Gourmet Paradise Flanders: The Best Addresses For You
The Belgian region boasts a lively gastronomy scene that is not afraid of innovation - as well as charming, exceptional hotels.
July 23, 2024
Where to Stay
Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp
Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp
The luxury hotel opened in 2022 in Belgium's design capital Antwerp and is housed in a former medieval monastery. With magnificent gardens, fine materials and other luxuries such as a gym and spa, as well as four restaurants, three of which have been awarded Michelin stars, including the wonderful Fine Fleur by Jacob Jan Boerma and Thomas Diepersloot offers fine cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere.
Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp
Lange Gasthuisstraat 45, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium
Tel.: +32 3 2690000
Web: botanicantwerp.be
Price: Doubles from € 400
Yalo
View this post on Instagram
This is a trendy boutique hotel in Ghent's upmarket Brabantdam district with lifestyle character, 70s design and spacious lobby with a glass roof and bar. It was awarded the Green Globe, which is given to sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels; there's also a rooftop bar with a great view over the Gothic old town of Ghent and DJ sets at weekends.
Yalo
Brabantdam 33, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
Tel.: +32 9 395 92 00
Web: yalohotel.com
Price: Doubles from € 175
Nuit Blanche Guest House
© provided
Ideally located on one of Bruges' most picturesque canals and right next to the famous Bridge of Lovers, this medieval manor house has been converted into a bed and breakfast and has hosted a number of international celebrities as well as crowned heads. There's also an enchanted garden, big fireplaces, a dazzling host - and an enormous amount of history.
Nuit Blanche Guest House
Groeninge 2, 8000 Bruges, Belgium
Tel.+32 494 40 04 47
Web: bb-nuitblanche.com
Price: Doubles from € 225
Where to Eat
Frituur Tartaar
View this post on Instagram
Frituur (pronounced "Frittür") is the name given to the simple chip shops and restaurants that can be found all over the country. Among them, Frituur Tartaar in the center of Ghent is one of the more modern and sophisticated - the sauces are also homemade here, and there are even vegetarian and vegan dishes on offer, as well as classics of Belgian cuisine such as carbonades (stoofvlees), meatballs and croquettes. Of course, this is accompanied by beer, one of the ten different types available.
Frituur Tartaar
Emile Braunplein 12, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
Tel: +32 467 05 10 02
Web: frituurtartaar.be
Carcasse
View this post on Instagram
"From butcher to plate" is the motto of this temple of meat, with dry-aged steaks from various breeds and in different degrees of maturity, various offal dishes, but also convincingly prepared seasonal vegetables from local producers. Most of the meat comes from the farm and butchery of Belgium's star butcher Hendrik Dierendonck, who has been awarded a Michelin star.
Carcasse
Henri Christiaenlaan 5, 8670 Koksijde, Belgium
Tel.: +32 58 51 72 49
Web: carcasse.be
Boury
© provided
This is one of the best restaurants in the country - and one of only two that have been awarded the highest rating of three stars by the Michelin Guide Belgium. Tim Boury is not only an inspired creative chef, but also a great technician who knows how to combine outstanding ingredients from all over the world in a way that's as surprising as it is harmonious; all of it is in a very dignified setting, with perfect service and great drinks accompaniment.
Boury
Rumbeeksesteenweg 300, 8800 Roeselare, Belgium
Tel. +32 51 62 64 62
Web: restaurantboury.be
The Jane
View this post on Instagram
This designer-inspired culinary temple is housed in an old military chapel, the façade of which still bears a crucifix. Two-star chef Nick Bril takes guests on a culinary journey from Latin America to Asia.
The Jane
Paradeplein 1, 2018 Antwerp, Belgium
Tel.: +32 3 808 44 65
Web: thejaneantwerp.com
Chocolatiers
The Chocolate Line
Get this report on Instagram
Dominique Persoone is considered the most dazzling chocolatier in the world. Wild creations and innovative chocolates characterize his "The Chocolate Line" - each praline is a small work of art. With his son Julius, Chocolatier of the Year 2023, the next Persoone generation is already waiting in the wings.
The Chocolate Line
Multiple locations
Web: thechocolateline.be
Zuut
View this post on Instagram
This is a joint project by chocolatier David Van Acker and confectioner Pieter De Volder, who have specialized in the completely manual production of chocolate from special cocoa bean varieties since 2018. The beans are sourced from small producer cooperatives in Africa and Cuba, among other places.
Zuut
Vismarkt 2, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
Tel.+32 16 90 30 75
Web: patisseriezuut.be
Chocoladehuis Boon
View this post on Instagram
Patrick Mertens is known for his original creations and combinations - he has received much acclaim for his cake chocolates, in which eight chocolates in four different flavors form a cake.
Chocoladehuis Boon
Paardsdemerstraat 13, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium
Tel.+32 11 42 21 99
Web: chocoladehuisboon.be
Read more: Flanders: From fries to chocolates
This article appeared in the Falstaff TRAVEL issue Spring 2024.
