Hofke van Bazel — Restaurant in Kruibeke

I went to dinner with my husband on Saturday 18 Dec to Hofke Van Bazel for the first time with a bill of €560, and dinning experience was astonishingly poor, that I feel that they are damaging the reputation of Michelin. They are deliberately ignoring the rules of Covid in Belgium, by not scanning the requested Covid Safe pass, this is significantly endangering their customers’ life. They distributed a small card to every customer when they enter the restaurant, mentioning that they will scan the Covid safe pass only if the customer is willing to show it. This behavior is not only violating the laws in Belgium regarding Covid, but is also acting without any responsibility or integrity as a hospitality provider. They have shown hardly any knowledge of offering good wines to their customers. We have ordered according to the wine menu, a bottle of Corton Grand Cru 2014 priced as €175. When the wine was opened, it turned out to be a bottle of Corton Grand Cru 2019, which was not listed on the wine menu and we were charged still for €175. The sommelier explained that their supplier made a mistake and the wine delivery arrived without his presence, so they could only offer a vintage 2019 and not a 2014, and because of the high cost of vintage 2019, they decided to charge us the same price as vintage 2014. Later we ordered a second wine, a blended wine from Israel vintage 2011, because we thought it was exotic and wanted to try something different. The sommelier insisted not to use a decanter - although I requested 3 times, and the wine was served directly in the glass, with almost 20% of residue on the glass and also mixed with the wine because of pouring. The sommelier explained that using a decanter will waste too much of the wine, knowing that there is a lot of residue. Their service is unbelievably arrogant. Not only that they forced us to pay the same price for a burgundy Grand Cru with the wrong wine and from a vintage that should not even be opened, they also provided a wine with a high sediment and refused to use a decanter, their chief of waiters – the wife of the restaurant owner, has treated everyone as if they didn’t deserve to receive the service. You will be able to find endless example of very bad service from this restaurant, on trip advisor and google, so we are not exaggerating. All in all, as a person who travelled to many Michelin star restaurants in the world, I am very very upset that a restaurant with such a poor level of service still keeps their one-star from Michelin. The food concept is very good – everything fresh from their own garden and they respect the spirit of the food, however their service is damaging the reputation of being a Michelin...

✨ A Culinary Masterpiece at Hofke van Bazel !

At Hofke van Bazel, dining transcends the ordinary — each dish is a true work of art, a living canvas where colors, textures and flavors harmonize in perfect balance.

From the very first glance, the presentation captivates. Every plate is arranged with meticulous care, inviting a moment of silent appreciation before the first taste. It’s as if each element has been placed with artistic intention — not just to nourish, but to inspire.

Chef Kris weaves a story through every creation, where bold creativity meets refined elegance. Then, the experience deepens : a burst of flavor, a symphony of taste where every note is deliberate. Layers unfold — a whisper of spice here, a bright citrus there — creating a choreography of sensations that lingers well beyond the last bite.

Each mouthful becomes a journey — a delicate dance between surprise and delight, where Time itself seems to pause to make space for something extraordinary.

These are moments outside the everyday. They become lasting impressions, rich with emotion — where one doesn’t just enjoy a meal, but celebrates Life itself.

The setting only enhances the magic. The soft clinking of cutlery, the warm, ambient lighting and the serene elegance of the restaurant create an atmosphere that is both grand and intimate. Every detail contributes to a sense of calm, beauty, and presence.

Memories here are not fleeting — they imprint themselves deeply. One recalls the vibrant plates like impressionist paintings, the warmth of a shared smile, the joy of laughter and the sincere hospitality that makes you feel utterly at home.

Moments like these, though simple in form, become treasures — timeless in the way they linger in heart and mind.

From the very first welcome, the experience is one of genuine care. Gina and her team offer more than service — they offer true Hospitality, with grace, attention and palpable passion in every gesture.

The décor is a dream in itself: a perfect blend of elegance and timeless charm, where every detail tells a quiet story. Soft lights, natural materials and serene design come together to envelop guests in a calm, almost ethereal ambiance.

In these rare, precious moments, Life whispers its truest secret: beauty is in the details and wonder lives in those moments we allow ourselves to truly feel.

Hofke van Bazel is more than a restaurant — it’s a Temple of the Senses ; a place where beauty is seen, tasted, and remembered.

Thank you to the extraordinary Team at Hofke van Bazel — an experience truly beyond...

Absolutely fantastic atmosphere. We arrived and received first a tour of the restaurant, then were sat in the garden for appetizers and champagne. After we finished, we were led inside by the owner, and were given a choice of table, which I really appreciate.

We ordered the vegetarian menu with 6 courses and the wine pairings. The first 3 courses were delicious. The fourth "course" was a tequila based cocktail and lemon sorbet which we found out of place in the flow of the evening - would have worked as an appetizer or a finisher.

The main dish had us puzzled - the plates were big but only one corner was filled with carrots cooked and sliced, a slice of grilled courgette and a paste of pumpkin. Later the mashed potatoes arrived, and we were told to enjoy. This was the most disappointing dish of the evening, what we called a "Carrot steak".

The dessert didn't leave a lasting impression either, and the sweets that came with our tea were ok, but not impressive.

What was impressive in the end was the check, reminding you that this IS a Michellin starred restaurant.

Service was good throughout the evening, but dipped in quality the fuller the restaurant got. Gina, the owner, saw us out and was again very warm and charming.

Would we come back? I'm not...