B&B Toast Hoogstraten

Alex Verhoeven has established his HQ on the top floor of the Turnova tower. The hip industrial-cum-Scandinavian interior and open-plan kitchen are fashionably uncluttered, with the bonus of a knockout view over the Campine. Ideal for an alfresco drink and lunch, it is just the ticket to sample the exuberant score of the chef and his team. Exceptional produce, respect for tradition and a scattering of unexpected touches depict the savvily devised, subtle menus. An example: gently sautéed sole fillets, encircled by a frothy bisque sauce and a classic beurre blanc, are flanked by pieces of smoke

The Wolfslaar experience begins as soon as you drive onto the magnificent estate. As you approach the former coach house, you will be struck by the natural beauty of your surroundings, which you can enjoy to the full on the terrace. The chic and elegant interior exudes a warmth that comes courtesy of luxury materials such as walnut and marble. In this enchanting setting, Maarten Camps takes you on an exciting adventure, in which each ingredient is thoughtfully prepared in a multitude of ways. He throws in Asian flavours to add depth to his creative process, for instance seasoning hand-cut beef

A good meal is just what the doctor ordered! So, book a table in this establishment, whose black and white colour scheme is quirkily adorned with a 17C pharmacy cabinet and wainscoting in tribute to its former vocation. Chef Verheyen, a keen “farm to table” adept and a past master of subtle flavours, is capable of jazzing up salty mackerel with ponzu, underscoring juicy local poultry with a veal gravy or turning out an immaculately cooked rib steak from his wood-burning oven. Generosity is the keyword of this restaurant as the extensive menu demonstrates.

Veteran chef Ivan Daelemans is equally at home with classical Belgian, Gallic and Italian cuisine. His impressive culinary skill can be sampled in the magnificent former home of a doctor, done up in a modern vein. The dishes are intended to be shared, but you can order individual portions. As you dig into timeless classics such as vitello tonnato, tomatoes stuffed with shrimps or a perfect poached egg, served with a light mousseline, al dente asparagus and hand-shelled shrimps, you remember why such dishes remain so popular. Even better when washed down with a fine glass of wine – the perfect

This spruce detached house does sport a faintly English hallmark, the menu, however, unveils a patriotic line-up of classical French cuisine. Kick off your meal with an aperitif in the wine cellar before taking a seat in the modern dining room or on the leafy patio. Subtle classicism depicts the textbook precision cooking, albeit with an occasional Mediterranean twang and a refreshing sprinkling of modernity. Pop into the delicatessen before you leave and take a few delicacies home.

A stone’s throw from the main square, the Amu Food and Wine Bar sports a marriage of elegant and intimate that is both romantic and sexy. In this intriguing setting, chef Marjanne Moonen rustles up genuine delicacies. Her surprise menu, composed of fascinating dishes based on just a few ingredients, is both free of fancy frills and always spot on. Her distinctive culinary signature is a patchwork of Mediterranean influences, spices and fermentation techniques from the Middle East. Examples include her yoghurt and tahini sauce that adds a kick to a dish of sweet potatoes and carrots, suavely bl

The romantic Venetian vibe and tables laid in the garden of Liana and Fabio’s characterful cucina never fail to hit the spot. The bread, pasta and desserts are all made from scratch by your cheerful hostess, who fusses over diners like a real Italian mamma! The chef’s northern Italian delicacies sign a heartfelt Mediterranean declaration of love to all foodies! You may be tempted by his personal spin on vitello tonnato, jazzed up with fermented garlic, or a velvety risotto with tomatoes, chorizo and grilled langoustines. We recommend the house signature Tasting menu. On your way out, don’t for