Michelin Guide 2026 showers Belgium with culinary stars, principally in the north of the country

It’s that time of year again when the Michelin gourmet bible crowns the best gastronomic restaurants around the world.

For Belgium and Luxembourg, the 2026 edition has awarded a duo of restaurants the two-star accolade, while 10 new addresses join the ranks of starred establishments.

Although no new restaurants received three stars, Zilte in Antwerp and Boury in Roselaere, West Flanders, both retained their trio (pictured below).

The guide’s new edition was unveiled at an award ceremony at the Handelsbeurs in Antwerp, with fine dining destinations in Flanders receiving the majority of the accolades.

International director of the guide Gwendal Poullennec said: “The 2026 selection once again demonstrates the gastronomic dynamism of Belgium and Luxembourg. Our inspectors have singled out restaurants where technique is first and foremost at the service of taste and the diner's experience."

Rising to the rarefied ranking of two stars is Cuines 33 in Knokke, helmed by chef Edwin Menue, while Nick Bril’s The Jane in Antwerp regained a second star following relocation.

For Edwin Menue and his partner Fleur, the recognition follows a change of direction for the restaurant on the Belgian coast. Michelin inspectors noted the evolution of its dishes. “Chef Menue's more serene cuisine is a subtle blend of Asian finesse, spices, and a passion for seafood. His characteristic exuberance is reflected even more intensely in the depth of flavours.”

As for Bril and The Jane’s new setting in a converted warehouse the hip Eilandje district of the port city, the guide complimented its “elegant setting where design and music take centre stage.”

More than ever, the focus is on the plate at The Jane, it said of the cosmopolitan menu. “His talent is refined, profound and transforms each creation into a captivating narrative.”

Among the 10 new restaurants is La Table Lasne in Walloon Brabant - the only restaurant in Wallonia to be crowned. Chef Alain Bianchin opened a few months ago after leaving his restaurant in Jezus-Eik due to protracted roadworks at the nearby Léonard intersection causing in a drastic drop in the number of diners.

Otherwise, the remaining newly starred restaurants in Belgium are all located in Flanders:

Bloesem, chefs Brend Geudens and Nebo Schamp, Borgerhout (Antwerp)

Atelier Noun, chef Bert Castermans, Leefdaal (Flemish Brabant)

Agnes, chef Thomas Locus, Sint-Martens-Bodegem (East Flanders)

Komaf, chef Anthony Stoop, Wommelgem (Antwerp)

Moscou, chef Danny Horseele, GentBrugge (East Flanders)

Subtiel, chef Stéphane Buyens, De Panne (West Flanders)

Vintage, chef Cyril Moulin, Kontich (Antwerp)

Est, chef Abel Demeestere, Heverlee (Flemish Brabant)

Finally, the recently opened restaurant in Luxembourg City, Le Lys, under chef Kim de Dood, was also awarded its first star.

Among additional accolades bestowed by the guide, Nicolas Campus of Les Gribaumonts in Mons, won the Sommelier Award.

There was double recognition for Abel Demeestere at Est as he also won the Best Young Chef Award.

The new edition of the Belgium and Luxembourg guide features a total of 764 restaurants, including 139 with one star, 22 with two stars. It also lists recipients of the Bib Gourmand award, announced at the end of April, which singles out restaurants offering excellent value for money.

Photos: ©Esmeralda Wijangco Michelin Guide Ceremony Bilux