On Tuesday 28 April 2025, the annual Belgian presentation of the Michelin stars took place at the Handelsbeurs in Antwerp. In an award show presented by Simone Van Trier, 13 Belgian restaurants could take home a new distinction.
Each year, the Michelin Guide presents several restaurants with some of the culinary world’s most prestigious awards. Depending on the quality of the food, the service, the setting, and many other factors, restaurants are presented with a number of stars reflecting the overall experience.
Three stars
This year, there were no newcomers in the three-star category in Belgium. Zilte in Antwerp and Boury in Roeselare (West Flanders) thus remain the two sole three-starred addresses in the country.
“This is and remains a red-letter day for gastronomy, a unique moment, year after year. We share the stage with Tim Boury with great pride. Everyone who has worked extremely hard has been rewarded. We are part of the most beautiful profession there is. If we can make people happy every day, then we too are happy,” said Viki Geunes of Zilte in Antwerp, who received the award for the fifth year in a row.
Two stars
As far as two-starred restaurants go, Belgium was able to add one new establishment to the list. The honour went to Maison Colette, a restaurant by Thijs Vervloet in Tongerlo (Antwerp).
“‘Maison Colette’ is more than just a restaurant. It is a place where exquisite gastronomy and warm hospitality go hand in hand, where tradition and innovation meet in a setting that feels like a welcoming home. A home is not merely a location, it is a feeling. A feeling of warmth, comfort, and coming home. And that is precisely what Maison Colette is all about,” the restaurant’s description reads.
One star
Ten Belgian restaurants were able to go home with their first Michelin star. In Brussels, Eliane by chef Kobe Desramaults was able to charm the Michelin inspectors. In Flanders, La Botte in Genk by Giuseppe Giacomazza, Mémoire in Bruges by Wouter Van Tichelen, HAUT in Ostend by Dimitri Proost, Modest in Opglabbeek by Sander Spreeuwers, and Julien in Lotenhulle by Davy Devlieghere were able to grab a star. Finally, in Wallonia, Bistrot Blaise in Marche-en-Famenne by François-Xavier Simon, Beau Rivage by Curtis in Dave by Curtis Maquet, Un Max de Goût in Comblain-au-Pont by Maxime Zimmer, and Vicomté in Roucourt by Quentin Gallopyn were awarded during the ceremony.
Green star
Last but not least, two new restaurants in Belgium were given a so-called green star for their remarkable efforts regarding sustainable cuisine. Restaurant Sophie & Nicolas in Comblain-la-Tour only uses local ingredients, applying a no-waste philosophy. ’t Gasthuis by InstroomArt in Mechelen focuses on plant-based dishes and social employment.
