GOFFIN — Restaurant in Bruges

We came here for my partners 48th birthday, so it was for a romantic special occasion. We had the 5 course menu with wine pairings. My partner had half measures of the wine with each course. Upon arrival, we were not met with the warmest welcome. The hostess seemed grumpy. She was also the only server in the restaurant for the entire evening, so that may have explained some of it! Maybe overworked? I feel for a Michelin star restaurant they should have had another member of staff, to ease the pressure from the hostess. As she was the only member of staff working, it also meant the attentive level of service you expect with a Michelin star place was not there. The food was good and tasty. The first course was stingray, the second was sole and the third scallop, followed by pheasant and I had the cheese course for dessert. The bill for both of us for the 5 course menu with wine pairings was £276. Not bad for a Michelin star place in terms of price. If I am entirely honest though, I came away disappointed. I had high hopes and expectations as a foodie who dines in Michelin star places with regularity. This place just did not meet with expectations. Michelin star meals are supposed to be a journey and an experience for all of the senses and eating at Goffin certainly...

tl;dr: a family business with true excellence. A small jewel of Bruges.

The first thing that caught my attention when we entered the restaurant was its size. There were only four tables, which probably makes it the smallest restaurant I’ve ever been to. It’s very discreetly decorated, and there was pleasant ambient music which didn’t disturb quiet conversation.

It’s run by a husband-wife duo, and it seems to be just the two of them (I did not see the kitchen). The husband, after whom the restaurant is named, is the chef. Madame Goffin is a sommelière (apparently one of Belgium’s finest) and brings the dishes along with explanations.

Every dish was masterfully prepared and presented, and I liked all of them. I’d especially highlight the scallops and the hare.

Fiancée was particularly pleased by the fact that they had wine pairings with half-cups instead of full cups, as she isn’t the most avid alcohol drinker.

The pricing was very fair for what you get, even with the wine pairing. It’s a Michelin star with full merits, and an experience to forever cement Bruges in...

General: Michelin 1 star restaurant was excellent. Most Dishes were inventive and combined flavours in exciting ways. Specifics: We came for 4 course lunch (restaurant also gives a few sides in addition to 4 course) Courses: 1) tomato slice with raspberry and tarragon, I loved the combination of flavours. 2) monkfish was well presented and fresh but not extraordinary in terms of flavour or texture. 3) duck was superbly tender and flavourful, best part of the meal. I would drink the sauce if I could. The shitake mushroom was possibly the best I've ever had. 4) dessert was light and peach flavour was the best part. Peanut crunch base is good if you like to add some texture and nutty flavor to ice cream. Side Snacks: crispy round cracker which has the same taste as Chinese lobster chips but thinner and less oily.... sourdough bread was baked in house....marsala dough balls were OK with excellent texture but sour flavour probably on purpose. Other: we also got a chance to briefly speak to head chef Mr Goffin which was a very...