La Grande Marée

Ever since the brother-sister team of Thomas and Jade Hidden brought La Grande Marée back to life, it’s become the hottest spot on the Flemish coast! Located on Zuydcoote beach, just a few kilometers from Belgium, the duo cook up a lovely menu of shared seafood plates (with a few earthly exceptions), which can be savored in a sleek space that combines raw concrete with Scandi-inspired furniture. Ordered that summer night, with priceless views of the water at sunset, some well-made small plates (razor clams in garlic and parsley butter; saucisson from the nearby butcher Chez Edgar; a combo of mackerel, sunchokes and chicory) and a few classic bar dishes (comforting shrimp croquettes, traditional mussels and fries, perfect fish and chips, and some basic fried chicken with ranch). What about the sweets? There’s a delicious Notre-Dame des Foins, aka a revisited Dame Blanche dessert made with homemade malt ice cream. // Nour Passages 

FEELING THIRSTY? : Natural wines (an Ardèche chasselas from the Domaine de l’Iserand at €35 a bottle) and a lovely selection of beers from all over – Hopper or Home Tone by Hoppy Road beers from Lorraine, German Eau de Kölsch beer, Belgian Saison from Dottignies (€6 to €14.50)…  
PRICE: : During tourist season, small plates €4-18, à la carte €39-51, shellfish platters €49; in the off season, set menus €40 and €55.