The best Belgian restaurants Wavre

Do not be fooled by the name of a multi-recidivist mafia bandit, Momo la Crevette is a restaurant with a wise and well-policed setting in white and blue tones, among the best tables in the city. Since 2016, the kitchens obey the orders of chef Thierry Vanholsbeek. Shrimp is the star of the menu, with a choice of 11 species fished from the 4 corners of the world. Lobster (on order), red tuna or salmon take pride of place next to scallops with champagne, tomato with petite grises, skate with capers or Gillardeau oysters.

It's the perfect place to stop off after a visit to the abbey. Housed in a vaulted cellar dating from the Middle Ages, the place is full of charm. In fine weather, it has a lovely terrace. Stop in to sample the abbey's beers, as well as its homemade dishes and desserts. On the menu are Belgian specialties (carbonnade de boeuf, stoemp saucisses, moelleux de viande au fromage de l'abbaye), as well as salads and burgers. Service is a little slow, but it's worth the wait, as everything is prepared with quality local produce.

The name of this restaurant sets the tone: in a village bistro atmosphere (but a chic version), you can enjoy... Belgian cuisine. A wide range of the best and most comforting dishes from the Flat Country: Liège meatballs, mussels from the North Sea, waterzooi or chicon au gratin. Hamburgers and pasta are added to the menu (student city oblige). Under the gaze of King Baudouin, immortalized on a giant banknote (in Belgian francs), we will of course enjoy a good beer.

Nestled in the heart of the small village of Bonlez, this intimate family-run restaurant is not far from Wavre. Starters include original Asian-inspired chicken bao. This was followed by a saddle of hare, as tender as it was perfectly cooked, with a mustard and Liège syrup sauce. For dessert, a delicious French toast (regressive as can be). The restaurant has a special area dedicated to raclette, the kind you scrape directly onto the melting cheese. We conclude with blueberry tart and génépi.

Originally located on the Grand Place in Jodoigne, Portes du Temps has now moved to the Chaussée de Tirlemont. The friendly little bar has been transformed into a fine gourmet brasserie, with a decor that combines quality natural materials with harmony and simplicity. White walls, flagstones of Soignies blue stone on the floor and large picture windows opening onto the terrace and beautiful garden. On the menu and in the dining room, Christine Saintenoy favors quality local produce and seasonal vegetables wherever possible. A great address in Jodoigne!