Winter warmers: Seasonal pop-up dining options in Belgium

After two winter lockdowns - which encouraged more outdoor eating and drinking - some welcome festive cheer has arrived in Belgium for the holiday season. Here’s our guide to some of the hearty, warming gourmet treats on the menu at pop-up restaurants around the country.

BRUSSELS

The Wiltcher’s Waffle Factory

The Steigenberger Wiltcher Hotel hosts Fairy Festive Season, a programme of activities, ranging from a winter terrace, colourful festive stalls and an alpine chalet to a mailbox for children to post their letters to Father Christmas. It also boasts its very own Waffle Factory with the delicious Belgian staple made to order. Some of the profits will be donated to the children’s home La Fleche-Maison d’Enfants Reine Marie-Henriette. Until 31 December, Avenue Louise 71 (Ixelles)

Ici et Maintenant Pop-up Restaurant

Housed in the head office of the Belgian D’leteren group, this unique venue is described as an ephemeral restaurant that combines gourmet food with an architectural experience. Its decor is pure 1960s. Top chefs Tchop and Saskia are renowned for their high quality food. Reservation is mandatory and the six-course menu costs €60. Vegetarian dishes on request. Until 17 December, Wednesday to Sunday, Rue du Mail 50 (Ixelles)

FLANDERS

Pop-Up Winter Experience - Holiday Inn Brussels Airport

A 195m2 glass heated veranda has been decked out with a beautiful winter theme. The ambiance is elegant and modern with twinkling lights suspended from the roof reflected around the transparent space. Large parties, families or corporate groups can book a pop-up experience, from a full menu (various packages available) to a buffet, priced at €35 per person. There’s also an enticing New Year Brunch. Until 31 January, Holidaystraat 7, Diegem (Brabant Flanders)

Mohican - Deinze

Why not dine with a difference in a yurt? The menu is hyper seasonal with local, foraged ingredients taking star place along with open-fire cooking. A five-course menu at €99 per person features the intriguing dish ‘Into the Wild’. Choose from a variety of fine wines to complement the flavours. The location is also fittingly off-the-grid. Until 15 February, Wednesday to Sunday, Ooidonkdreef 5, Deinze (East Flanders)

Bubble BQ – Hof Ter Laken

This is a great concept for experiencing a sophisticated outdoor winter barbecue in a beautiful castle setting. The pop-up restaurant, consisting of 15 individual domes (for two to six people) is decked in glorious lights befitting the season. Brunch is another tasty option. The BBQ is €89 for adults, €39 for children. Until 8 January, Kasteeldomein Hof Ter Laken, 2 Holdreef, Heist-op-den-Berg (Antwerp province)

Under the Stars – Heusden-Zolder

These pop-up diners are dotted around various locations in Belgium; homely bubbles trimmed with stunning festive decor. They also promise a premium dining experience. Sample an eight-course Burgundian meal courtesy of top chefs like Karel Knockaert (drinks inclusive) for around €200 euros for two people. It’s currently set up at Watt 17, a former power plant in an old mining site. Until 8 January, Watt 17, Koeltorenlaan, Heusden-Zolder (Limburg province)

Glass House on the Lake - Terland

This beach restaurant lies in the picturesque Terhills in Terland national park. It’s a pop-up bar and restaurant proposing drinks, aperitifs and a five-course winter barbecue (€45 for adults, €25 for children). Every Sunday, you can enjoy a ‘lazy afternoon the lake’, sipping a hot drink, nibbling on pastries, playing board games and listening to live piano music. Thursday to Sunday, Nationaal Parklaan 1, Dilsen-Stokkem (Limburg province)

Winter Wonderland - Castle of the Counts

A landmark in the centre of Ghent, this stunning medieval castle is transformed into a scene of festive merriment. It also has a welcoming pop-up winter bar in its stables, adorned with festive lighting. Gravensteen castle might boast a chequered past defending this region of Flanders, but it’s now bringing some enchantment to the cold dark season. Until 31 December, Sint-Veerleplein, Ghent

WALLONIA

Hemisphere - Chateau d’Argenteuil  

Enjoy a gorgeous dinner in glass domes under the stars in the grounds of Château d’Argenteuil. Top chefs, Cesar Lewandowski and Sebastien Renard, alternate with the live preparation and serving of the four-course gastronomic menu with festive notes (€150 per person).  12 December to 30 January, Argenteuil Castle, Square d’Argenteuil (Waterloo)

Maison d’hiver
All the family can tuck into these no-nonsense, tasty raclette or tartiflette menus in this cosy chalet in the courtyard of the Desclée mansion. Hungry people can even opt for the ‘all you can eat’ raclette. Prices average around €34 euros for adults and €14 euros for children, while a lunch menu is €15. On the off-chance you’re not totally full, try the pudding of the day. Until 30 December, Thursday to Saturday, 11 Rue St Jacques 11 7500, Tournai

Les Serres d’hiver – Domaine de Béronsart

A grandiose glass palace, this pop-up restaurant is a festive beacon for locals. Open throughout the winter months, the dining experience includes Savoyard cheese fondues and other French classics. In addition to the €38 menu, there’s a €60 Sunday brunch with bubbles (children €25). The Domaine de Béronsart is a former mill house in the Condroz region. Wednesday to Sunday, Rue Des Carrieres 7, Gesves (Namur province)

Photo: (main image) Les Serres d'hiver - Domaine de Béronsart