Réliva — Restaurant in Bruges

Wow - what an incredibly rude experience we had. I arrived with my family of four - wife and 2 children - well dressed and polite. We were met at the door and after being looked up and down asked if we had a reservation (which we didn’t) - then told sorry but there is no space for you. ‘Really’ ? I asked to be told - yes - lots of people coming. Restaurant was near empty and was due to close in only an hour. Reason? I guess because we had 2 kids with us. We thought we’d test the theory and rang 5 minutes later and asked for a table for 3. No problem we were told! Then we asked why it was we were not admitted only minutes before - the reply ‘ your not allowed in with dogs’ - we replied that we had no dogs only children.... the reply ‘ hello... sorry the line is bad... hello!!’ Please. What a total lack of respect and ignorance that in fact some families may attend a nice restaurant and indeed spend a lot of money.

Rude, ignorant and unnecessary. Therefore 1 star from me. Would give...

very disappointing. Menu very limited, and whilst I did not have a bad meal, my wife didn't like hers at all. When, after we were asked why she had left it, and she explained she didn't like pumpkin, which made up a large element, she was told bluntly she should have read the menu before coming.

Unusually in our experience there was no concession when the bill came and after paying the 100 euro cost (inc wine and 1 espresso for one course) we were shunned and even had to find our own coats and no goodbye.

A bad meal not badly cooked but not to a customer's voice, is excusable. Rudeness however is not. So I would advise, as the owner said, look at the menu before you consider booking because it is very limited and if you see nothing that really appeals give it a miss. Don't as we did give a polite reason for not eating it, as can happen in the best of restaurants and expect friendly and client focussed service, or even a...

Reliva is an experience not to be missed. We searched it out because of the vegan offerings. We were delighted beyond our wildest expectations. The room is romantic, comfortable, serene, beautiful. The service was impeccable, starting with a little amuse-bouche, with excellent recommendations from Brecht. The four course "menu" was melt-in-your-mouth delicious. The wine pairings were perfect enhancements to the food. The pumpkin soup was vegan and quite swoon-worthy; the mussels were superb, perfectly cooked and tender with a delicate sauce. Our main courses were fabulous and dessert (and dessert wine) were perfect way to end the meal. Four glasses of wine and no fuzzy brain the next day, only a memory of one of the best meals ever. We are thinking Michelin star wonderful. Seek out this restaurant - even if you are a meat-and-potatoes kind of person. You will...