De Kunst was made for anyone who craves life’s simple pleasures. After years pulling pints at De Kleine Kunst café, Dutch duo Ynze Van Hoek and Sebastian Vos decided to open its bolder big brother: a hybrid hangout that’s part restaurant, part bar and part artist studio. The evening we went, we wove our way to the courtyard through a joyful jumble of brick walls, wood paneling, Portuguese cement tiles, a fireplace, books, candles, school tables and chairs, and dangling filament bulbs, before landing a spot in front of the sprawling mural. Nestled among the plants, we took our time to enjoy: cheeses from Het Hinkelspel, caramelized onions and hearty sourdough bread made with flour from the De Zwalmmolen mill; generous slices of butter-basted steak served with a punchy chimichurri; haddock paired with yellow beetroot and a heavenly golden saffron sauce. All served with a side of crinkle-cut fries and fresh homemade mayo, just because! In short, it’s the art of having a good time without worrying about the time! · Coco Bianca

FEELING THIRSTY? Wines from every climate, plus softs and beers available by the glass or bottle: a 2020 Pinet, a picpoul from Calmel & Joseph in Languedoc (€7.50 per glass, €37 per bottle), homemade kombucha (€4), and a lively beer from Brasserie Stroom, whose label is designed by the house’s own resident artist (€5 for 330 ml).
PRICE: Snacks €8-16, toasties €11-13, mains €19-25, desserts €7-8.