Gault&Millau 2027: New edition rewards Belgium’s top chefs

Gault&Millau has unveiled its 2027 Benelux edition with several Brussels establishments among the culinary guide’s 1,311 restaurants.

The gastronomic listing named Gert De Mangeleer of Hertog Jan in Antwerp as Chef of the Year 2027, reports L’Echo magazine Sabato.

As a well-known figure in the Belgian culinary scene, De Mangeleer is appreciated for his blend of technical precision with a strong affinity for Japanese culinary culture.

The guide highlighted his ability to transition from fine dining to more accessible concepts while maintaining a signature identity. Along with sommelier Joachim Boudens, De Mangeleer is the creative force behind Bar Bulot, L.E.S.S. Eatery and Babu.

Otherwise, among the top rankings, the highest scores was awarded to the restaurant run by Tim Boury and his wife Inge Waeles. “We are incredibly proud and grateful to once again receive 19/20 from Gault&Millau. A recognition that means a great deal to us and reflects the dedication of everyone involved,” they announced on their website.

Sir Kwinten in Lennik achieved a score of 18.5/20, while Bozar Restaurant continued its ascent, climbing to 18/20. Two other Brussels restaurants earned a score of 17.5/20: Eliane, helmed by Kobe Desremaults, and David Martin’s La Paix in the Corinthia Grand Hotel Astoria, following its relocation from Anderlecht.

Here are the best Belgian restaurants according to Gault&Millau:

19/20: 
Boury (Roeselare)

18.5/20:
L'air du temps (Eghezée)
Sir Kwinten (Lennik)
The Jane (Antwerp)
Zilte (Antwerp)

18/20:
Arabelle Meirlaen (Marchin)
Bartholomeus (Knokke-Heist)
Bozar Restaurant (Brussels)
De Jonkman (Bruges)
Hertog Jan (Antwerp)
Hof van Cleve (Kruisem)
Nuance (Duffel)
Slagmolen (Oudsbergen)

New generation of chefs

The next generation making its mark on the culinary landscape include Ruben Christiaens, 30, of La Villa Lorraine, named Young Chef of the Year for Brussels. In Flanders, the title went to Anthony Stoop of Komaf in Wommelgem, while in Wallonia, it was awarded to Mathieu Vande Velde of Le Roannay in Francorchamps.

Among the 132 newcomers to the guide, Cosmos stands out as a Brussels address to watch. Located on Rue du Trône in a former fishmonger’s and boasting a remarkable Art Nouveau interior, Kevin Perlot’s restaurant received a score of 14/20 and two “toques.” The chef focuses on plant-based ingredients and seafood (pictured above). In Antwerp, Tom Loockx’s Fuzz achieved a score of 15/20, while Olivier Massart’s OM in Embourg earned a score of 14.5/20.

A number of restaurants in Brussels also picked up awards. Bottega Vannini, in Woluwe-Saint-Pierre, was named "Trattoria of the Year"; Môme, in Ixelles, received the "Prix-Plaisir"; Mauvais Choix was recognised for its vegetable-focused menu; and Racines was honoured for its selection of wines by the glass. In the Dansaert district, La Belle Équipe was named "Discovery of the Year" for the Belgian capital.

Amid these new names, Gault&Millau also paid tribute to a prominent figure in Belgian gastronomy, Pierre Wynants, who received the “Lifetime Achievement Award” in the same year that the restaurant Comme chez Soi celebrates its centenary. As a third-generation member of the family, he helped elevate the institution in Place Rouppe to the pinnacle of both Belgian and international gastronomy. His cooking, characterised by precision, elegant garnishes and richly flavoured sauces, has influenced generations of chefs. Today, the restaurant is run by his daughter, Laurence Wynants, and his son-in-law, chef Lionel Rigolet.

Photos: ©Gault&Millau 2027 Belux award ceremony; Cosmos restaurant