Flanders – A gastronome’s paradise

Perhaps one of our best kept secrets is the fact that Flanders has some of the best restaurants in the world. Home to more Michelin stars per head than France, Belgium excels itself in the wide ranging, top quality restaurants it produces. The Flemish region is brimming with excellent gastronomy at fantastic value for money. We’ve selected our top ten compiled to represent the best of Flanders. So if you’re heading to Europe this summer, it’s worth plotting a path via the Flemish cities to sample some of the country’s gems.

1. Patrick De Vos “Zilveren Pauw”, Zilverstraat 41 – 8000 Bruges

Set in beautiful surroundings in the heart of romantic Bruges. The Zilveren Pauw translates as the Silver Peacock and the charming interior compliments its excellent cuisine. Patrickdevos.be

2. Dome – Grote Hondstraat 2, Antwerp 2018

Situated in the fabulous Zurenbourg district of Antwerp, Dome is housed in a splendid, round Art Nouveau building which was formally a teahouse, sewing school and police office! Enjoy fabulous cuisine such as monkfish with fresh spinach and pumpkin oil.

3. Pakhuis Brasserie- Schuurkenstraat 4, Ghent 9000

This is a magnificent restored 600 sq.m warehouse right in the heart of the historic centre of the city. Serving great food in a spectacular setting. Cuisine in traditional French-Italian style, plus contemporary creations and a wealth of oysters, shellfish and seafood www.pakhuis.be

4. Rouge Tomate Avenue Louise 190 – 1050 Brussels

Situated in the heart of fashionable Avenue Louise, Rouge Tomate serves up the best seasonal produce innovatively prepared with local ingredients. Bright and modern design compliment the fresh and nutritious menus which are altered on a regular basis. Rougetomate.com

5. De Blauwe Maan Mechelsestraat 22 – 3000 Leuven

Head chef Johan Gilbert serves combinations that please the eye as well as the mouth. Specialising in Italian food with a Flemish twist.Situated in the historical centre of Leuven, guests can enjoy a calm and relaxed dining experience. Deblauwemaan.be
6. Folliez Korenmarkt 19- Mechelen

Gastronomic delights are the speciality of this Michelin starred Mechelen restaurant. Popular for lunch and dinner, the range of dishes is varied and caters for most tastes. An eye for detail and exceptional presentation make for mouth watering classic dishes with a Mediterranean accent using the finest fresh market produce. Folliez.be

7. Pegasus Restaurant – Guido Gezellestraat 7 - 8970 Poperinge

No visit to Flanders Fields country should be without a stop in this magnificent hotel/restaurant offering traditional dishes with a hint of the Mediterranean. Head chef Bert Recour is renowned for his originality and flair and its exceptional setting and beautiful décor make a meal at this restaurant unforgettable. Pegasusrecour.be

8. The Ostend Queen- West Helling 8400, Ostend

This well reputed fish restaurant sits in a prominent position offering stunning vistas of the Ostend promenade. Situated on the top floor of the Ostend casino, the chef, Pierre Wynants has created a stunning menu to match the view. Try specialities such as Sole "Belle Epoque" and the Zeevruchtenshotel( seafood platter) made with oysters, lobster, king crab, Ostend grey shrimp, black tiger prawns, mussels and winkles. Kursaaloostende.be

9. Het Pomphuis Siberiastraat z.n , 2030 Antwerp

Situated in the southern district of Antwerp is an old building which housed city pumps. The building was converted into a restaurant but the old pumps have been retained together with the glazing and high round windows which graciously illuminate this highly recommended restaurant. Hetpomphuis.be

10. Hostellierie St Nicolas Veurnseweg 532, 8906 Elverdinge

Based in Elverdinge, close to the city of Ypres, the restaurant Hostellerie St Nicolas is managed by Franky Vanderhaeghe and his wife Sandra Nys and has the prestigious honour of being awarded two Michelin stars. Situated in modern and pleasant surroundings, the restaurant prides itself in using fresh local and seasonal ingredients and represents excellent value for money given their various prestigious accolades. Hostellerie-stnicolas.com

For more information, go to Visitflanders.co.uk.