Le Relais De La Haute Sambre

De Vous à Nous (From You to Us) sports a stylish interior, a lush green terrace to the rear and eater-friendly prices. Know-how and generosity are the defining traits of chef François Duvivier, who doesn’t hesitate to add a personal flourish to traditional recipes. Examples include pheasant fritters, glistening white cod stuffed with prawns and flanked by a powerful bisque or a Belle Hélène pear worth writing home about! The set menu with choices is first-rate, but if you’re in the mood for something exceptional, take a peek at the à la carte lineup which boasts items of the calibre of turbot

A meal at Au Gré du Vent offers a splendid opportunity to explore the magnificent Hainaut countryside. Stéphanie and Sébastien Thunus converted a former barn into a fantastic restaurant, whose floor-to-ceiling windows open onto a landscaped garden. The visitor is initially impressed by the venue’s elegance, before sinking into its all-embracing cosy cocoon. Chef Stéphanie Thunus is a perfectionist who aims to make each dish a work of art with a distinct fondness for local, seasonal produce, such as game from Ardennes. Her culinary creations are subtle, distinctive and generous and nothing leav

“What you see is what you get” could well be the baseline of this lovely farmstead depicted by old oak rafters, bare brick walls and a terrace that makes the most of its idyllic rural setting. The seasoned chef has perfected the art of sourcing first-class local produce. Her eggs are perfectly cooked at exactly 62°C and garnished with a flavoursome espuma of mashed potato and crunchy chicory, unless you wouldn’t prefer a much-loved Belgian staple: steak, fresh fries and a pepper sauce? One thing is certain: everything here bears the hallmark of tradition. All that remains is to choose between

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

Shelves laden with innumerable wine bottles immediately catch the eye as you enter this inviting gourmet eatery-cum-wine cellar. Master sommelier Thierry Jacques welcomes you warmly before sharing the secrets of his lovingly curated selection. Next, chef Husson takes the stage, rolling out a spot-on, wholehearted repertory that is showcased in a set menu with a wide range of choices. Examples include melt-in-the-mouth pig's feet with a terrine of foie gras, lentils, a powerful stock and tarragon that adds an invigorating kick. Food from a bygone era, oozing with wholesome, big-boned flavours.

A colourful, cartoon-inspired chicken adorns this small bistro, but the real draw is Arnaud Molle. This seasoned chef lets his creativity run riot in regularly changing menus. You may sample grilled stuffed quail or pheasant à la brabançonne (with bacon and endive). His score is flavoursome, original and geared towards showcasing fresh produce as he harnesses his culinary talents to enhancing each ingredient’s purity! The meat, from his parent’s butchery, is first class and the prices are truly eater friendly!

Vilain offers a choice of 10 to 15 small dishes to share that change weekly depending on what is available locally. Examples include carpaccio of red beetroot in a fruity shiso- and Japanese vinegar-laced dressing, or country pâté en croûte with gherkins and mustard. The accent is on uninhibited, intuitive cuisine, without forgetting the odd international influence. The wine list is a treasure trove of natural and organic tipples. The interior, which overlooks the garden, sports a fashionably upbeat vintage vibe, overflowing in good cheer with a jazzy soundtrack playing in the background.