in fine weather. Chef Brants rolls out the full gamut of his culinary know-how combined with a flair for unearthing fantastic ingredients. He avows a passion for vegetables and the intricate craftsmanship of his unorthodox recipes is part of his hallmark. Examples include a mind-blowing asso5.9km
• EED★ Michelin EED is the epitome of minimalist. Philippe Heylen strips his dishes to retain only the most essential ingredients, so don’t expect fussy frills or superfluous fillers. The spotlight is on the quality of the produce and the veggie side dishes are as important as the main ingredient. Chef Heylen gets right down to business with lashings of originality. He manages to surprise us with familiar flavours, like a rib steak that is paired with Asian notes of sesame and caramelised honey. Or how about a yellow beetroot, coated in earthy tonburi, a sweet mango jelly and a kimchi of hispi cabbage? A subt6.5km
• De Victorie This imposing historic farmstead, opposite the vineyards of Chateau Vandeurzen winery, is depicted by a stylish interior, whose centre piece is a sculpted flock of birds in flight that is most eye catching. The estate’s excellent wines are paired with a Gallic lineup of contemporary leaning. The chef enjoys pairing sweetbread with truffles or pheasant with Fine champagne cognac, adding a personal twist along the way by playing with the tangy freshness of ingredients such as kalamansi, yuzu and wine vinegar. It has proved a hit with fans of familiar flavours who appreciate an added twist.2.0km
• Zappaz From the artwork by Peter Wellens and Charlotte De Baere that adorns the bar area to the spacious Scandinavian inspired dining room, Zappaz is a treat for the eye. In the kitchen, chef Seppe demonstrates that contemporary fine dining can be both polished and playful. Creative touches and international flavours like dashi and ponzu are perfectly at home in his inventive score. The menu of three to five courses shines the spotlight on creative recipes, like venison, served medium rare, with prunes and red beetroot, an emulsion of curly kale, churros and a punchy gravy. A banquet of surprises awa2.5km
• EST★ Michelin Chef Abel Demeestere and Laurence De Smet in charge of the front of house have chosen to write a chapter of their own in the illustrious story of the Arenberg house, whilst respecting its timeless traditions. The former Jesuit farmstead overlooking a garden and appointed in works of art is both smart and contemporary. The house classics continue to grace the à la carte menu in particular, exemplified by pork neck fillet.Chef Abdel cannot be rivalled for his skill with big-boned traditional fare, as his fascinating sauces and stocks bear witness, although he is not averse to slipping in the odd9.8km
• FurbettoBib Gust and Jasper have established their friendly eatery a stone’s throw from Heverlee railway station in a smart town house. Their love of unfussy Italian cooking shines through as you watch them wield their magic in the open-plan kitchen. Homemade is the name of the game here, underscored by a constant quest for superlative local produce. After nibbling on a delicious focaccia appetiser, dig into homemade pasta and subtle dishes such as beef tartare jazzed up with cream of anchovies. You can’t go wrong with French toast and buttermilk ice cream to finish. Choose your wine from the bottles on t8.0km
• Mariette Dad and son-in-law in the kitchen, mum and daughter in the front of house: Mariette is the quintessence of a family-run establishment. Adorned in elegant details, it also boasts a lovely patio in the garden. A Franco-Belgian lineup with the occasional international twist sets the tone of the varied menu, many dishes of which are ideal for sharing. The quality of the ingredients, like the turbot and scallops, is superlative. The juicy pheasant is fork-tender and served with lightly caramelised endives, hand-rolled fritters and a cognac sauce. A warm authentic vibe and big-boned family favourite5.6km
• Zarza Zarza, an authentic cosy bolthole with a pretty town garden, is the type of place that inspires loyalty. Chef Cordemans pampers his diners with flawlessly sourced ingredients. The patriotic line-up of Belgian fare is jazzed up by the occasional dash of creativity, illustrated by masterfully cooked langoustine, paired with a gutsy shellfish jus and crunchy courgettes. Sophisticated yet full-bodied flavours. The lunchtime menus are always a safe bet!6.0km
• Gastrobar Hop Hop is a gastrobar that celebrates wine and craft beer. The head-spinning choice is fortunately accompanied by the owner’s knowledgeable insights. Whether you choose an unusual natural wine or a craft beer, the chefs will always find a playful combination to enhance your dish. Eschewing luxury ingredients, they have honed in on the flavours of yesteryear and subtly textured variations. Gourmet dining in a delightfully casual setting that hits the spot every time!6.3km
• Bistro Tribunal "Chez Yf" Have you ever heard of a meat sommelier? Well, in this traditional bistro, one such will help you make your choice among the fine cuts of meat supplied by the prestigious Rondou butchers. A refrigerated meat display counter and a lobster tank catch the eye. Rather than prissy, complex preparations, you can expect spot-on cooking, freshly prepared sauces and regular refills of hot, crunchy French fries. The wine list (splendid selection of Bordeaux wines) is at bargain prices.6.5km

Includes Michelin / Black Pearl / guide picks (reference quality, no prices); data from Overture, Michelin Guide and others.