The 6 best new concepts in Bruges

Gert De Mangeleer and Joachim Boudens have created a stunning new restaurant in the heart of Bruges that feels more like Tokyo or Hong Kong. After running the acclaimed Hertog Jan for many years, the two have come up with a fresh dining concept inspired by Japanese sushi bars. The chefs work in an open kitchen where they create delicate dishes for sharing that feature rare ingredients such as Freygaard beef imported from remote Finnish farms.     

Chef Pieter Lonneville has converted an old butcher’s shop on the edge of town into a stylish delicatessen with a lunch counter at the back. His aim is to recreate the nostalgic atmosphere of a family meal at a big farmhouse table. He cooks in an open kitchen using fresh local ingredients while incorporating ideas he picked up in Iceland.

This street food bar opened in 2016 in the house next to Tom’s Diner. The interior architect Lieven Musschoot has crafted a striking modern look using raw wood tables, rough brick walls and bright cushions. The kitchen produces tasty bar bites inspired by Asian and South American street food including lamb burger and pulled pork.

Henk Van Oudenhove has created a relaxed spot for bar food next to his upmarket restaurant Sans Cravate. Named after a local man who formerly lived here, Hubert has been given a hip modern look with bold colours and an open kitchen. The menu on the blackboard changes depending on the season or Henk’s latest research, so you might be offered North Sea fish stew or pheasant roasted on the spit.

Jade and Thibault serve innovative food in a stylish lunch spot near the Smedenpoort. The interior has a hip modern look with bare brick, small round tables and a lunch counter. The kitchen uses fresh ingredients to create tasty tapas dishes, including sardines from the small port of Getaria in Spain. Closed in the evening.

No problem finding this restaurant. The name is almost the same as the address. It is located in a quiet lane, away from the crowds. The intimate interior has a bright Nordic feel and there is a terrace at the back for summer dining. Chef Jan Supply consistently pleases diners with his creative cooking style based on fresh ingredients.