Studio Malow

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

Chef Kevin Barata and Lucile Prévost (partners in business and in life), already owners of Au Koning Van Peene, are now also at the helm of the restaurant of La Barcarolle theatre. Neon lights and zesty colours make for a delightfully pop decor. The cuisine is straightforward and generous (especially the sauces!) and draws on emblematic produce from this northernmost part of France.

Right in the centre of Saint-Omer, Pluriel' welcomes you in a bright, pared-back space with pale-coloured parquet floors, white walls and contemporary pendant lights. At the helm, Yohann Cornet rustles up cuisine that is both precise and expressive. His slow-confit free-range pork from South-West France is perfectly tender and rests on a bed of crunchy, roasted and puffed corn kernels. The crispy tuile is topped with fermented blueberry compote and fresh fruit, drizzled at the last moment with a glistening jus. The chef is well-versed in the classics!

This village restaurant with typical local architecture is located in the heart of this market town. It is the HQ of a chef who rustles up market-based cuisine that is good value for money. Dishes and ingredients are regularly swapped in and out. To be enjoyed in a chic and convivial interior.

In the centre of an out-of-the-way village in the Flanders region, this place is an unexpected foodie haven: chef Kevin Barata and Lucile Prevost (partners in business and in life) welcome travellers into their inviting restaurant with an interior in which brick and wood predominate. The chef, who knows his stuff, whips up good simple dishes, such as lamb kofta, thyme-lemon hummus, barbecue sauce and kataifi, or farmhouse pork chop, cauliflower, horseradish, asparagus and a reduction of cooking juices. Lunch is excellent value.

This contemporary restaurant, run by an enthusiastic young couple from the village, is depicted by dishes that keep pace with current tastes, while remaining true to the ingredients and seasons. The lovely dining room is in a conservatory. Attentive service.