Belgium boasts two restaurants honored with the Michelin Guide's highest distinction - three stars. One of them is 't Zilte, located in the spectacular Museum aan de Stroom (MAS) building in Antwerp. The restaurant occupies the top floor of the museum, offering not only a unique dining experience, but also breathtaking views of the city and harbor. Chef Viki Geunes, a true legend of Belgian gastronomy, has maintained three Michelin stars since 2018, a testament to his remarkable consistency and culinary mastery.

Geunes is known for his creative approach to local ingredients and traditional techniques, which he transforms into modern, surprising compositions. His culinary philosophy is based on a deep respect for the product and the season, which translates into a menu that changes with the availability of the freshest ingredients. Each dish at 't Zilte is a small work of art, where harmony of flavors goes hand in hand with aesthetic presentation. The restaurant's prices are in keeping with its prestige - it is a place that definitely falls into the expensive category, meant for special occasions or for true fine dining enthusiasts.

The second three-star jewel of Belgian gastronomy is Hof van Cleve, located in the picturesque village of Kruisem in East Flanders. This restaurant, run by legendary chef Peter Goossens, has gained cult status on the Belgian culinary scene. Often called the 'father of modern Belgian cuisine,' Goossens revolutionized the local approach to gastronomy by combining traditional flavors with modern techniques and presentation.

The history of Hof van Cleve dates back to 1987, when Goossens and his wife Lieve opened their restaurant in an 18th-century farmhouse. In 2005, the place was awarded three Michelin stars and has maintained that status ever since, making it one of the longest-running three-star restaurants in Europe. It is worth mentioning an interesting fact - Hof van Cleve is located in a small village, far from the hustle and bustle of big cities, which is an exception among restaurants of this class, which usually operate in metropolitan areas.

Goossens' cuisine is characterized by a deep respect for local products, especially those from Flanders. The chef is renowned for his ability to extract intense flavors from seemingly simple ingredients, creating dishes that are both sophisticated and approachable. The menu at Hof van Cleve changes seasonally, always reflecting the best of the year. As with 't Zilte, the dining experience at Hof van Cleve falls into the pricey category, but is a must-visit on the culinary map of Europe for many food lovers.

Antwerp, being Belgium's second largest city, is a true paradise for lovers of fine dining. Prominent among its culinary treasures are two Michelin-starred restaurants: The Jane and Hertog Jan.

The Jane is a unique place not only for its excellent cuisine, but also for its spectacular location. The restaurant is housed in a former hospital chapel from the early 20th century, which has been transformed into one of the most impressive dining spaces in Europe. The history of the place is fascinating - for years the chapel fell into disrepair, until in 2014 chef Sergio Herman, along with Nick Bril, decided to breathe new life into it. The renovation took more than a year, and the result exceeded expectations. The original stained glass windows and high, vaulted ceiling have been preserved, creating a unique atmosphere of sacred elegance that contrasts with the interior's modern design.

Today, The Jane is run by Nick Bril, who continues the philosophy of combining the highest quality ingredients with innovative culinary techniques. His cuisine is a fusion of classic French techniques with influences from around the world, with a particular focus on Asian cuisine. The tasting menu at The Jane is a true culinary journey, where guests can expect unexpected combinations of flavors and textures. The restaurant also offers a unique experience in the form of the Upper Room Bar, where cocktails and smaller dishes can be enjoyed in a more casual atmosphere. The Jane falls into the category of expensive restaurants, but the unique combination of architecture, ambience and cuisine makes it an experience that will linger in the memory.

Antwerp's other two-star gem is Hertog Jan, a restaurant with a fascinating history. It originally operated in the village of Zedelgem near Bruges, where it received its first Michelin star in 2005 and its second in 2007. In 2014, chefs Gert De Mangeleer and Joachim Boudens decided to move the restaurant to Antwerp, where they continue their culinary journey. In 2022, Hertog Jan at Botanic Antwerp was awarded two Michelin stars and maintained them in 2024.

Hertog Jan's culinary philosophy is based on a deep respect for nature and the season. The chefs maintain their own garden, from which they source the fresh herbs, vegetables and flowers used in their creations. The menu changes not only seasonally, but often even daily, depending on the best nature has to offer on any given day. The dishes at Hertog Jan are characterized by clean flavors, elegant presentation and surprising combinations. The restaurant is also famous for its impressive wine list, carefully selected for the menu by sommelier Joachim Boudens. Like The Jane, Hertog Jan falls into the category of expensive restaurants, but the quality of the dining experience fully justifies the price.

The two restaurants, despite being located in the same city and holding the same number of Michelin stars, offer completely different dining experiences. The Jane impresses with its dramatic architecture and bold flavor combinations, while Hertog Jan captivates with its subtlety and deep connection to nature. What both places have in common is an uncompromising commitment to excellence and a passion for creating unforgettable culinary experiences.

Beyond Antwerp and East Flanders, Belgium hides many more culinary treasures worth discovering. One of them is Boury restaurant, located in Roeselare, West Flanders. It's a two-star place run by chef Tim Boury, who has won praise from food critics for his perfectionism and creativity.

Boury's story began in 2010, when Tim Boury, after years of working at renowned restaurants, including the three-star Hof van Cleve, decided to open his own place with his wife Inge Waeles. The restaurant was initially housed in a modest space, but quickly gained recognition and was awarded its first Michelin star in 2016. Just a year later, in 2017, Boury received its second star, a remarkable achievement for such a young restaurant. In 2019, Tim and Inge moved their restaurant to an elegant 1920s villa, creating a space that perfectly reflects their culinary philosophy - classic elegance with modern touches.

Tim Boury's cuisine is based on classic French techniques, but with distinct Flemish influences. The chef is renowned for his ability to create intense, deep sauces, which are the foundation of many of his dishes. Boury pays great attention to the quality of the products, working with local suppliers and adapting the menu to the rhythm of the seasons. An interesting fact is that the restaurant has its own smokehouse, where some of the ingredients are prepared, giving the dishes their characteristic smoky flavor.

The menu at Boury changes seasonally, but you can always expect classic combinations served in a modern, elegant way. The restaurant offers various tasting menu options to fully appreciate the chef's artistry. Boury falls into the category of expensive restaurants, but the quality of the dining experience fully justifies the price.

Comparing all the restaurants described, there are some differences in the approach to gastronomy. 't Zilte and The Jane represent a more avant-garde approach, experimenting with modern techniques and non-obvious flavor combinations. Hof van Cleve and Hertog Jan focus on a deep connection to nature and local tradition, while Boury combines classic techniques with modern presentation. What all these places have in common, however, is an uncompromising commitment to excellence and a passion for creating unforgettable culinary experiences.

Belgium's Michelin-starred restaurant scene is extremely dynamic and diverse. Each year, the Michelin guide awards new stars to promising restaurants, a testament to the continued growth and innovation of Belgian gastronomy. In 2024, nine new restaurants received their first star, and two restaurants were promoted to the two-star category, including Sir Kwinten in Sint-Kwintens-Lennik.

For true fine dining enthusiasts, a culinary journey through Belgium is an unforgettable experience that allows them to discover the richness of local culinary traditions in a modern, sophisticated way. From three-star gems to two-star treasures to lesser-known but equally fascinating one-star discoveries, Belgium's culinary scene has much more to offer than its famous chocolates, beers and fries.