293ANTWERP Huis de Colvenier z Δ ̊ ¡¡¡¡¡
St-Antoniusstraat 8, 2000 Antwerp Tel 0477 232650 Road Map C1
An old town mansion is the setting for this friendly, sophisticated restaurant. An open kitchen reveals the high
attention to detail that goes into its classic French cuisine. Guests may visit the extensive wine cellar. Dining
spaces include a winter garden and a summer terrace. Closed on Sundays and Mondays.
ANTWERP Mise en Place ¡¡¡¡
Door Verstraeteplaats 4, 2018 Antwerp (Zurenborg) Tel (03) 2947877 Road Map C1
Just north of the fantasy architecture of Cogels-Osylei, Mise en Place is a delightful belle époque-style restaurant
in an elegantly renovated town mansion. It serves a limited menu of first-rate Belgian cuisine. The fixed-price
menus can be attractively priced, especially at lunch. Closed for Saturday lunch, and on Sundays and Mondays.
DIEST Den Keyser Δ ¡¡
Grote Markt, 3290 Diest Tel (013) 673376 Road Map D2
This is a classic red-brick Flemish Renaissance building dating from 1616 with unusual flourishes on its fancy gable.
Inside is a traditional brasserie, open all day from 9am. Leffe blonde and bruine beer on tap. Leffe is also used in the
cooking of some of the dishes on a menu that ranges from snacks to full meals. Closed Tuesdays and Mondays.
DIEST De Proosdij Δ ̊ ¡¡¡¡¡
Cleyneartstraat 14, 3290 Diest Tel (013) 312010 Road Map D2
This beautiful 17th-century house, close to the St-Sulpitiuskerk, was formerly the home of the provost. Luxuriously
and elegantly refurbished, it is now the domain of the celebrated chef Anny Smets, an expert in classic French
cuisine. Summer eating in a stunning garden. Closed for Saturday lunch, and on Sunday evenings and Mondays.
HALLE Les Éleveurs z Δ ̊ ¡¡¡¡¡
Suikerkaai 1A, 1500 Halle Tel (02) 3611340 Road Map C2
The original purpose of these attractive buildings by the Brussels-Charleroi canal was to breed Brabantine
draught horses. They are now the location of a hotel-restaurant famed for high-quality Franco-Belgian food by
chef Sofie Dumont. Elegant dining room and pretty bricked terrace. Closed Saturday lunch, Sundays and Mondays.
HASSELT De Kwizien z Δ ¡¡¡¡
Jeneverplein, 3500 Hasselt Tel (011) 242344 Road Map E2
With its striking glasshouse extension on the tranquil square dedicated to Hasselt’s famous gin, De Kwizien has
caused something of a stir. The innovative cuisine for which the restaurant is named is produced with flourish in
the open kitchen. Relaxed, fun and engaging atmosphere. Closed Tuesdays, Wednesdays and for Saturday lunch.
HASSELT ‘t Kleine Genoegen z ¡¡¡¡
Raamstraat 3, 3500 Hasselt Tel (011) 225703 Road Map E2
The traditional cuisine of Limbourg, with modern gourmet twists, is celebrated in this popular family-run
restaurant. Seasonal streekproducten (regional produce) such as rhubarb, cherries and rabbit, form the basis
of the menu. The setting is a 17th-century building, utterly modernized inside. Closed Sundays and Mondays.
HASSELT ‘t Claeverblat z ¡¡¡¡¡
Lombaardstraat 34, 3500 Hasselt Tel (011) 222404 Road Map E2
Award-winning chef Sidy Pelssers brings over 25 years’ experience to her fine French-style cuisine at ‘t Claeverblat
(The Clover Leaf). In a townhouse close to the centre, the dining rooms are intimate and classical, the perfect
canvas for the beautifully presented dishes. Closed on Thursdays, Sundays and for lunch on Saturdays.
LEUVEN Café De Blaue Schuit Δ © ¡
Vismarkt 16, 3000 Leuven Tel (016) 220570 Road Map D2
Established for over 30 years, De Blaue Schuit (The Blue Barge) is a popular café-style pub in a 19th-century
building decorated with disparate memorabilia, and with a tree-shaded terrace. The kitchen is open 11am–10pm
and offers pastas, salads, chilli con carne and daily specials. Closed on Sundays between October and March.
LEUVEN Domus Δ © ¡¡
Tiensestraat 8, 3000 Leuven Tel (016) 201449 Road Map D2
A unique Belgian institution, this pub is supplied by its own brewery next door (founded in 1985) and the Domus
beer is pumped directly into the taps of the agreeable, traditional-style tavern. Snacks, including breakfast and
pub food – pasta, salads, steaks, spare ribs, pancakes – are served throughout the day. Closed Mondays.
LEUVEN De Blauwe Maan Δ © ¡¡¡¡
Mechelsestraat 22, 3000 Leuven Tel (016) 299747 Road Map D2
There is a buzz to De Blauwe Maan (The Blue Moon), a modern eatery whose changing daily dishes and
fixed-price lunch menus are particularly good value. Snack or feast – all appetites are welcome. The cooking
is mainly French-Belgian-Italian, a solid base with gastronomic flourishes. Closed on Sundays and Mondays.
LIER De Fortuin Δ ¡¡¡
Felix Timmermansplein 7, 2500 Lier Tel (03) 4802951 Road Map C1
With its large terrace and 17th-century shuttered façade overlooking the River Kleine Nete, this is an excellent
place for a snack or a full-scale meal. Inside, it is like a traditional tavern, with exposed beams and an open fire in
winter. Good-quality French-style cuisine: oysters, smoked fish and pork cutlets with mustard sauce. Open all day.
WHERE TO EAT