The pitch? A seafood restaurant perched directly opposite the fish market! After starting his career as a teacher at Ter Duinen hospitality management college, chef Michiel Rabaey eventually traded theory for practice, opening this intimate seafood restaurant in 2018 with his partner, Nathalie Hiele, who warmly welcomes diners. And flock they do, just like the seagulls hovering around the tables of this seaside eatery, to feast on the North Sea’s finest (and more), all sourced and prepared with a sustainable, zero-waste ethos – even the razor clams are suction-harvested to keep the seabed intact. So, what awaits? Two menus that each tell the story of the Flemish coast in their own way, updated monthly with the seasons and whatever the tide decides to offer. Expect a parade of shellfish, by-catch, vegetables grown in the polders and wild herbs foraged in the dunes: langoustine with chanterelles, new potatoes and sea lavender; the catch of the day served with tomato, eggplant and garlic mousse; green asparagus with sand carrots and ras el-hanout… Truly exceptional cooking that strikes the perfect balance between precise technique and poetry on the plate. · Anika Kane

FEELING THIRSTY? Alongside classic European wine pairings for Michiel’s menus, Nathalie also offers a selection of local spirits expertly curated by bartender Jurgen Nobels (Amigo Amigo in Ghent).

PRICE: Menus €85-99 (4-5 courses), wine pairing €39-49 (four glasses).