Fine dining in Flanders, Belgium

Perhaps one of the region's best kept secrets is the fact 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. What's more the Flemish region is brimming with excellent gastronomy at fantastic value for money.

Here travelbite.co.uk has selected the top ten restaurants - compiled to represent the best of Flanders. So if a trip to Europe is on the cards this winter it’s worth plotting a path via some of the Flemish cities listed to sample some gems.

Top Ten Flemish Restaurants

First up is Folliez where Michelin starred gastronomic delights are the speciality.

Located in a Dutch speaking Mechelen district of Antwerp, the restaurant is popular for lunch and dinner, with the range of dishes varied and catering 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.

Continuing with a Mediterranean theme, no visit to Flanders Fields country could be complete without a stop in the magnificent Pegasus Restaurant.

Again, the restaurant – which also includes a boutique hotel - offers traditional dishes with a hint of the Mediterranean, with head chef Bert Recour renowned for his originality and flair.

The exceptional setting and beautiful décor also contribute to make a meal at this restaurant unforgettable.

For those with a taste for seafood, the Ostend Queen is a well reputed fish restaurant, sitting in a prominent position in Ostend.

The location offers stunning vistas of the Ostend promenade, from its position 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.

Back in Antwerp, the Het Pomphuis is situated in the southern district in an old building which formerly housed the 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.

Again in Antwerp, The Dome is situated in the fabulous Zurenbourg district (Grote Hondstraat 2, Antwerp 2018). The location 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.

For those seeking a truly extraordinary dining experience, the Hostellierie St Nicolas - based in Elverdinge close to the city of Ypres – is for you.

The restaurant 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 its various prestigious accolades.

In a similar vein, the Patrick De Vos Zilveren Pauw is set in beautiful surroundings in the heart of romantic Bruges. The name translates as the Silver Peacock and the charming interior compliments its excellent cuisine.

In Ghent, the Pakhuis Brasserie is a magnificent restored 600 square metre warehouse right in the heart of the historic centre of the city.

Serving great food in a spectacular setting, the cuisine is in a traditional French-Italian style, plus contemporary creations and a wealth of oysters, shellfish and seafood.

Brussels also offers the Rouge Tomate.

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

Finally, the De Blauwe in Leuven sees head chef Johan Gilbert serve a range of combinations that please the eye as well as the mouth.

Specialising in Italian food with a Flemish twist, the restaurant is situated in the historical centre of Leuven, where guests can enjoy a calm and relaxed dining experience.

Chris O'Toole