For the couple who pairs understated elegance with a reverence for gastronomic heritage, Hof van Cleve offers a three Michelin-starred journey in Belgium’s pastoral heartland—a sanctuary where Flemish fields, French technique, and a new generation’s vision converge. Nestled in a renovated 19th-century farmhouse in Kruisem, this culinary landmark, now led by Chef Floris Van Der Veken, redefines Belgian fine dining through meticulous craftsmanship, hyper-local sourcing, and a seamless transition from legend to legacy.
The Vibe Check
Hof van Cleve thrums with the quiet confidence of a centuries-old estate—timeless, warm, and effortlessly refined.
- Atmosphere: White-linen tables, handcrafted ceramics by Belgian artisans, and golden accents under soft amber lighting. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame views of the Flemish countryside, while a curated dessert trolley glides through the room like a sweet-toothed muse.
- Dress Code: Country estate chic—tailored blazers, silk dresses, loafers worn smooth by cobblestone strolls through nearby Ghent.
- Soundtrack: The clink of Antoine Van Loocke knives, the murmur of sommeliers decoding Grand Cru Burgundies, and the rustle of crisp linen as courses arrive.
This is where Floris Van Der Veken—protégé of iconic chef Peter Goossens—honors 37 years of Michelin-starred history while etching his own narrative into Belgium’s culinary canon.
A Legacy Forged in Flanders' Fields
Founded in 1987 by Peter Goossens and his wife Lieve, Hof van Cleve became Belgium’s gastronomic lodestar. Goossens, dubbed the “Godfather of Belgian Cuisine,” earned three Michelin stars by 2005—the youngest Belgian chef to do so—and held them for 19 consecutive years. The restaurant’s Gault&Millau 19.5/20 score and 16 appearances on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list cemented its global acclaim.
In 2023, Goossens passed the torch to Floris Van Der Veken, his right-hand chef since 2015. Under Floris, the restaurant retains its name, team, and ethos while embracing subtle modernity. The 2024 price adjustment (tasting menus from €220) reflects Floris’ commitment to accessibility without compromising on luxury.
A Culinary Sonnet: Tradition with a Whisper of Innovation
Signature Acts
- Corrèze Lamb: A dual tribute—ravioli stuffed with confit shoulder, paired with a medium-rare saddle glazed in rich meat jus.
- Turbot with Lobster Béarnaise: Silken fish draped in a buttery emulsion, kissed by Belgian coastal herbs.
- Dessert Trolley: A rolling masterpiece of chocolate soufflés, fruit tarts, and vanilla-laced crèmes—unchanged since Goossens’ era, forever iconic.
Menus
- Freshness of Nature (€220+): A 10-course ode to Flanders’ terroir—spring’s wild asparagus, autumn’s game birds, winter’s truffle-laced celeriac.
- À La Carte: Dive into classics like Wagyu beef with Belgian fries or reinvented street-food nods like refined stoemp (mashed potato with vegetables).
Wine Pairings
- Discovery (€150): Loire Valley Chenin Blancs, Slovenian orange wines, and Basque cider.
- Prestige (€400): Back-vintage Bordeaux, Grand Cru Burgundies, and rare Champagnes curated by sommelier Tom Christiaens.
Practical Intel
- Reservations: Book via Tock 3+ months ahead. Slots drop quarterly (Feb/May/Aug/Nov 1).
- Dress: Smart-casual elegance—no jeans, but your attire should whisper country manor weekend.
- Find: Riemegemstraat 1, Kruisem. A 20-minute drive from Ghent; follow the scent of woodsmoke and fresh-baked bread.
Pro Tips
- Chef’s Counter: Secure one of six seats to watch Floris’ brigade plate with surgeon-like precision.
- Post-Dinner: Stroll the estate’s gardens, where herbs from your meal still glisten with dew.
Why It Resonates
- For the Purist: Menus pivot on micro-seasons—Floris sources 80% of ingredients within 50km, from Zeeland oysters to Ardennes game.
- For the Traditionalist: The dessert trolley, a hallmark of Goossens’ reign, remains a grand finale of indulgence.
- For the Connoisseur: A 1,800-bottle wine list heavy on aged Bordeaux and Burgundies, plus gems like 1990 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti.
Hof van Cleve isn’t a meal—it’s a lineage. A place where Flanders’ soil meets Floris’ ambition, where Peter Goossens’ shadow blends with a new dawn, and where every bite bridges Belgium’s culinary past and future. For couples craving elegance steeped in heritage, this Kruisem jewel is where three-star legacy clinks glasses with next-gen verve.