LOOKING FOR AN EXCEPTIONAL dining experience in Antwerp? Look no further than Hertog Jan, a Michelin-starred restaurant that has been wowing diners for years with its innovative cuisine and exceptional service.
Located in the heart of Antwerp, restaurant Hertog Jan is the brainchild of Chef Gert De Mangeleer, who has earned a reputation as one of Belgium’s most talented and innovative chefs. Gert De Mangeleer took over Hertog Jan with his partner, sommelier and culinary soulmate Joachim Boudens, in 2005. Together, they transformed the restaurant’s traditional menu into an inventive mix of traditional Belgian cuisine and modern cooking techniques, resulting in dishes that are both familiar and completely unique.
One of the highlights of the menu is the restaurant’s signature dish, the “soil salad,” which features a mixture of earthy vegetables, herbs and flowers that are grown in a specially designed soil-based ecosystem. Other standout dishes include the “hamachi with oyster and ponzu,” the “squid with spinach and seaweed,” and the “duck with pumpkin and chicory.”
But it’s not just the food that sets Hertog Jan apart. The restaurant’s interior is sleek and modern, with an open kitchen that allows diners to watch as the chefs prepare each dish with precision and care. The service is also exceptional, with a knowledgeable staff that is passionate about both the food and the wine list. In 2014, Gert De Mangeleer received the European Chef of the Year award.
Speaking of the wine list, Hertog Jan boasts an impressive selection of both Belgian and international wines, carefully curated to complement the restaurant’s dishes perfectly. And for those looking for a truly special dining experience, the restaurant also offers a private dining room that can accommodate up to 10 guests. They also have their own special beer, the Hertog Jan Grand Prestige. And since the summer of 2019, the chefs launched their summery pop-up Bar Bulot.
Overall, Hertog Jan is a must-visit for foodies and anyone looking for a memorable dining experience in Antwerp. From the inventive cuisine to the exceptional service, this Michelin-starred gem is sure to impress even the most discerning of diners.
So if you’re looking for an unforgettable meal in Antwerp, be sure to make a reservation at Hertog Jan – your taste buds will thank you!
