Michelin star restaurants in Belgium
Belgium may be small, but its Michelin dining scene is world-class. From Karen Torosyan’s two-star artistry at Bozar, to the sustainable innovation at Barge, and the terroir-driven flavors of Castor, each restaurant offers a unique expression of Belgian gastronomy.
This is just the start of my Michelin adventure — next stops will include more Michelin star restaurants in Belgium and across Europe. Stay tuned for future reviews (and plenty of photos).
Karen Torosyan – Bozar ★★
Barge ★ + Le Roannay ★
Castor ★★
Karen Torosyan – Bozar ★★
Located inside the Art-Deco Palais des Beaux-Arts, Bozar Restaurant is led by Chef Karen Torosyan, known for his meticulous craftsmanship and passion for seasonal ingredients.
We chose the 3-course lunch menu, though the experience went far beyond three dishes. Appetizers, warm brioche, and refined plating elevated every course. Dessert ended with three delicate mignardises and a box of chocolates to take home alongside our personalized menu — a true fine-dining gesture.
Highlights from our tasting menu at Bozar:
- Appetizers: Beef of Galicia with artichoke and capers; parsleyed ham with smoked eel; grilled oyster with daikon and dashi broth
- Main courses: Dorade from Brittany with courgette and bouillabaisse; milk-fed veal from the Pyrenees with chanterelles and peas
- Dessert: Apricot with rosemary and fresh almonds, followed by tiramisu, lemon tart, and vanilla custard
The final touch was a box of chocolates to take home with our personalised menu with a quote that resonates with me:
‘Cooking is about sharing, thank you for sharing this moment with us’
Bozar Restaurant, Rue Baron Horta 3, 1000 Brussels
Barge ★ + Le Roannay ★
On the 24th June 2025, a “four-hands dinner” took place at the restaurant Barge in Brussels, where Chef Grégoire Gillard from Barge and Mathieu Vande Velde from Le Roannay collaborated to create a 6 course experience; and I was lucky enough to be there!
Barge was awarded its first Michelin star in 2023 and is also recognized with a MICHELIN Green Star for its commitment to sustainable gastronomy.
Le Roannay received its first Michelin star in the 2023 and the “Young Chef of the Year” award for chef Mathieu Vande Velde in the same ceremony.
So put those two together and you do get a two Michelin star exceptional gastronomic experience, serving local produces and seasonal cuisine in a modern and minimalist decor.
I must mention the staff who were so welcoming and dedicated. We were sat right next to the open kitchen and even though both teams had never really worked together, the harmony and rapport were extraordinary.
They also had a great idea that instead of the choice of wine pairing or non alcoholic beverages, you could combine both so 3 glasses of each, I hope that other restaurants start suggesting too.
I also need to add that for every dish with a sauce, they generously left a full cup of sauce on the table for more!
Once again, thank you for that amazing evening!
Castor ★★
Tucked away in a modern cube-shaped home designed by Sofie Decaestecker, Castor is one of Belgium’s finest two-star Michelin restaurants. The space blends wood and concrete for a sleek, inviting atmosphere — and on warm days, aperitifs are served outdoors.
Chef Maarten Bouckaert creates refined, seasonal dishes rooted in Belgian terroir, combining land and sea with precision.
We chose the 6-course “Terroir Land & Sea” menu, a journey through local flavors balanced by coastal freshness.
Menu highlights at Castor:
- Veal “tonnato” with walnut, tomato, and lovage
- Langoustine “4BBQ” with young leek and dashi
- Farm chicken with Breton lobster and celeriac
- Raspberry, passion fruit, rose, and earl grey dessert
Every dish reflected creativity, balance, and regional pride, paired with excellent service in a serene setting.
Castor is on Kortrijkseweg in Waregem, close to Kortrijk, in a modern cube home designed by Sofie Decaestecker. Its architectural concept combines wood and concrete, creating a modern and inviting space, with a beautiful outdoors where if the weather permits, you are invited for the aperitif and appetizers.
Kortrijkseweg 164, 8791 Waregem
Written by Elene Riordan
Welcome to Travelling Cooks! I’m Elene, a 50-ish-year-old British-Belgian woman living in Brussels, surrounded by my beautiful friends and family. This blog is a celebration of my three great passions—travel, restaurants, and cooking. Enjoy!